Frequently Asked Questions

Hockey tends to draw fewer kids than sports like football or soccer, mostly because of the myth that it is expensive and time consuming. Because of this we end up with smaller groups and become a much closer knit "family".  This leads to Parents and Kids having a lot of fun together.  As a new hockey parent or just someone looking into hockey for their child, there are always a lot of questions.  Most of the questions you can be answered by your  Team manager or coach.  Don't hesitate to ask them, one of the Board members or one of the parents of an older player, we are all here to help.  

Here are a few of the most common questions asked at our rink:

What is AYHA and how long has it been around?  
Amery Youth Hockey Association is a assembly of people dedicated to the advancement of youth hockey in the Amery, Clear lake, Balsam lake and Clayton area.  Current membership is just over 120 families, most families have at least one child in hockey, but having a child in hockey is not a prerequisite to being a member.  AYHA was incorporated in 1976 and it's history can be found HERE.

How much does hockey cost?
Not as much as you might think.  Registration fees are set by the Board of Directors each season.  First year players are usually set about $50 for the season. As the player advances though Mites, Squirts, Peewee's, Bantams and Varsity, the fees will also rise slightly. For more details contact one of the Board Members.

Does hockey take up a lot of my time?
Not at first.  New Players starting out in the Mini Mite program will practice 2 times a week for an hour each and may have 1 or 2 games during the season.  Parents are encouraged to stay and watch their kids.  As the child moves through the different levels they may practice 2-4 hours a week and have 1-3 games on the weekends.  Dedicated parents will volunteer their time to help with their child's games, tournaments and activities at the arena.

Is there a lot of traveling?
Don't believe the “Horror Stories” you may hear.   Most teams schedule one or two away tournament per season, these shouldn’t be construed as drudgery, often times they are the most fun you have during the hockey season.  Most kids and families look at them as a mini winter vacation with a one or two night stay at a hotel with a pool with all their friends.   Beyond that, most of our games are within the same 30-40 mile radius, with the exception of Eau Claire.  There are also some families that choose to car pool to the away games.

How old should my child be to start hockey?
4 is usually the youngest they start, they don't necessarily have to be able to stand on skates but they should have the ability to listen and follow the coaches instructions.  The coaches at this level are very patient and may ask the parent to step out on the ice to help their child.  We have had children start at all ages, right up to High School.

What are the different levels?
Levels are determined primarily by birth year.  Most first year players start off in the Mini Mite level.  This helps them learn to skate,  hold a stick and get a feel for a game. Once you have finished Mini Mite's the player will move to the level of their appropriate age or skill level. This page will give you more detailed information.  If your player already has hockey skills they may play the level appropriate to their age group after an evaluation by the coach of that team.  If there are more than 20 kids on one team the team may split and have 2 teams at one level. (Mite A, Squirt C, Etc..) The players will be split according to their skill level. See This policy on team splitting.

Is hockey safe?
YES!  Advancements in equipment and proper training by licensed Coaches and Referees have keep the game safe.  Players are not allowed to check until they get to the Peewee level and their body is more suited for the impacts.

Are there other activities not hockey related?  
Yes, we have "Learn to skate" Classes that starts up on October (for more information contact Laurie Byrnes) with Figure skaters take the ice once or twice a week, and on Friday nights there is Community Open Skating from 7:30-9:30.  We also have an free outdoor rink for public use (Weather permitting), and a men's league that plays on Wednesday nights (For more info on the men's league Call Rich at 268-9099).

How do I sign up for hockey?
There will be 2 sign up days in September. At the sign up you will get all the information you need about your team, parent meetings and fundraising activities.  You will also have the opportunity to pay your registration fee in full (with a discount)  or arrange to make payments. 

What are the rules of hockey?
Much to much information for this space, your best bet is to pick up a rule book at the local store, come and watch some games or watch Hockey on TV.  The Coaches are very good at explaining the game to the kids, they will learn as they play.  Check this out for a very Basic understanding of the game.

Does the association have there own rules?
Our association is an independent organization bound to specific policies.  You can view a list of those polices HERE

What equipment do we need?
This page will explain all the equipment needed for a player.  First year players can get by with some used equipment to keep costs low.  Skates, pads, a helmet, a stick and some ambition are all that most first year skaters will need, parents will need patients and a camera.

Where do I find out information about my child's team?
Your best source will be the Team Manager, they are usually a person that has had some previous experience with the hockey association and will be able to supply you with specifics on your team.  This page may also give you information about your team throughout the season.

How Long is the season?
A lot less than the NHL.  We usually start in late October to early November with practices.  Games usually start late in November.  We take a week or two off for Christmas, Dear hunting season and New Years, then we are back at it until Late February or early March.  It may go a couple weeks longer depending on your team parents, coach or if you make it to the state championships. 

How do I get a schedule?
Ask your team manager, they will keep you updated on practices and games.  They may also have me post it on your teams page. There will also be information at the rink for each team.  Changes happen on a weekly basis, make sure you keep in touch with your team manager.  You will also find a rink schedule posted at the rink and a link to the schedule at the top of this page.

Where do I find out about upcoming events?
RIGHT HERE!! Our website is the most comprehensive and up-to-date site on the web for keeping our members informed on all the events happening at our rink and with our association.  Make sure you bookmark this site, you will use it a lot!  There will also be postings at the rink and emails directly to you. 
(If you would like to be on our email list please contact ME)

What is a Tournament?
Tournaments are a weekend of games for just one level of players.  Anywhere from 4 to 16 teams may compete and play for trophies, ribbons and patches.  Each of Amery's teams may go to 2-3 away tournaments and have one home tournament each season.  One of the parents will volunteer to be the tournament director for the home tournament and help organize the weekend.  All the parents in the team are asked to chip in Several weeks in advance to help out where ever necessary.  Some of the duties where help is needed are concessions, ice resurfacing, score keeping, Decorating, Mothers pins, team baskets, announcing games, raffles and admissions.  Parents in each position will be trained before the big weekend.  Most of the tournaments we have in Amery consist of 4-8 teams total.  Parents from other teams may also volunteer to help during the games. It ends up being a GREAT time for everyone involved!!

What is WAHA?
Wisconsin amateur hockey association (WAHA)  is the governing body for all amateur hockey in Wisconsin.  They are a member of USA Hockey.  All the teams we play across the state are members of WAHA. WAHA has divided Wisconsin into 6 regions, We are in region 1.  All teams across the state are classified into divisions by size and accomplishments of their Association.  For instance, Milwaukee and Green bay are classified as division 1, We are in Division 3.  To go to state competition you must beat all the teams in your region that are classified in the same division.  Regionals are held in late February and state in early March.  8 teams play at state, 1 from each region, the host teams and one wild card team.  AYHA usually hosts one state tournament a year, we won the last 2 we hosted!

How do I find the ice rinks we play at?
Three ways, if your team manager hand out a booklet of maps KEEP IT!!!  It doesn't happen very often. They may also give you directions at a practice before the game.  The other place to look is on our MAPS page on this web site.  I have posted addresses and map links to over 40 of the most common rinks our teams go to.  Most of the rinks we go to are fairly close because they are in our division.  These include Spooner, Siren, and Grantsburg.  We also go to Altoona, River Falls, New Richmond and Somerset.   

How Many games do we play?
The amount of games played each season is determined by the Game Scheduler, team manager, coaches and the parents.  Younger levels tend to play 20-32 while older levels could play up to 40.  Mini Mite's usually only plays 2 games while the Varsity has a set schedule determined by WIAA and is usually around 20. We play half of our games away and the other half at home.

Do I have to Volunteer?  
The word "volunteer" as a hockey parent takes on a whole new meaning, but the bottom line is No.  AYHA is NOT a baby sitting service, as a hockey parent you are expected to help out at your child's home games by working in the Penalty box, help in the score booth or running the Zamboni occasionally, all have training sessions at the beginning of the season.  Beyond that everything else is voluntary.  Most parents help out with Fundraising Events, Community Open Skating, Arena Maintenance Projects, Working Tournaments (3 on 3, Invitational, Regional, State), or Concession sales to earn "work hours" during the season.  Fundraising for first year players is optional, after that if you wish not to participate in the fundraising there is a "Buy-out" option available.    Volunteering also keeps you "in touch" with the activities at the rink and it is also a great way to meet other people that have similar interests.

What are Work Hours?
Each new family is required to work a minimum of 15 hours throughout the winter season.  This helps ensure that all the work that needs to be done during the winter is done by the all the association member. You may read the entire policy HERE.

Is Hockey a School sponsored sport?
This is a little more complicated.  AYHA belongs to the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA).  Amery, Clear lake, Clayton and Unity Schools have formed an alliance at the varsity level to play other high school leagues across the state.  Below the Varsity level our association has no ties with the school district.  This is common throughout Wisconsin as we are all governed by WAHA.

What is the Ace Coordinator?
The Association Coaching and Education (ACE) Coordinator is an experienced individual with a strong coaching background who serves as or link to the national Coaching Education Program. Our ACE Coordinators organizes, manages and assist in the development and training of our coaching staff, promote parent education and provide clear goals and objectives for player skill development.  This person is what makes AYHA the best hockey organization around.

This is a good point to mention that all of our coaches are hockey parents and they all are volunteers.  They do it for the love of the game and the interaction with the players.  None of them are paid for all the time they put into it.

Can Girls join Hockey?
Absolutely!!  There are several girls that play at the regular levels and just last year Some Very dedicated parents formed a girls league at our rink and hooked up with Somerset and New Richmond.  Within the first 2 weeks they had 15 girls signed up and practicing.  The Girls league doesn't check but they have as much, or more fun than the boys.