Who is eligible to participate in the CCYHA?
Boys and girls, between the ages of four and seventeen subject to USA Hockey birthday guidelines, who live in Chautauqua County and the surrounding areas can be a part of CCYHA, when the numbers of players enrolled to allow for an age appropriate team.
Can my child start hockey even if he/she does not know how to skate?
Yes. There is no skating ability requirement. The Beginner program provides positive step by step instructions to advanced skating skills and an introduction to ice hockey within a positive setting. Players older than 8 will be placed in the House League.
What are the different age classifications?
Midget: age 17 and under (will be a split season with the High School team)
Bantam: age 14 or under
Pee Wee: age 12 or under
Squirt: age 10 or under
Mite: age 8 or under
Beginners: age 4-8
The number and availability of each level are dependent on the number of players registered. The goal is to place all skaters on teams where they will play against others of the same age level and ability.
How dangerous is youth hockey?
CCYHA follows all USA Hockey rules and regulations and is committed to making the sport of ice hockey as safe as it can possibly be. The players are all required to wear protective gear. Unnecessary roughness is not tolerated, and checking is not allowed until the Bantam level.
Does the CCYHA have any all-girl teams?
The age level and the number of teams is dependent on ages and number of girls that register for each season.
How dangerous is youth hockey?
CCYHA follows all USA Hockey rules and regulations and is committed to making the sport of ice hockey as safe as it can possibly be. The players are all required to wear protective gear. Unnecessary roughness is not tolerated, and checking is not allowed until the Pee Wee level.
What equipment is required?
Each skater MUST WEAR the following equipment when participating in games or practices:
1. Hockey Skates
2. USA Hockey approved protective helmet with full face protection, of any style including, Full Wire Cage, Plastic Shield or combination thereof.
3. Ice hockey stick with wooden blade
4. Neck / Throat protector.
5. Hockey elbow pads.
6. Hockey gloves.
7. Hockey shin pads
8. Hockey shoulder pads
9. Hockey pants.
10. Hockey socks (matching CCYHA colors for gameplay).
11. Internal mouth guard, non-clear in color (mandatory for Peewee and above).
12. Garter belt (optional, tape and straps may be used).
13. Protective cup/supporter.
14. Practice jersey.
15. Home and away jerseys are supplied by CCYHA below Pee-Wee level. Parents are responsible for purchasing Lakers Jerseys after Squirt. Jerseys must be purchased as a group order. Check with the team manager at least two months before the start of the season to make sure you get your team jersey in time. CCYHA has standardized uniform colors of Red, White, and Black, modeled after the Chicago Blackhawks of the NHL. Please keep these colors in mind when purchasing equipment, as this will allow our teams to present themselves looking their best.
How many times a week will my child be playing hockey?
At travel levels, there is generally one ice slot on Saturday and one on Sunday (often this is one home ice slot and one away ice slot). In addition to the weekend, evening weekday ice is used for practice. Practices may be full ice or shared ice.
What about goalie gear?
The CCYHA will provide appropriate specialized protective equipment to one goaltender per team at the Mite level only. This equipment will be worn at all times without exception! Coaches and team managers share responsibility with the players to ensure that all equipment is in good repair and is properly cared for.
How far away might we travel to play other teams?
At the house travel level games are typically in the Western New York area. Teams may travel further away, including out of state and possibly to Canada to participate in tournaments.
How much does it cost?
The cost depends on a variety of factors, but the most important one is the cost of ice time. Therefore the teams that are scheduled for more ice team have a higher registration fee. A Travel team is more expensive than a House team at the same age level. Prices will be made available after the CCYHA Finance Committee meets this winter.
How long does the hockey season last?
Typically registration is in August / September, and practices start at the end of September. The players skate through mid-March. Summer camps and other programs are available
