Below are short answers to several Frequently Asked Questions about Minneapolis Hockey Association and getting your youth started playing hockey.  If you have additional questions or wondering about a specific situation, please feel free to reach out to a member of the Board of Directors.

My daughter/son is interested in hockey, how do I get them started?

There are several avenues for getting your player started with hockey.  Ultimately, they’ll need to learn how to skate. Skating lessons are not required prior to jumping into hockey, but it are highly recommended. There are many skating lesson options around the metro area to help your player feel comfortable on the ice. SportQuest Skating Academy (SQSA) is based at Parade Ice Garden.

If your player is ready to jump into hockey, with or without skating lessons, MHA offers great programming for beginner players to grow their skills, build relationships and have a ton of fun in the process. The In-House program is a fantastic way to get started.

There are also options to test the waters before committing to a full season of organized hockey.  The Minnesota Wild sponsored “Little Wild” program is a mini learn to play program targeting new players. Another option is to couple skating lessons with MPRB floor hockey. Or, simply head to your local outdoor rink in the winter and jump into a game.

How do I register my son/daughter with MHA?

MHA typically opens registration for the upcoming season in August and has several levels of play based on age and gender.  Simply navigate to the registration link posted at the top of the home page, follow the prompts and select the level and division that fits your player.

The In-House program is for girls and boys between the ages of 4-8 years old (click here for specific birth date eligibility). Players in this age range should register for one of the following divisions:

• Mighty Mite – introductory level for boys and girls, Pre-K/Kindergarten (typically 4-6 years old), often a two-year program
• 6U – girls-only team within the Mighty Mite program
• 8U – girls players ages 7-8 years old, or 1st – 3rd grade
• Mite – co-ed players separated by grade - Mite 1 (first grade), Mite 2 (second grade), Mite 3 (third grade), open to boys or girls players ages 6-8 years old, or 1st - 3rd grade

Players 9 and older should register for one of the following divisions:

• 10U (girls) & Squirt (youth): 9 or 10 yo, generally 4th and 5th grade
• 12U (girls) & Peewee (youth): 11 or 12 yo, generally 6th and 7th grade
• 15U (girls) & Bantam (youth): 13 or 14 yo, generally 8th and 9th grade

Please visit the respective program pages for more details about what to expect from the In-House and Traveling programs.

What equipment does my player need and where can I purchase it?

Each must player must wear the equipment listed below whenever on the ice:

• HECC-approved helmet with full face guard and chin strap (place a piece of tape on the front of the helmet with your child’s name to help coaches learn player names)
• Mouth guard
• Neck guard (new for 2024-25 season)
• Shoulder pads
• Elbow pads
• Hockey gloves
• Protective cup (boys) or pelvis protector (girls)
• Shin pads
• Breezers/hockey pants
• Skates
• Hockey stick (must have an enclosed butt end)

In addition to the required equipment above, MHA strongly recommends that you provide your player with the additional following equipment:

• Bag to carry equipment
• Water bottle (with long straw to fit through face guard and labeled with player’s name on it)
• Skate guards

Jersey(s) and hockey socks will be provided by MHA.

Most general sporting goods stores in the area carry youth hockey equipment (e.g. Dick’s Sporting Goods, Scheels, etc.).  There are also specialty retail stores that specialize in hockey equipment (e.g. Pure Hockey) as well as online retailers (e.g. hockeymonkey.com).  Used/Pre-owned sporting goods stores are also worth checking out, particularly at the younger ages (e.g. Play it Again, Instant Replay, etc.).  MHA typically hosts an equipment swap in late September at Parade Ice Garden - details are sent to registered families.

MHA also has rental equipment available - contact equipment@mplshockey.com for more information.

newtohockey.com is a great resource, and their Buying Guide has a good explanation of each piece of hockey equipment, so you understand why its necessary and how it should fit on your child.  USA Hockey has a 3 minute video about puck and stick control.

When and where are games and practices usually scheduled?

The In-house programs (Mighty Mite/Girls 6U, Girls 8U and Mites) typically skate for an hour every Saturday and Sunday, November through March.  On average, players will have one game out of every 4-6 ice times, depending on level.

Most practices and games are at Parade Ice Garden, however, team teams may also skate at the University of Minnesota (Ridder/Mariucci) Northeast Ice Arena, Richfield Ice Arena, and other surrounding ice arenas on occasion.  Teams may also utilize outdoor ice at local parks in addition to the weekend indoor ice, if available.

How much does it cost to register with MHA?

Registration fee for Mighty Mite/6U is $325, and for Girls 8U and Mite is $675. Register by September 30 and receive a $50 discount! Financial aid is available, please e-mail the MHA President (tmurray@mplshockey.com)