Frequently Asked Questions about EYHA

Evansville Youth Hockey Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What does it cost to play hockey?

Registration cost for the house program is around $325 - $375 for the 2005 – 2006 season. Travel fees are higher and range from $700 to $1,200 depending on the age group. Travel players also pay additional fees for tournaments and incur travel expenses.

When does the season start?

The hockey season for EYHA begins with signups in mid-September. Season starts in October.

How long is the season?

The season begins in September and runs through March. EYHA also has a "Spring" League, which begins in April and runs through June.

How many games will I play?

House teams play a 15 to 18 game schedule. In addition, they have 10 to 13 practices. Travel teams play 45 to 65 games. Travel teams practice one or twice during the week.

Are all of the games at Swonder?

All House teams play at Swonder. Travel teams play about 40% of their games at Swonder. The remainder are played out of town.

When are games played?

All EYHA games (house and travel) are played on the weekends. Games and practices are held throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday. Sunday morning times are generally only used by the travel teams. House teams are infrequently scheduled on Sunday morning. Travel teams may have an occasional Thursday or Friday game in a tournament.
High School teams practice on Monday nights and play games on Wednesday nights this season.

What is the difference between the House and Travel programs?

The EYHA House program is more recreational in nature. Fewer games are played and the cost and time commitment is much lower. The house leagues are open to anyone that has an interest in playing hockey. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis. Waiting lists are formed if an age group fills up. Checking is not permitted in the house leagues.

The EYHA travel teams play a more competitive schedule. Because the teams travel extensively, the time commitment and cost is much higher. Travel teams hold try-outs at the beginning of each season to select the teams. The teams play either at the A or AA level and compete in the Indiana Travel Hockey League and the Buckeye Travel Hockey League. The travel teams play check hockey beginning at the PeeWee age level.

How are the travel teams scheduled?

The EYHA travel teams play under the name of the Evansville Thunder. EYHA-Thunder promotes teams at the Mite (All-Star), Squirt All Star, Squirt, PeeWee, Bantam, and Midget / High School level. Travel teams play only about 40% of their games in Evansville. The travel teams are generally for the more serious and competitive hockey player. The teams play other travel teams from the surrounding states. A travel player can expect to be out of town (on overnight trips) two weekends per month on average.

What are the Mite and Squirt All-Star teams?

The All-Star teams are travel teams made up of Mite and Squirt aged players from the House league. The Mite team plays an All-Star schedule as opposed to a full travel schedule to give players and parents an introduction to travel hockey. The Mite All-Star team has 4 out of town weekends and 4 home weekends. The team plays a maximum of 24 games. Players on this team play a full house schedule also.

Where do the travel teams play?

The travel teams play in the Indiana Travel Hockey League and the Buckeye Travel Hockey League. Teams travel throughout Indiana, plus they typically visit the following cities each year outside of the state: Louisville, Cincinnati, Oxford (OH), Dayton, Columbus (OH), Nashville, Huntsville (AL), and St. Louis (and the surrounding area).

Are there try-outs?

There are try-outs for the Travel teams. The House teams are filled on a first come, first serve basis. The House league will have evaluations to rate players so teams are even.

How are the age groups divided?

The Travel teams are divided by USA Hockey guidelines (Mites, Squirts, PeeWees, Bantams, and Midgets), based on the childs birth year.

Why should I pre-register?

Pre-registration helps to hold a spot in our program for players that played the previous year. Pre-registration also helps the organization to set fees and determine the age groupings in the House for the upcoming season.

What if I have never skated before?

Don’t let this keep you from signing up!! Each year a group of new players start ice hockey that have little or no skating experience. Players age 6 and under are placed in the Initiation Program where they are taught basic hockey skills including skating. Other players with limited or no skating experience are encouraged to attend public skating sessions at the rink, participate in learn to skate classes at the rink and to attend stick n’ puck sessions. Having previous rollerblading experience helps a lot.

Swonder Ice Arena offers Hockey Skating Skills classes that can help future players with skating. Call 479-0989 for more info.

Can I rent equipment?

EYHA does rent equipment to our House league players. The fee for a full set of equipment is $65 for the season. A full set of equipment does not include: skates, stick, or a mouth guard.

When do most players begin playing?

Most players do begin between ages 5 and 9. It's still fun at any age to start!

Are the house leagues non-checking?

No......Only JV (Bantam) and The Old National Bank High School league are allowed to check.

What equipment do I need?

A full set of equipment includes the following: helmet, mouth guard, shoulder pads / chest protector, elbow pads, gloves, protective cup, hockey pants, shin guards, hockey skates and a hockey stick.
Rob Grimm, EYHA Equipment manager can answer any questions regarding. His number can be found of the Board of Directors listing

What does a full set up equipment cost?

New equipment prices vary widely. You can expect to pay at least $150 for a full set of equipment, plus skates and a stick. Sticks can be purchased for $12 - $20. Beginning skates can cost from $75 - $100 new. The Ice Box pro shop can help players with all equipment needs. See below.....

Where can I buy equipment?

Locally, you can purchase equipment at the Ice Box in Swonder 479-0989 ext. 224. EYHA has a flea market at registration each year where used equipment can be bought and sold. This is a great way to get good equipment at a good price.

Do boys and girls play on the same teams?

Yes. EYHA does not have separate girls teams this year.