New To Hockey

In order for your child to get the most enjoyment out of the ice hockey experience, they should have a basic comfort level with skating.  At a minimum, a player needs to be able to stand from a fallen position, in full gear, without assistance.

We recommend new players take one of the Learn to Play Sessions offered by Greenville Hockey or one of the Junior Tigers Learn to Play Hockey sessions at the Pavilion. Upon completion, many new players can then move into the Greenville Hockey House program, usually at any time during the hockey season.  

Another good option is to try one of the Try Hockey For Free Clinics at the Pavilion and held multiple times during the hockey season. 

In addition, just having your child attend public skating sessions as much as possible are a great help in getting comfortable skating.

We recommend around age 4. Just like school, your child should be able to listen and follow directions which are also important to effectively learn hockey.

It’s not uncommon to hear hockey families talking in code. “Is he a ’14?” “Where are the 8Us playing?” It may seem like a secret language, but these refer to the year the player was born.

Placement in hockey divisions is based on their birth year compared to the year at the start of a new season. Using the 2024-2025 season as an example, a player born in 2011, no matter the day or month, is a 14U because 2024 minus 2011 = 13. 13 and 14 year-olds are in the 14U division.

Players may not play with an older age group until 16U. Players cannot play down into a lower level.

• Mini-Mite - 6 and under (6U)
• Mite - 8 and under (8U)
• Squirt - 10 and under (10U)
• Peewee - 12 and under (12U)
• Bantam - 14 and under (14U)
• Midget/U16 - 16 and under (16U)
• Junior/U18 - 18 and under (18U)

• Used equipment is okay (It's more than okay, it's recommended for those just starting out). Look at the FAQ page for equipment options.
• Don't skimp on skates and don't buy them too big hoping to save money as your player grows into them. Poorly-fitted skates will make success much more difficult for your player.
• Check the manufacturers sizing charts to purchase the right size equipment. Not all sizes are created equal.
• Your new player doesn't need a $200 stick.
• Brand new skates need to be sharpened before using them.
• You will need hockey tape...for the stick blade... the stick handle, and to tape the socks to your players leg (shinguards).
• Skates need to be resharpened over time. Skates can be left at the Pavilion for sharpening or taken to the Penalty Box Pro Shop for on the spot sharpening
• If you don't know...ask! , remember we all started somewhere