With skating skills on the card, and given the fact your child has expressed a desire to give hockey a try, it's time to test the hockey water. Playing house league hockey is the best way to start. It is only several hundred dollars for a season to see if hockey will hold your child's interest. Your first concern should be to find a coach who likes to instruct and works well with children. Skating well is the basic skill they look for when trying out for house league. If you have taken the time to learn to skate you are likely a shoe in.
Filling Up the Hockey Bag
You will have to purchase skates and safety equipment, which is an added expense. You have the option of used equipment, which is profuse in our area with other children outgrowing theirs every minute. New is your other option. Your choice. New or used a younger player will need help for several years yanking the laces tight so be prepared to assist in getting the skates on right in the locker room.
Schedule Demands for Practice and Play
The schedule demands are certainly a big consideration. Try to choose a rink near you. House hockey usually has decent practice times, and does not involve going to games long distances away. For working parents, or single parents, house hockey is ideal especially if you have other children participating in sports.
House Hockey provides the experience to help determine if a child is really interested in hockey enough to move to more intense hockey league play. Some players continue to play house hockey because they can enjoy the sport at a less demanding level for them and their families. Your child should be happy to go to practice. He/she should be playing at a level where the sport incorporates both hockey challenge and fun. If your child likes to play a number of different sports, house hockey level is likely a more comfortable level for your child. For some hockey is quickly IT. Ice is no longer just what you toss in a glass.
