07/11/2026
Thinking about hockey but not sure if it's right for your family?
A couple years ago, we were in the exact same boat.
We figured it would be expensive, take over our lives, and honestly wondered if it would be worth it. We decided to give it a try anyway, and it's turned into one of the best decisions we've made.
Here are a few things I wish someone had known before we started:
"My kid can't skate." Perfect. That's what U7 is for. Most kids start out barely able to stand on their skates. The coaches expect beginners and spend the first part of the season teaching the basics.
"How much time does it actually take?"
For U7, it's usually: 2 practices a week (about an hour each) Weekend games don't start until December. The season runs from late October to early March. Busy enough that they're learning, but not so busy it takes over your life.
"What's it actually going to cost?"
Registration for U7 is around $500 for the season, and that includes: socks , booth workers for home games, so parents can stay in the stands and actually watch their kids play instead of working the canteen.
On top of that: Lots of equipment gets passed down or bought used. KidsSport and Jumpstart can help with registration costs. At this age, equipment often lasts a few seasons before needing to be replaced.
The part nobody talks about... The best part hasn't been the hockey.
It's the friendships our son has made, the people we've met, and feeling more connected to our community. Hockey season has become something our whole family looks forward to.
If you're on the fence or just have questions, feel free to reach out. I'm not trying to convince anyone—I just know I had a lot of misconceptions before we signed up, and most of them turned out not to be true.
Hopefully this helps another family decide to give hockey a try!
Chad Holderness 306-383-7554