Q: How proficient in skating should an aspiring player be before enrolling in a hockey class?

A: Skating is the foundation on which all other skills are built, so it is very important that players have a basic command of skating skills to register for a hockey class.  Skating in hockey equipment is also quite different than skating without it.  The more skating experience a player has, the more that they will benefit from the class.   Learn to Skate classes are an excellent first step to skating proficiency.

Q: My player has played roller hockey for several years, but has limited ice skating experience.    Where is a good place for him to start?

A: Roller hockey and inline skating is, in many respects, very similar to ice hockey and is a good first step.  Some of the skills, like stopping, are not at all similar, and it takes a great deal of time to break some bad habits in those areas.  However, your player should be fine to step right in to an instructional class for some ice hockey training.

Q: What is the instructor-to-student ratio and what are the class sizes?

A: In most classes, the maximum instructor-to-student ratio will be 8-to-1, usually less, with a maximum class size of 32.  Summer program classes are limited to 30 students, with a 6-to-1 ratio.  Spring Training Program classes have a maximum of 30 players, with a 10-to-1 ratio.  Our instructors are trained to combine maximum ice usage and player movement with quality teaching time and sufficient rest time between player repetitions.

Q: How do you handle players of different skill and experience levels who are enrolled in the same class?

A: Division by age is one way to form classes, but in each age group there will be players of varying skill and experience levels.  In all of our classes, players are grouped by skill and experience to ensure that they are challenged to learn and improve at the level they are at.  Although the theme of the class will be the same for all groups on the ice, each group will be working on the skills and concepts at their appropriate pace. 

Q: My player is advanced for his/her age.  Can he move up to the next age level so that he/she is challenged?

A: We recommend registering your player in his age division.  We make every effort to challenge every player in every class, and grouping them by skill and experience within their own age group typically works.  In rare instances, we will suggest moving a player to a different class if we feel that it would be more appropriate for them.

Q: My son will be 11 in December.  Which age group should he register for in the summer hockey school program?

A: Your player should register for the age division that he/she will be playing in the fall.  An 11 year old would register for the Pee Wee/Bantam Finishing School.

Q: How do I know which age division my player is in?

A: USA Hockey age classifications are followed for most classes.  Mini mites are 5-6, mites are 6-8, squirts are 9-10, pee wees are 11-12, bantams are 13-14 and midgets are 15-17. The calendar year is used to determine age.  For instance, a player turning 9 on January 1 would be considered a first year squirt, as would a player turning 9 on December 31 of the same year.  For all classes beginning after March 1, we recommend registering your player for the age group that they will be in beginning for the next regular season.  For all classes prior to that time, we recommend registering for the age group they are currently in.

Q: If a player has taken a squirt class as a 9-year old, would it be beneficial for them to take it again as a 10-year old?

A: No two classes are exactly the same.  In every class, instructors assess the skill levels of the players and adjust the curriculum to challenge the players at the level they are at.  By taking a class, players don’t master a skill, but they will improve at it.  The more they learn proper technique, and the more repetitions they have using proper technique, the more they will improve

Q: When do players begin body checking?

A: Body checking begins at the Pee Wee age group (11-12 year olds).  SHS offers Learn to Check clinics and Checking & Scoring Clinics at various times throughout the year, and checking is thoroughly covered in the Pee Wee/Bantam Finishing School in the summer programs.

Q: What equipment do I need to participate in a Suburban Hockey School program?

A: All SHS programs require full equipment, which includes helmet with facemask, throat protector, mouthguard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, jersey, hockey pants, shin guards, athletic cup and supporter, garter belt, hockey socks, jersey, skates and stick. We recommend that players bring an extra stick and keep extra laces and hockey tape in their bag.  Print the equipment checklist provided on this site for more information.

Q: Will I be provided with a hockey jersey?

A: A jersey is provided for participants in all summer hockey school programs, the Spring Training Program and the Breakfast Club.  Jerseys are not provided for participants in all other classes.

Q: How much experience do you need to join an adult hockey class?

A: Players signing up for an adult class should have a basic grasp of fundamental skating skills.  The more skating experience a player has, the more that they will benefit from the class.  Skating skills are also taught as part of the class so every player will have the opportunity to improve their skating ability.  Players within the program range from those who have never played hockey to those who have played for several years. As in any Suburban Hockey School program, players will be grouped according to ability to ensure balanced competition.

Q: Does the winter session of the Breakfast Club pick up where the fall session left off, or is it a repeat of the fall class?

A: Some similar skills and concepts will be taught in both sessions, but there will also be some different areas covered.  No two classes are the same and repetition is the key to learning and development of skills.  In all of our programs, we cover all of the fundamental skills and concepts of hockey, with the instruction tailored to the skill and experience level of the participants and presented in a manner that facilitates learning in the most efficient manner. 

Q: What is the refund policy?

A: Tuition fees are based on group size. Consequently, it is not possible for SHS to offer an open refund policy. Tuition refunds will not be made after 14 days prior to the beginning of most classes, or after June 30 for the summer program classes. A processing fee of $35.00 will be charged on all cancellations made two weeks before the beginning of a class. In the event that it is necessary to cancel for medical reasons, all monies deposited will be credited toward tuition in another SH program.