New To Hockey

Welcome to Wildcat Youth Hockey!

We’re excited to have you join the Wildcat Youth Hockey family! At the Wildcat Youth Hockey Association (WYHA), we’re all about helping kids grow their love for the game by setting goals, building skills, working hard, and having fun along the way. From first strides on the ice to developing confident, competitive players, our program is built on skill development, teamwork, and strong sportsmanship—both on and off the ice.

Below, you’ll find information about our hockey programs, frequently asked questions, and contact details, along with helpful resources to get your skater geared up and ready to hit the ice. We can’t wait to welcome your family to the rink!

Within the Wildcat program we have several levels of hockey to serve all of our players including:

• Wildcat Rookie Academy - Players that are brand new to hockey and are just starting to learn the skills to move up to the next level. At this level, players will be taught how to stand up, mechanics of a hockey stride, beginner puck play, and other skills to be able to move across the ice and play on a hockey team. Players are required to wear full hockey gear for this program- please see the equipment list in the FAQ section below. The goal of the Wildcat Rookie Academy is to move your player onto an age appropriate hockey team as soon as they have the skills to do so. Graduating out of the Wildcat Rookie Academy can take place at the start of a season or during the season. The Academy Directors will contact you when they feel your player is ready.

• 6U Hockey - These players typically practice once a week and play 1 game on weekends. Teams are evenly split at this age group. Teams will practice together in large groups. There are some tournament opportunities at this age level. Tournament participation is optional and on a sign up basis.  

• 8U Hockey - These players typically practice twice a week with 1-2 games per weekend. There are different skill divisions at this age group to make sure all players are getting a good experience. Skill divisions are made up of Red, White, and Blue teams. 8U teams practice together in groups. Most 8U teams will play 2-3 tournaments a season. 

Each team at the following age levels are state eligible and have the opportunity to advance to the state tournament each spring:

• 10U Squirt - These players typically practice 2-3 times a week and have 2-3 games on weekends. Teams are split by skill level into A, B, C, and C2 (dependent on numbers) . Each team typically plays 3-4 tournaments a season. 

• 12U Peewee - These players typically practice 2-3 times a week and have 2-3 games on weekends. Teams are split by skill level into A, B, C, and C2 (dependent on numbers). Each team typically plays 3-4 tournaments a season.

• 14U Bantam - These players typically practice 2-3 times a week and have 2-3 games on weekends. Teams are split by skill level into A, B, C, and C2 (dependent on numbers). Each team typically plays 3-4 tournaments a season. Body checking begins at the Bantam Level.

• How do I know what program to sign my player up for?
• The following questions will help to determine which program your player should register for:
• Can your player stand up on their own?
• Can they skate across the width of the ice unassisted?
• Do they want to play games?
• Do they want to have a stick in their hand?
• If they answer ‘YES’ to these questions, then you should sign up for 6U/8U (or Age Appropriate Hockey Level). 
• If they answer ‘NO’ to any of these questions, sign up for the Wildcat Rookie Academy.
• We understand that these questions will not cover every specific situation so if you have any questions regarding which program to register for please reach out to the Hockey Director.  
• What will I need to register for a Wildcat Youth Hockey Program?
• A USA Hockey number for the participant (fee does apply)
• https://membership.usahockey.com/
• Equipment:
• Hockey Helmet
• Neck Guard
• Shoulder Pads
• Elbow Pads
• Hockey Gloves
• Hockey protective Jock (cup) or Jill 
• Breezers (hockey pants)
• Shin Guards
• Hockey Skates
• Hockey Stick
• Hockey Socks
• If you have questions about hockey equipment please reach out to the President Elect and the Hockey Director Assistant. 
• I’m interested in Coaching, how can I apply?
• Fill out a coaching application on our website.  
• Here you will find the coaches requirements, manual and application.
• Please reach out to the Hockey Director with any questions.  

USA Hockey New Parent Information

The Right Stick for your skater

How to Select an Ice Skate

Tie those skates right and tight

How to dress and the equipment you will need for hockey