In U18, your child will be on a hockey team of 14 to 17 year old kids.
Hockey jersey and matching socks are provided.
Full equipment is required, including a neck guard. Label all equipment, especially gloves, sticks and helmets.
Don't forget a water bottle, clearly labeled with your child's name on it. If you forget water, you may need to take your child to the water fountain part-way through the practice session.
Mouth guards (optional, but highly recommended) must be tethered to the helmet, unless they have been custom-fitted by a dentist.
Most players will change at the rink.
Players are expected to arrive at the rink at least twenty five (25) minutes before the start of the game -- coaches may discuss strategy prior to the start of the game.
As you enter the arena, look on the whiteboard/chalkboard or TV monitor for the team dressing room number. Note that girls on the team can change in a separate dressing room, if desired.
Parents are not permitted in the dressing rooms at any time except in circumstances where your child requires emergency assistance. SSHA Dressing Room Policy.
At this stage, although the players are fairly independent, a parent (or a designated representative) must always be at the rink to assist your child as required.
Parents cannot be at the player's bench. If a child needs to leave the ice, the parent should meet the child at one of the exits on the ice.
Each session is usually 2 hours in length, with the first hour being practice, and the second hour being a game supervised by referees. There will be a 10-minute zamboni break between the practice and game.
There will be 2 referees that call the game according to the rules of the Canadian Hockey Association. Parents should respect referees and their decisions. They are highly-skilled volunteers.
By now, most players will have specialized into a position.
There is usually a primary/full time goalie on each team and may be a part time goalie as well.
