Parent Information
Hockey is a fun team sport that fosters new friendships, healthy physical activity and life skills that go beyond the ice.
As parents we must all realize that, for kids, positive participation is always more important than excellence. The personal and social development that comes from being part of a team is one of the most enriching experiences offered by the game. We must continue to live the values of fun and fair play, respect, integrity and teamwork with a balanced perspective of expectations and definition of success.
See "ABOUT OUR PROGRAM" page for ELMHA constitution, Hockey Canada insurance information, Rep Agreement and other relevant documents.
Requirements to Play
How to be a Good Hockey Parent:
- Fill out registration and pay fees on time
- Discuss any concerns with bench staff (coaches, on-ice helpers, managers)
- Help with team/league/volunteering tasks when asked
- Demonstrate respect to coaches, officials, and opponents
- Let coach know in advance if missing a practice or game
- Stay out of the bench area during the games
- Help your player(s) focus on progress, team play and fun - not number of goals scored
- Cheer!
For more information visit Hockey Canada Parent Page
Season Breakdown
The typical house league hockey season in Elliot Lake consists of regular practices beginning in October, and Saturday games that begin in November. Registration could start around mid-summer, and there may be a few open skates scheduled in September. The Elliot Lake Minor Hockey Association is part of the CAHL (Central Algoma Hockey League) and we travel throughout the North Shore to play teams in Blind River, Thessalon and Desbarats. The regular season ends around the beginning of March with a playoff weekend hosted by one of the area teams.
U7 is where the younger players learn to develop their skating and hockey skills. With one practice per week and two Saturday games, these players get plenty of fun and learning on the ice! Games are played on half-ice throughout the season, with either big or small nets, goalies optional. Coaches serve as the on-ice officials instead of referees, and spend most of their time picking up players who cannot get up or calling in those who didn't hear the two-minute shift change buzzer. Scores are not tracked, and the season ends with a fun jamboree at the end of February. U7 is like the wild west of hockey, where you're just as likely to see age-defying skating and stick handling alongside plenty of tumbles, ice angels/napping, and shooting for whichever net is closest.
In U9, players continue to develop their skating and handling skills, while also learning the game fundamentals and player positioning. For the first half of the season, games are played on half-ice without scores counted. After January, U9 games move to full-ice and referees now call penalties, offside, icing, etc. U9 players typically get two practices per week, two Saturday games, and may or may not attend 1-2 away tournaments (fundraising required).
For U11 players, all games are played on full-ice and scores are tracked. Do not worry if you're a first-time player starting at this stage! Practices focus on skating skills, hockey fundamentals, and game positioning. The Elliot Lake Minor Hockey Association strives to be inclusive of all abilities. One hour games are played in three periods (shortened, with or without clock-stopping); as compared to U7 and U9 games that consist of two halves.
For games in U13, three periods are played over an hour-and-a-half. Like the other ages, U13 players have two Saturday games, as well as two weeknight practices. In the past, U13 has been our highest house league age group - but we would love to host U15 and U18 teams if possible!
Interested in playing Rep hockey? See About Our Program for more details.