Frequently Asked Questions

Typically registration is in May for the Travel teams which run from mid-August to early-March. House registration typically opens in the summer and programs run from August through early-March. In addition, there is typically a 3v3 league in the Spring and there are camps and clinics held during the Summer months.

Travel Players usually practice twice a week with games on weekends. 

House players will have one practice and one gameday per week. We try to keep these ice times consistent throughout the season but some changes may occur.

Absolutely, we welcome all players, regardless of gender. Female athletes are welcome to join our House programs, try out for our Travel teams, and join our Girls Program. We are working to grow girl's specific programming and offer additional all-girls events. 

Injuries are not common in youth hockey, but can happen, and every child should be covered by an adequate health insurance plan.

USA Hockey registration carries with it insurance that augments your regular health insurance, but should not be the sole source of insurance. For more information about USA Hockey's insurance, please see www.usahockey.com. 

Ice hockey is an expensive sport, and the cost depends on a variety of factors. The most important factor is the cost of ice time. Therefore, the teams that are scheduled for more ice time have a higher registration fee. For example, a Travel team is more expensive than a House team at the same age level because they are scheduled to have more ice time. 

USA Hockey has identified age ranges for ice hockey players that are based on birth years.  Age divisions for the current year are listed on the Registration Information page of this website.

Although not recommended by Greenville Hockey, players can move up a division under certain circumstances and Board Approval.

Yes. Hockey players wear more protective equipment than any other sport. A study has shown that ice hockey injuries ranked after both basketball and soccer in emergency room visits related to sport and recreational activities. Youth hockey is a different game than the NHL. With a different set of rules in place, youth hockey places a stronger emphasis on sportsmanship and friendly competition. Body checking is not allowed prior to the 14U level (age 13 & 14). At Bantams, checking is allowed but NO fighting.

A full set of hockey equipment as defined by USA Hockey, consists of:

• Skates  
• Helmet w/ facemask  
• Shoulder Pads 
• Elbow Pads 
• Hockey Pants 
• Shin/Knee Pads  
• Gloves  
• Hockey Socks
• Jersey (provided by GGHA)
• Hockey Stick 
• Mouthguards
• Neck guards (required for all players while on the ice)
• Supporter and Cup – Essential protective equipment.

Note that goalies need similar but different equipment to above. If your child thinks they would like to play goalie we recommend borrowing equipment to try before making any investment in equipment. 

Equipment can be bought locally or online and pre-owned equipment is available at the annual GGHA hockey swap.

Locally, The Penalty Box Pro Shop is the only retail hockey store and is located inside the Pavilion.

Some of the largest, most reputable, best selection and best prices online can be found at Pure Hockey and Hockey Monkey. 

Prior to the season start, GGHA has an equipment exchange/sale where pre-owned equipment can be swapped or purchased. This is held at the Pavilion typically in August. Check the home page for exact day and time.

Hockey is a physical game, but unlike the sterotypical images where there are more fists flying than pucks, youth hockey is NOT a violent sport. Players are covered from head to toe in protective gear and good sportsmanship is promoted at all times.

Greenville Hockey follows USA Hockey guidelines for checking which begins at the Bantam (14U) level. Limited body contact is part of the game but until 14U, body checking is not allowed in order to create an environment in which safety, skill development, and positioning are the primary focus.