USA Hockey

U S A H O C K E Y PA R E N T H A N D B O O K 7 Be proactive. Ask your local associations to explain what is included in exchange for your registration fees. Ask how the money is allocated toward ice time, administration, officials and travel. Also, make sure these topics are covered during preliminary parent meetings so you clearly understand your financial commitment for the season. Avoid spending money on impulse purchases at concession stands and during road trips. Pack lunches. Stay in hotels with complimentary breakfasts. Reduce travel. Frequently traveling to faraway tournaments isn't a necessary component of skill development. Development happens at your local rink. Road trips can be fun, but they aren't where you get the most bang for your hockey buck. Try Hockey For Free While you're already part of the sport, if you have friends whose children would like to try youth hockey, USA Hockey hosts Try Hockey For Free events each year that give children who haven't had that opportunity to play hockey a chance to try it for free. T R Y H O C K E Y F O R F R E E . C O M N E I T H E R T H E S K AT E S N O R T H E S T I C K M A K E T H E P L AY E R , E S P E C I A L LY AT Y O U N G E R A G E S , but proper fit matters. Put your children in equipment that is safe, comfortable and adequate, but resist the temptation to outfit them lavishly. If you have questions regarding when a big-ticket splurge might be appropriate, ask your association or coaches. Regarding sticks, remember that proper stick length is crucial. While there is a range, a good rule of thumb is that an upright stick with the toe of the blade on the ground shouldn't rise above the player's eyes if standing in shoes. In skates, an upright stick with the toe on the ice shouldn't rise much above the chin or be much below the collar bone. Proper fit matters

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