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Getting Started Trinity Hillers Ice Hockey
How to get started...
My kid wants to play hockey
Your child may have brought home a flier from school, watched a Penguin game or had someone show up at your doorstep with a pair of skates saying “I think these should fit!” Whatever means brought you to us, they have developed an interest in hockey, welcome. The best way to get started is with the most fundamental and unique aspect of hockey, skating.
Many families make this an activity shared by parents, younger or older siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins. Go at your child’s pace. As their parent you can tell when they are being pushed too hard or if they are ready for a challenge. Most importantly, have fun!
Our Developmental Team
Every year, players enter the Developmental program barely able to stand on the ice. By year’s end they improve to not only skating well but passing and shooting. One of the great joys of this sport is to watch the continual noticeable improvement week to week and as their skills grow, so does their confidence and self esteem. Talk to a club officer, coach, volunteer or other parent to hear their stories of how this unique sport has changed their child’s life.
For more information please contact our president or any one of the other officers.
Other opportunities…
Public Skate
Public skating sessions are available at every rink, times will vary from month to month. During the winter months, the outdoor rinks at Wheeling and South Park have the most consistent skating schedules and at the lowest prices.
Skating classes
From beginning skating lessons to hockey powerskating, one on one and group lessons are available at almost all of the rinks in the area. These focus purely on the skating aspect of the game and are a great way to improve your child's ability. Check out the fliers at the rink or check online for the class listings as they change frequently. Most classes run year round at various rinks.
Little Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins, Sidney Crosby, Dick's Sporting Goods and Reebok teamed up to create the Little Penguins program. Of all of the classes available, this one is the most sought after for beginners. Although it usually begins after January, the program fee includes free equipment. It is geared toward younger players ages 4-7 who have never played for an official team. This may not be right for you if your child wants to start sooner, but it is great for the younger siblings. The sign ups usually occur online in early December and the programsells out within minutes of opening (be at the website a few minutes before the scheduled start time & repeatedly hit ‘refresh’). Keep a sharp eye out for this one if you are interested!
Hockey 1
Most children's introduction to hockey starts with the developmental program along with the Iceoplex's Hockey I class. Its cost is included in your first year's program fee! The best way to learn the game and to gain confidence on the ice is to be on the ice as much as possible. This class runs year round at the Iceoplex.
Mini-Mites
If your child has mastered the basics of skating, ie. move forward fifty feet, stop/fall, get up, repeat... They are ready for the Mini-Mites Program. It's a “learn to skate” and beginning hockey program for ages 4-7. This class runs year round at the Iceoplex.
Traveling
Because TIHC is a club sport, the participant’s family is responsible for transportation to & from all practices, scrimmages & games. The families of the Club are always willing to share rides or assist others when necessary.
Practice Locations and Times
We are based at the Iceoplex at Southpointe but divide our practices between the Iceoplex and Bladerunners-Bethel Park. Developmental practices are usually held on Sunday evenings at the Iceoplex. During the season practices or scrimmages may be held on Thursdays at Bethel, Saturdays at Southpointe and Sundays at either Southpointe or Bethel. All of these times are subject to change due to the availability of ice. Calendars are sent out indicating the next month’s practices and scrimmages.
Amateur Hockey
If your child falls in loves with hockey, as most of them do, or if you want them to progress faster, then you will want to consider Amateur Hockey. The Rinkrats team out of Southpointe, Aviators at the Airport Arena, Panthers at Bladerunners-Bethel Park and others in the area are examples.
These programs are open to kids from any school. They are a step up in cost due to the amount of ice time your child gets. They play a season of home and away games. They are separated by a child’s birth year (Mites, Squirts, Pee Wee, etc.) then ranked by individual skill level. Teams divided placing the better players on “Team 1”, next best on “Team 2” and so forth. The teams themselves are then ranked according to the overall skill level (AA, A+, A-, B). This ensures kids only play others in their age and skill level. Ideally, the teams should end up with an even win-loss record during the regular season. The competition really heats up during the playoffs!
