New To Hockey FAQ
How much does it cost for my child to play?
The rates are listed in the post titled “2023 – 2024 Season Fees” that can be found in the News section on the homepage. Different levels of play have different pricing ranges with hockey associations most determining the levels by age.
What are the different levels of play?
- Mosquitos is our house league for beginners usually 5-9 years old. We like to call this the “Try Hockey” program for first timers.
- Mites is the next step up and is usually 6-8 year old players. Mites has 3 hours of ice time per week. Usually 2 practices and 1 game. Mite practices are typically Friday night 6-7 p.m. and games/practices on the weekend days are typically between 8a.m. and 12:00p.m. Mites is a ½ ice buzzer hockey. All games are played out of Northstar Ice Sports in Westborough, MA.
- Squirts is for our 9-10 year old athletes. Squirts is a full ice hockey game play. Our Squirt teams play out of the Valley Hockey League (VHL). Typically, squirts have 3 hours of ice per week (maybe 4 depending upon games) with a mid week practice on Wednesday, a practice on Saturday, and games on Sunday. Games may be on Saturday or Sunday.
- Peewee is for our 11-12 year old athletes. Peewee is a full ice hockey game play. The Peewee teams play out of the Valley Hockey League (VHL). Typically, Peewee have 3 hours of ice per week (maybe 4 depending upon games) with a mid week practice on Wednesday, a practice on Saturday, and games on Sunday. Games may be on Saturday or Sunday.
- Bantams is for our 13-14 year old athletes. Bantam is a full ice hockey game play. Our Bantams teams play out of the Valley Hockey League (VHL) and typically have 3 hours of ice time each week with 2 practices and 1 game.
- Midgets is for our 15-17 year old players and is a short season from September to November. This season is to help the high school athletes get into shape for tryouts and game play. Midgets typically have 3 hours of ice per week, 2 practices and 1 game out of the Valley Hockey League (VHL).
Are there any payment options? Lump sum vs installments?
When registering through our TeamSnap website you can choose your installments. Options are: quarterly, monthly, biweekly, or lump sum. The most popular is monthly.
Does that cost include uniforms?
No, uniforms and socks are purchased separately.
How much do the uniforms cost and what is included?
Uniforms and socks are generally $75, but the price is subject to change.
What equipment is needed and how do we put it on?
This video from USA Hockey is a great guide!
How much should I expect to spend on equipment?
Price ranges vary greatly depending on the size of your child and the overall quality of the equipment. Our recommendation is to visit Pure Hockey in Marlborough to become more familiar with the scope of hockey gear.
My child just wants to try hockey out and may not be ready to commit to a full season yet. Are there any options where I can borrow equipment instead of buying?
Many Triboro families have used gear in their homes that they would love to see put to use, to inquire please refer to the Facebook gear swap. We also partner with Clean ‘N’ Hard sports in Worcester who offers used equipment at a lower cost.
I have concerns about the time commitment required. What is the typical schedule?
The season runs from the end of August through late March/early April (depending on playoff results) with 1 weekday and 1 weekend practice, and the 1 game on the weekend. Each runs 50-60 minutes in length. Triboro attempts to maintain as much consistency as possible in practice times to help families with their schedule planning.
How is the schedule communicated to parents?
Via the TeamSnap app.
My child is just learning to skate. How do you ensure kids are playing with other kids of a similar skill level?
Evaluations. We host evaluations in March of each year which helps us gauge where each child is at and place them on a team that is appropriate for their skill level. If you join Triboro after March, we will host your child at a number of practices to start the season and place them accordingly.
How does my child get assigned to a team? Is there a tryout or something to assess skill level?
We host evaluations each March. If you miss evaluations, no need to worry, we will host your child at a number of practices and place them on a team appropriate for their skill level.
How do I obtain a USA Hockey number? How often do I need to obtain one?
You will need a USA hockey number each season. The USA Hockey season runs April through March, so each April you will need to renew your membership.
You can register here: https://membership.usahockey.com/
I want to get involved. What can I do?
Volunteers are the lifeblood of Triboro. If you’d like to get involved please email board@triboro.org.
At what age is my child too old to start hockey?
You’re never too old to start hockey!
What is the cutoff date to register for the upcoming season?
We recommend registration be completed ahead of March evaluations for team and equipment planning purposes, but new joiners are always welcome.
My child wants to play hockey, but they’ve never ice skated before. Where do we even start?
The first place to start is with skating lessons. There are a number of programs in the area, but we recommend looking into classes such as the one Triboro hosts, those at John Dillion’s Hockey School, and FMC Skating.