FAQs

Does my child have to know how to skate to start hockey?

No. Most Mites join the program with little or no skating experience. The NHA Mite program is a developmental program designed to teach all kids the fundamental skills necessary to play the game of hockey, as well as the elementary concepts of the game itself. Skating is the most fundamental of these skills and a major focus of the entire Mite program.

At what Mite level do I register my child?

Players must register for the appropriate level according to their birth date. Only players that meet the play-up requirements are allowed to play-up. All play-ups must be approved by the NHA registrar and coaching staff. Play-downs are typically only permitted due to a medical condition. Northfield Youth Hockey is in alignment with the governing body, Minnesota Hockey, regarding this policy.

Is my child too old to start hockey?

No. If they are comfortable on skates, they can join at nearly any level. If they are new to skating, there are multiple options to get them on the ice. NHA offers additional opportunities to give players a chance to see if hockey is right for them, like Try Hockey for Free through Community Services, as well as summer programs to get players on the ice and learning to play hockey prior to the start of the season.

Do I need the players’ birth certificate in order to register?

If you registered your child with NHA last year and submitted their birth certificate, we will have already ensured the birth certificate was officially recorded with USA Hockey.

If you are new to the program, we are required to receive a copy of the child’s birth certificate and verify it through USA Hockey before processing the registration forms. All copies of birth certificates or passports are deleted or destroyed after final approval.

How far will we need to travel for hockey?

Northfield’s hockey teams play surrounding communities, such as Faribault, Owatonna, Rochester, and Austin, for regular season games. In a typical schedule, teams play one home game and one away game with each opponent scheduled. Hockey families are very good about carpooling, if needed. Traveling hockey teams (Squirt/U10 and above) attend 3 tournaments during the season, which can be home tournaments, close tournaments such as Faribault or much farther away. For farther events, teams and families often make a fun weekend of it, planning activities together during downtime.

Hockey is so expensive. What are my options to decrease the cost of hockey?

The NHA is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization, but the primary driver of hockey fees is still the cost of ice rental. Fees for the season include over five months of practices and games, including 3 tournaments per season. To help families manage costs, those fees can easily be spread over the season on a payment plan, or paid in full at registration.

• Rental equipment is available for $75 for a year (September thru August)
• Utilize scholarship funding if available - see Scholarships/Financial Assistance page for details.
• Utilize any optional fundraising opportunities provided throughout the season to earn money towards your own registration costs.

Do I need to live or go to school in the Northfield School District?

Yes, players that live in District 659 automatically qualify to play with NHA. Please note, Minnesota Hockey has instituted new waiver rules regarding where players are allowed to register. Please view the Participation Rule page for details.

How long does it take to get all the equipment on?

Getting dressed for hockey takes longer than dressing for many other sports, but for new skaters, there is plenty of assistance as more experienced parents are always happy to help new parents and skaters. Most parents find they can dress their skater in 10-20 minutes, and by the age of 6-8, most skaters can dress themselves except for final details, such as tightened laces and tough snaps.

Can I help coach my child's team?

Yes, as long as you complete the required steps to become certified as a coach through USA Hockey, Minnesota Hockey, and NHA. You will be asked if you want to coach during the registration process for your player. You will also need to register as a Coach with USA Hockey and complete all required training and background checks before you can take the ice with your child. Please see the Coaching Information page for details.

Is hockey too rough of a sport?

Surprisingly, generally new Northfield hockey families find it is far less rough than they expected. USA Hockey does not allow checking until later middle school, and NHA works to teach body contact in a safe manner. Girl’s/women’s hockey does not allow checking at any level.

NHA does not tolerate fighting or inappropriate behavior. Players are expected to positively represent themselves, their team, and Northfield, at all events they attend as a part of NHA. See Code of Conduct page for details.