Suburban Hockey Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How proficient in skating should an aspiring player be before starting hockey?

A: We encourage players to get on the ice as much as possible, therefore taking a Learn to Skate class either before or during an instructional hockey program is highly recommended. A basic knowledge of the principles of skating is required before moving on to any hockey program.

Q: How do you split the players up on the ice?

A: In all of our programs, we group players according to age and ability level to ensure the proper level of competition.

Q: My son is 5 and skates at a very high level, can he go into a clinic for 6-year olds?

A: Your player will be grouped with other kids at his ability level. Therefore, he should stay in his age group and compete with other kids who are at a high level. However, if the age-appropriate class for your player is full, he may be allowed into a higher age group.

Q: My son/daugther will be 11 in December ... can he/she go into the Pee Wee/Bantam summer hockey program?

A: Yes. Your player should go to hockey school in the same age division as he/she will play in the following fall season.

Q: What division does my player fall into?

A: Mighty mites are ages 4-6, mini mites are 5-6, mites are 7-8, squirts are 9-10, pee wees are 11-12, bantams are 13-14 and midgets are 15-17. For the 2003-04 hockey season, players born from 1997-99 are mighty mites, 1997-98 are mini mites, 1995-96 are mites, 1993-94 are squirt, 1991-92 are pee wee, 1989-90 are bantam and 1987-89 are midget.

Q: When do players start body checking?

A: Body checking is legal beginning at the pee wee level (ages 11-12). Suburban offers Learn to Check clinics at various times throughout the year.

Q: What is the difference between the Spring Training Program and Spring League?

A: The Spring Training Program is an eight-week instructional program, featuring professional coaching of individual skills and team concepts. Players will compete in one practice session at a fixed time and day each week, as well as a game at a fixed time and day on Saturday. (Novice and Adult players only skate once per week.) Spring leagues such as the Suburban Spring Hockey League run for approximately the same length of time, but days and times vary, and the majority of the schedule consists of games rather than practices.

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

A: All SHS programs require full equipment, which entails helmet with facemask, throat protector, mouthguard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, jersey, hockey pants, shin guards, athletic cup and supporter, garter belt, hockey socks, skates and two sticks. Summer hockey school participants will receive a free jersey on the first day of class, but players must bring their own jersey for all other programs. In addition, players should bring a roll of tape and water bottle.

Q: How much experience do you need to join the Adult Hockey Skills Series?

A: Players who want to sign up for the Breakfast Club or Prime Time Program should know how to skate. 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: 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 a class. 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.