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Information for Parents

Mission Statement

The mission of the Eastern Michigan Hockey Association is to provide a fun, safe and structured environment emphasizing not only skill development, but also life skills such as sportsmanship, academics, dedication and discipline.

Service Hours

We ask that each family be involved in our EMHA family by donating service hours. Being involved makes your experience and your child's experience more meaningful and helps our organization function efficiently. At various times throughout the season, your team and the EMHA will need volunteers for things such as running 50/50, fundraising, score keeping, collecting or distributing materials or any number of organizational tasks. Be on the lookout for emails or postings online to earn volunteer hours.

EMHA Academic Banquet

Each year, the EMHA hosts an Academic Awards Banquet at the end of the season. All players' fees are included in their EMHA registration and cost for non-rostered children and non-rostered adults is $10. Dinner is provided and the evening is a very nice celebration of our players of all ages and their academic accomplishments. While we are a youth hockey organization, it is important for our players to know the importance of academic success along with their extra curricular involvement.

Players receive awards for maintaining a 3.0 grade point average or higher throughout the first 3/4 of the school year. Each age level receives one distinguished award that has the awarded player's name engraved on a large trophy that is displayed in the large EMHA trophy case at Iceland Arena. Photos are printed and shared in the case as well. Over $10,000 in scholarships are awarded to players within the EMHA every year in recognition of their academic success and community involvement.

This banquet is typically held on the third Sunday in March, but the exact date will be announced as soon as possible. Please plan to attend to celebrate with us! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you a parent who is new to the world of hockey? Don't be discouraged by the new language you are about to encounter; let us help! Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions as a guide. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to email us and we will be happy to answer your questions!

What are the age groups for hockey?

In hockey, separations are made by age; specifically by birth years. For the fall 2022-2023 season, the ages are grouped as follows:

Mites: 2014-2018

Squirt: 2012-2013

PeeWee: 2010-2011

Bantam: 2008-2009

Midget: 2007-2004

Where do I start?

For players who are just beginning, the house level is where you should start. House level is called B. So if your child was born in 2012, your child would play Squirt B for the 2022-23 season. To do this, you would attend a draft skate (scoring session to make teams as equal as possible) and be placed onto a team with players who are also wishing to play at the Squirt B level and will include players of the 2012 and 2013 birth years.

If your player is a younger age (Squirt or Mite age or younger) and is just beginning to skate, you can begin with our cross ice (ADM) or learn to skate programs. 

What is the difference between House (B) and Travel (A & AA)?

House (B) is played for a variety of reasons including development, lesser time commitment, and typically lower cost. Two birth years play together at the House level.

Travel (A) is the first birth year in the two year group. For example, the 2022-23 season, 2012 birth year players will be Squirt A. Travel (AA) is the second birth year in a group, so the 2013 birth year players will be Squirt AA. Travel teams are selected on a tryout basis and can include players who are younger than 2012, but NOT older. Typically, the time commitment and cost is greater, but the level of competition is greater as well.

What can I expect for a time commitment?

For house teams, practices are generally twice per week for 1 hour or 1.5 hours. Games might be an additional day per week and can be at your home rink or scheduled at another arena at the discretion of your coach and team manager.

Travel teams typically require an additional hour or two per week.

How much does it cost to play?

Mite B = $300

Squirt B = $300

PeeWee B = $120 Registration Fee + $250 per month 

Bantam B = $120 Registration Fee + $250 per month 

*EMHA House (B) registration fee ($120) covers the following:  jerseys and socks, Ice fees, home game referee fees, OHL Firebirds ticket for each registered player and on ice opportunities throughout the season, player EMHA Academic Banquet, Little Caesars League fees, EMHA administrative expenses.

**Fees may vary slightly based on number of players on each team.

***Does NOT include tournaments, District or State Playoff as scheduled by individual teams

 

Can girls play?

ABSOLUTELY! 

What equipment do I need?

Eastern Michigan Hockey Association abides by the list of proper equipment mandated by USA Hockey and all players (including Cross-Ice) must wear the following equipment: helmet with a face cage, hockey gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey pants, cup, shin guards, and a neck guard. Mouth guards are mandatory at the Pee Wee, Bantam, and Midget levels and strongly recommended at the Mite and Squirt levels.

**Beginning players can rent equipment from the EMHA. Please email us to set up a fitting.

What are my requirements as a parent?

Other than equipping and driving your child back and forth, we do ask that each parent be a role model of behavior for your player and be involved in our EMHA family by donating service hours. Being involved makes your experience and your child's experience more meaningful and helps our organization function efficiently. At various times throughout the season, your team and the EMHA will need volunteers for things such as running 50/50, fundraising, score keeping, collecting or distributing materials or any number of organizational tasks. Be on the lookout for emails or posting online to earn volunteer hours.

USA Hockey Registration

Click here to register for USA hockey. Every player, coach, manager and locker room assistant must have a current USA hockey registration on file with the EMHA. Cost is $45 for ages 6 and older. Under 6 is free, but still required.

Background Check

Every coach, manager, and locker room assistant must have a background check completed and on file with the EMHA. Cost is $10.

MAHA Consent to Treat Form

Every player must have a Consent to Treat form on file with their team.

MAHA Parent Code of Conduct

The Michigan Amateur Hockey Association's Parent Code of Conduct outlines expectations for parents and must be signed and kept on file for each rostered player.

Safe Sport Certification Registration

Each person on the roster must have a SafeSport Certificate on file. Follow the directions on this page to complete.

Michigan Arena Maps

No matter where in Michigan you need to go, click here to get your directions!