Q. Is there a sibling discount?
A. Yes, we apply all sibling discounts following the completion of season registration. We do provide discounts for siblings in different programs (House, Travel-Lite and/or Travel).
Q. I see that the House Hockey Winter Season is split by age. I have children that are both 10U and 8U. Can I have them be on the same night for weekday practices?
A. Yes, we can handle these requests on a case by case basis. We understand the complexities of family scheduling so are able/willing to accommodate.
Q. Do we need to provide our own equipment?
A. Yes, each player is responsible for their own equipment. With enough time, we can assist in securing used items but cannot guarantee availability. Please see a quick list below of required items:
- Skates
- Shin/knee pads
- Hockey pants
- Shoulder pads
- Elbow pads
- Gloves
- Hockey helmet (HECC certified)
- Neck laceration protection (neck guard)
- Stick
Q. We need to get equipment. What do you suggest?
A. We have three suggested avenues:
1) Donated
Communicate your needs with us and we will do our best to secure donated equipment. We cannot guarantee availability and we suggest you reach out as far in advance as possible. For any questions and/or assistance, please contact House Hockey Director, Matt McLaughlin (matt@tricityeagles.com).
2) New
Mike Hendrix at East Coast Sporting Goods (pro shop at The Gardens Ice House) and his staff are fantastic for getting your player outfitted with the best equipment available.
3) Used
If you’re interested in purchasing used equipment, a simple “used ice hockey equipment” browser search will provide plenty of options. There is also a Play-It-Again-Sports in Ellicott City, MD.
Definitely consider donating used and/or outgrown equipment back to Tri-City to continue our efforts to ease the entry point cost for our sport!
Q. What opportunities for improvement exist between now and the start of the House Hockey Winter Season?
A. You’re in luck! The Gardens Ice House and Tri-City Eagles are proud to offer skating and hockey opportunities year round!
Recommendation #1: skate, skate, skate. It is very important to build a strong foundation in skating skills. The Gardens Ice House’s Learn to Skate program is a great place to start! Visit their website here.
Once you’ve built a basic foundation in skating skills, you’ll be ready to enter hockey specific programming. Leading into the House Hockey Winter Season, the Tri-City Eagles provide a House Hockey Fall Mini-Season which features a Saturday 1-2pm session focused on skill development, small area games, and fun. We are approaching the 3rd session on 9/21 and do always provide the option of purchasing a single drop-in session. Check out registration information on our House Hockey Fall Mini-Season on our website!
Q. What's the difference between "Learn to Play Hockey" and "House Hockey?"
A. “Learn to Play” =
- Equipment provided for the length of series
- Focus on fundamental skills
- Does not require USA Hockey Membership
“House Hockey”
- Player is responsible for own equipment
- Focus:
- Winter Season = a balanced development of hockey skills, hockey concepts, and small area competitive play
- Mini-Season = a primary focus on fun, small area competitive play with supportive skill and concept development
- USA Hockey Membership Required
Q. Can I transition into House Hockey in the middle of the Winter Season?
A. Yes! Contact Matt McLaughlin (matt@tricityeagles.com) for information.
Q. Can I participate in multiple programs at the same time?
A. Yes! In fact, we have intentionally built a few bridges to accommodate.
- Saturdays are almost always 3 consecutive hours of “Learn to Skate,” followed by “Learn to Play,” and finishing with “Tri-City Eagles House Hockey” from 1-2pm. Combining programs is a great way to maximize your experience.
- Our Mini-Season start and end dates are built to match up with “Learn to Play,” meaning you’ll be able to complete a “Learn to Play” series and immediately continue to the Mini-Season the very next week.
