hockey school faq's
2008-2009
Here is a list of the most common questions asked by parents. We will continue to update this section so please take a moment to familiar yourself with this information before you contact us.
Registration
Can I still register my child or is Hockey School full for the upcoming season?
Yes, we are still accepting registrations. Once the School is full we will indicate
it on the website.
What is the pre-requisite for acceptance into the School?
Players must reside within the City of Pickering boundaries and be born between 2000 and 2003.
I hear that 4 year olds (2004) may be accepted, what is the deciding factor for my child to register?
As it is our intention to teach HOCKEY to kids who already have the ability to skate, and we will not have an opportunity to evaluate your child until the school starts, we must initially rely on you as the parents to determine if your child is ready for the experience by using the following guidelines:
1) Does your child have the ability to move around the ice under there own power? If your child requires a skating aid than they should be signing up for a Skating School and NOT Hockey School.
2) Is your child able to get up and down from the ice without assistance?
3) Is your child able to be on the ice for the entire 1 hour session?
4) Is your child mature enough to be on the ice WITHOUT the need of a parent for security.
Guidelines 2, 3 & 4 all require additional Instructor time that otherwise should be spent on the entire group and not one individual. Excessive demands of this nature from one or more players disrupts the flow of the program for everyone. Parents are encouraged to contact the VP Hockey School should you need further information or guidance.
Please note that the PHA reserves the right to refund your registration should it be determined that your child does not meet one of more of the above.
I heard some people say they didn't have go to Hockey School and played House League, if everyone starts in Hockey School how did they get there?
At the onset of the season there may be a few spots open in our various House League Divisions and we will look for players from the Hockey School to move up and fill these positions. Once it is determined how many spots are open, if any, we will be looking for the best players in Hockey School to fill these spots. There is a balance of payment to move up into House League.
What other costs am I to expect after I pay the registration?
Your registration takes care of the enrollment, player sweater/socks, year-end trophy, team/individual photo and year end banquet. No additional payments are required by the PHA, however your child must be in FULL hockey equipment and is not supplied by the PHA.
My child is older than 8 but has never played, can he sign up for the Hockey School or does he have to play in House League?
There is no reason your child can not attend Hockey School and it is advised that you contact the VP Hockey School to discuss this further.
Why can’t my child start in House League - he’s already taken skating lessons?
The main purpose of Hockey School is to teach HOCKEY, and it is our desire to have kids who already know how to skate so that we may move into hockey related activities sooner instead of teaching basic skating. Boredom is usually a result of over achieving and/or lack of interest. We can address the over achieving aspect and place him with players of equal or better ability, even if it means moving him into older age groups. However, the interest level may or may not be related to the School itself and will need to be looked at on an individual basis.
Time/Dates/Location
When does Hockey School start/end?
Hockey School runs most Saturdays for 1 hour throughout the hockey season (Sept 27 - Mar 21). The first 1-hour session starts at 8:40am and continues every hour until 1:40pm. The schedule for 07/08 is still posted for a quick refernce however some dates may change as we review our 08/09 ice schedule. A reivised schedule for 08/09 will be postedonce available.
What rink does the Hockey School use?
PHA Hockey School runs out of Don Beer Arena (Rink #3). A map to the rink is HERE.
Are we able to pick the time we want to attend?
No, each 1-hour session is based on skill level and players are evaluated and placed into hours that are appropriate for their skill.
When will we know what hour our child will be playing?
Initially the hours are scheduled based on age, and as we are still accepting registrations throughout the summer months we are unable to slot players into the initial week until early September. If your child is 4 than its a good assumption that they will start at the 8:40 session, likewise for players 8 and older as they can figure the last hour of the day (11:40) will be their initial start time. However, the bulk of the 160-200 players are aged 5-7 so it is very difficult to narrow down the start time until all/most registrations are in.
When are the players evaluated?
Evaluations takes place during the first 4 weeks of Hockey School. Players will be juggled between hours based on skill to help balance out each session.
How will I know if my child has moved into another scheduled hour?
Parents are informed of the change weekly via email as well as the new time slots that will be posted on this website.
Equipment
What hockey equipment is needed?
All players are required to wear full equipment at all times. This includes full face protection and a mouth guard. Download a copy of the Equipment List for reference as players are not permitted on the ice without ALL equipment listed. Or download Hockey Canada's Equipment Tips that also provides info on properly fitting the equipment.
When do we get Sweaters/Socks?
Uniforms are handed out after the evaluations are concluded. We can supply a set of sweaters/socks should you be in need for the initial weeks.
Coaching / Volunteer
I want to help Coach, what is needed so I can go on the ice?
In addition to your skates, stick, gloves and helmet, you will be required to obtain a Police Record Check. Additional coaching experience and/or certifications would be beneficial.
Download the Coach Application and send it to the VP - Hockey School if you are interested.
I'm interested in obtaining coaching certifications, can I get more info?
Check our website under 'Coaching' for requirements, dates, etc. Our program is designed around the CHIP (Canadian Hockey Initiation Program) and it would be most beneficial to attend this clinic once it is scheduled for 08/09.
Do I need a Police Check every year and where do I get it?
Yes, and you can get one by going to the Durham Police Station (Brock/Kingston Rd) to fill out your application. Remember to get this done early as it can take several weeks, or longer, to get it back.
I do not have my Police Check back, can I still go on the ice?
Provided you show a copy of the Receipt you will be permitted on the ice, however we will still need the actual report handed in. For obvious reasons we will not accept a photocopy, nor will your report be returned.
I have other children who need to get Community Service hours for high school, is there anything they can do to help out?
Send us an email as we often take students on-ice to assist in the program.
