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Getting Started ● What is youth ice hockey? There are two types of youth ice hockey - travel and in-house. In-house is usually sponsored by the home rink and is dedicated to teaching the basics to skaters. The fundamentals generally taught are power skating, puck handling, game rules and basic plays. Travel hockey is organized in clubs. Presently, 28 clubs are affiliated with the Southern California Amateur Hockey Association. SCAHA provides a schedule of games for all member clubs and teams as well as organizing the annual playoff championships. ● Where is youth ice hockey played? SCAHA covers a wide geographical area in Southern California. Programs range from Simi Valley, Valencia and Oxnard, throughout Orange County to Riverside and San Diego. To the east includes programs in Ontario and to the west in the Torrance area. Our member clubs include five counties. ● What are the age divisions for youth teams? There are FIVE age divisions in youth ice hockey:
The age division is based on the birth date of the player. Birth certificates are required for all players and proof of legal residency will be required for those players born outside the United States. Please see the age division chart for age determination. Age division chart for 2003-2004 season ● What type of competition is available for youth travel players? Level AAA - also known as Tier I - is the highest level of competition. This division is for very skilled, experienced players in the Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget age levels only. These teams compete for State, Regional and National Championship. Level AA - also known as Tier II - offers a high level of competition for skilled players in the Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget levels. These teams also compete for State, Regional and National Championship. Level A - is for experienced players seeking more competitive play. These teams compete for a Southern California league and California State Championship. Level BB - this level is for players who have experience at the B level, want a higher level of competition, but are not quite ready for A level. BB is only available at the Mite, Squirt, Pee Wee and Bantam divisions. These teams compete for a Southern California League and California State Championship. Level B - is for players just learning to play the game and wishing to compete in a fun environment. This level is available at all age divisions. These teams compete for a Southern California League Championship. ● What time of year is the youth ice hockey season? The travel ice hockey calendar is divided into four segments. From July 15 to August 31 is the Tryout Season. September through early October is Preseason (except for Tier which does not have preseason). From early October until early March is Regular Season and March through April is Playoff and Championship Season. ● What costs are involved in travel ice hockey? Travel hockey requires a serious time commitment for games and practices. There is also great expense involved with the sport. Fees will include registration (clubs are required to pay for players and teams with USA Hockey, California Hockey as well as SCAHA), practice ice costs, game ice costs including officials, equipment, jerseys, pictures, trophies and tournament travel. The cost for a season of travel hockey varies from club to club. Usually the cost is greater in the higher levels of competition because of the extra practices and games played by these teams. |