Frequently Asked Questions

How are teams chosen?

At the beginning of each season, all players are evaluated after tryouts before they are placed on teams. The goal is to place all skaters on teams where they will play against others of the same age level and ability. “A” and “AA” teams are designed for more advanced players in a “travel” program. They play teams from other associations around Chicago as well as Central Illinois and St. Louis, IL. These teams also periodically travel to out of town tournaments and games. They typically have two-three hours of ice time each week. Our House League participates in a less competitive, recreational environment. They typically have three hours of ice time per week.

What equipment will I need and where do I purchase it?

CUYHA requires that all skaters use the following equipment: black helmet with attached cage or face mask, mouth guard attached to the cage/mask, shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey gloves, black hockey pants, protective cup, shin guards, socks, velcro shorts/straps (for socks), hockey skates, and a stick. We also recommend a neck guard, hockey tape and a large bag. Every player must also purchase home and away jerseys from the designated vendor.

House League usually rents out equipment to beginner skaters on sign up day, which is September 30, 2009 at the U. of I. Ice Rink, Champaign from 5:30 - 7:00 pm, with a free Open Skate from 6 - 7 pm.

Local stores to purchase equipment are:
Wild Country
2012 N Prospect Ave
Champaign, IL 61822-1240
(217) 351-4754
Get Directions

MC Sports
45 E Marketview Dr
Champaign, IL 61820-7832
(217) 356-9642
Get Directions

How early are the practices in youth hockey?

A typical weekly practice looks like this:

• 5:00 - 6:00 Mite/Squirt
• 6:00 - 7:00 Squirt/Pee Wee
• 8:00 - 9: 00 Bantam
• 9:00 - 10:00 High School

Because of the age level we try to keep younger kids at earlier times because of school, but on some instances these times can be adjusted if need be. Weekends vary throughout the day usually. Practices usually run about 1 - 1 1/2 hours a night.

House league usually practices early Saturday mornings at 6:45 - 8:00 and Wednesday early evenings around 5:45pm. These practice times are usually for about 2 - 3 hours per week.

What are the fees?

To balance the budget and pay for increases in ice time at our home rink, fees unfortunately went up for the first time in several years. To simplify payment/accounting processes CUYHA will no longer ask members to pay dues by check, and will make more payment options available.

Type	Cost
Travel Skaters: M/S/P/B	$ 1,075
High School:	$ 1,175
House League (Fall session)	$    175
House League (Spring session)	$    175
Minor Hawks (new skaters age 4-8) Each Session	$      75

Discounts:

• Discount of $50 for payment in full.
• Discount of $25 for checking account debit through ACH or credit card payment.
• Multiple player discount: 10% for each player after the first (highest player level) is registered.

Options:

• Payment in full at registration via check or Visa/MC;
• 25% down payment at registration by check, and 3 payments automatically deducted from checking or charged to Visa/MC on predetermined dates
• 25% down payment at registration by check 6 payments automatically deducted from checking or charged to Visa/MC on predetermined dates (see authorization forms for dates and fee breakdown).

How are the parents involved in CUYHA?

CUYHA is an volunteer organization. We welcome everyone who wants to help recruit coaches, scorers, timekeepers, and team managers from among our parents. Coaches attend USA Hockey certification clinics and additional CUYHA coaching clinics. The Board of Directors and its committees are also made up of volunteers. There is a constant need for help with CUYHA travel/tournament events. This is a great way to meet new people and share more time with your son/daughter.

Will my child have fun?

We believe you and your child will have a great time the entire season. We believe skaters learn best when they are having fun. CUYHA is dedicated to this effort. Our coaches and team assistants spend countless time with each individual to make sure the players are rewarded for working and playing hard, scoring goals, getting assists, improving, etc. Plus, you and your child will make a lot of new friends. Their is a banquet at the end of the year in which each skater is recognized for their skills and talent. We recommend you take alot of pictures and videos whenever possible.

How long is the hockey season?

Hockey is a six month season. Registration is in August.
Mini camps begin in August.
Evaluations and team tryouts are in September.
Teams begin skating by October.
Season tournaments are in January.
The season then ends usually March 1.

Does my child need to learn how to skate before joining CUYHA?

CUYHA offer young hockey players the chance to develop at their own pace and combine skill development with team play as they are introduced them to the game.

We have recommended in the past if your child has never skated to first put them through the U. of I. beginner Learn to Skate program, or starting in 2009 the Minor Hawks program (which was developed to help kids learn to skate and understand the fundamentals of hockey). The more comfortable your child is on skates, the more comfortable your child will be in our program.

What are the age classifications?

Youth Team

Age Category	Age Division
18 Years	Midget 18 or Under
17 Years	Midget 18 or Under
16 Years	Midget 16 or Under
15 Years	Midget 16 or Under
14 Years	Bantam 14 or Under
13 Years	Bantam 14 or Under
12 Years	Pee Wee 12 or Under
11 Years	Pee Wee 12 or Under
10 Years	Squirt 10 or Under
9 Years	Squirt 10 or Under
8 & Younger	Mite 8 or Under

Girls Team

Age Category	Age Division
19 Years	19 or Under
18 Years	19 or Under
17 Years	19 or Under
16 Years	16 or Under
15 Years	16 or Under
14 Years	14 or Under
13 Years	14 or Under
12 Years	12 or Under
11 Years	12 or Under
10 Years	10 or Under
9 Years	10 or Under

Note: CUYHA does not currently field a girls-only team. Boys and girls both play on the youth teams.