Champlin Park Youth Hockey Association

1. Are there separate programs for boys and girls?
YES. We have separate programs for boys (Mites, Squirts, PeeWees, Bantams & Jr Gold) and girls (8U, 10U,12U, & 14U) at each level, however girls can choose to skate in the boys' programs. 

2. What age can kids start playing?
Players must be 4 years old as of July 1. You will need to provide CPYHA with a copy of your child’s birth certificate that will be kept on file with our Registrar.

3. When does the season start?
October

4. What are the S.P.E.E.D. clinics?
S.P.E.E.D. stands for SKILLS, PLACEMENT, EXCELLENCE, EDUCATION, AND DEVELOPMENT.  A series of clinics offered to Mites/Girls 8U to get a start on the season & give coaches a chance to evaluate skaters on HEP skills.  Players registering for Squrit House do not participate in S.P.E.E.D. or traveling try-outs.

5. How long is the hockey season for Mites/8U?
The season will run from November until mid-March. The season wraps up with our annual Mite Jamboree Weekend which is March/April (depending on spring break).

6. How long are practices?
Practices and games are typically 60 minutes in length. Ice time is very expensive, so players must be ready to go on the ice at the designated start time. It is usually best to be at the rink 30 minutes before your stated ice time in order to be ready on time.

7. Where do we skate?
Indoor practices are held at the Champlin Ice Forum, Brooklyn Park or Anoka rinks. Outdoor practices are held at neighborhood parks designated by the City of Champlin Parks and Recreation Department. All locations can be found by visiting www.rinkfinder.com.

8. When are the practices/games?
Typically, practices will be held on Saturdays and Sundays until games begin. Once games begin, one of the weekend practices will be replaced by a game. When outdoor ice is available, teams will practice Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday night on outdoor ice. Outside practices are cancelled when it is snowing too hard, or if it is too cold. A rule of thumb is if the City of Champlin warming houses are open, then your child could skate. Your coach or team manager will contact you if practice is cancelled.

9. Do I have to be at every practice/game?
No. While it is beneficial and recommended to attend every possible training and scrimmage session, it is not mandatory and will not impact playing time.

10. How are teams formed?
In late October there will be several evaluation sessions to help create teams. This isn't a tryout but instead a series of clinics called S.P.E.E.D. clinics. Mites will be placed in the category of A, B, C, D, or Girls 8U (eight and under) according to there skill level; this clinic will take place weekends starting in October. We offer 4 levels of mites (A - D). First year players generally play on one of the Mite "D" teams. The next step is Mite "C". There are also 2-3 Mite "B" and one Mite "A" teams that offer a traveling hockey experience. Teams are created equally within each band or level. The regular Mite season generally starts after Thanksgiving, about the first weekend in December. Our focus is on skill development and fun. There will not be games at all for the first few weeks, and then only perhaps one per week later in the season (typically on the weekend). Games do not give kids as much ice time or puck touches as practices. According to Hockey Canada, it takes eleven games to equal one practice for skill development. We try hard to keep practices interesting and fun. When there are games, scores are not kept, although the kids do know what's happening.

11. How many kids are on each team?
Typically there are 13-18 players per team but team sizes are reliant on registration numbers and level.

12. What equipment do I need?
Helmet with facemask, mouth guard (can not be clear), shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey pants (breezers), shin pads, hockey gloves, stick (it's ok to start with a straight blade if you don't know what hand your youngster shoots with), hockey socks (and a way to support them - a garter belt is the old fashioned way, but a "Jack" or "Jill" is the most comfortable; some kids just use hockey tape), protective cup for boys, pelvic protector for girls, skates and a bag to put it all in. A hockey jersey is provided by CPYHA. During the outside skating season, you'll also want have thin gloves to wear inside hockey gloves, and a thin stocking cap, face mask or ear muffs for under the helmet.

13. Where do I buy hockey equipment and how do I know how it should fit?
Most sporting goods stores carry hockey equipment. Champlin Athletic, Dave’s Sports Shop (MG), Dicks Sporting Goods and Sports Authority all carry hockey equipment. As a general rule of thumb, all equipment should fit comfortably without being too big. Do not buy skates that are too big with plans to grow in to them. Trying to skate with skates that are too big is similar with trying to sprint in shoes that are too big. It is very difficult. Champlin Athletic offers a lease program for skates.

14. Isn’t hockey equipment really expensive? Are there cheaper options?
Hockey equipment can be costly, but new skaters do not need top of the line equipment. It is important to have a good quality helmet and properly fitting pair of skates. The most important component of the remaining equipment is proper fit. Several sporting good stores have used equipment for sale at reasonable prices. At this age, kids typically grow out of equipment long before they wear it out.

15. My child would like to try to play hockey, but we are concerned about the cost. Are there any options for financial assistance?
CPYHA does have programs available for families that need financial assistance. Please see www.cpyha.com for more information. Fundraiser are also available at the time or regstration to help defer costs.

16. When will I hear from a coach after I register?
Coaches will contact players once teams are formed. Mites and 8U teams are not formed until near the end of the S.P.E.E.D. clinics.

17. How do I receive communications from the coach or CPYHA?
You will receive communications via phone and email. Please be sure to provide accurate information during registration to get appropriate informationin a timely manner. Please check our website www.cpyha.com and our Facebook page www.facebook.com/cpyha.

18. What is HEP?
HEP is a Minnesota Hockey mandated program that tracks the skill development of players. At the Mite/8U level, the HEP evaluations are used as one of several criteria when forming teams during the S.P.E.E.D. clinics.

19. What should I do if I want to coach?
We are always looking for more people to become involved with CPYHA. Every team has a head coach and manager, and several assistant coaches. Coaches and managers need a background check, and coaches are required to have a certification card that they can get by taking a training class from USA Hockey. There are several sessions within the metro area. Visit the website at www.cpyha.com under the 'Documents --> Coaches Info' tab are all of the steps necessary to become a coach. You may also contact the level director and express your interest.

20. My child is not a very good skater, can he/she still play hockey?
Definitely. This is a development program serving kids of various ages and abilities. We do recommend attending public skating and newcomer skate sessions before the season begins.

21. What can I do before the season starts to help prepare for hockey?
Attend open skating sessions at the Champlin Ice Forum
Take skating lessons through Champlin Parks and Recreation
Attend "A Taste of Hockey" clinic scheduled August 20 & 27, September 10, 17, 24 all from 10:30am - 11:30am. All sessions are at the Champlin Ice Forum.

22. Is there a new parent orientation?
Yes, "Hockey 101", the new player orientation will be held in October at the Champlin Ice Forum.

23. What do I need to do to register?
You can register online at www.cpyha.com starting in August.

24. Are parents expected to volunteer or do fund-raising?
Yes. At registration you elect whether to participate in fundraising and the volunteer program or not. You may opt to sell candy bars or buyout of candy bar sales fundraising program. Traveling parents have the ability to sell Wreaths. CPYHA relies heavily on fund-raising and volunteerism to keep hockey affordable and provide a quality experience for everyone involved.

25. If my player does not like hockey can I get a refund?
If your skater has not started the S.P.E.E.D. sessions or traveling try-outs, a full refund will be given for the CPYHA fees less a small portion to cover processing. CPYHA will not be able to refund the USA Hockey fee. Our refund policy is available on our website in the documents section.

26. Where can I find more information if have more questions?
The website (www.cpyha.com) has a great deal of information on it.