New to hockey?
Do you have questions on our youth hockey program?
Welcome to SRYHA! Below is some general information for our new families. This will help answer some initial questions regarding our association and starting hockey.
The association uses its website: www.saukrapidshockey.org as the primary means of communication. Check the website for updates, schedule changes and any other SRYHA related information. Our objectives at the U8 and below levels are:
1. Enjoyable introduction and experience to hockey and our Association
2. Provide a healthy environment of fun and learning
3. Teach the basic fundamental skills via USA Hockey's ADM
4. High participation, fun, and skill development
5. Development of communication at the players’ level of learning
6. Introduction to small area games
Let's get it out of the way, What does it cost to play hockey?
NEW SKATERS 8U and under will receive player dues for FREE!!! That's correct. Simply pay the USA Hockey registration along with the SRYHA registration of $30 and pay no more for the rest of the season.
Will I have to sell items to raise funds for the Association?
Yes. There is a fundraiser that begins in November. All association players are expected to participate in this so we can continue to keep costs manageable inside SRYHA. It is a great and easy way to have a chance at winning multiple cash prizes that will be distributed each month through the entire year. Each family, regardless of how many skaters they have, will only need to sell 20 tickets for $20 each to be entered into the raffle. This can be purchased by yourself, family, friends, coworkers, etc. - More information will be sent out regarding raffle information, dates to collect the raffle tickets, as well as turn in dates.
What is the difference between Jr. Storm/U6/U8 Levels?
Jr. Storm: This program is the start. This is for all NEW skaters and those younger than Kindergarten. Whether your player –girl or boy –has never put on skates or has only skated a few times, all skaters are welcome. An emphasis is placed on basic hockey and skating fundamentals and most importantly, having fun. Our Jr. Storm program runs from early October until the end of December. At the end of December, Jr. Storm skaters can elect to end their skating for the season or continue on and then will be placed in the age-appropriate session (U6 or U8, etc).
U6: These skaters are Kindergartners and 1st Graders or 5 years old before June 1st. We will incorporate and promote the American Development Model, a proven system by USA Hockey, and will place a large emphasis on basic hockey and skating fundamentals and most importantly, having fun. Our U6 program runs from early October until the end of February/early March. The season is capped off by our Mite Jamboree.
U8: These skaters are 2nd and 3rd Graders or skaters who turn 7 before June 1. We will incorporate and promote the American Development Model, a proven system by USA Hockey, and will place a large emphasis on basic hockey and skating fundamentals and most importantly, having fun. Our U8 program runs from early October until the end of February/early March. The season is capped off by our Mite Jamboree.
Our association follows the ADM guide very closely to heighten the level of development your skater will receive. Click here to learn more about USA Hockey's ADM. https://www.admkids.com/about
Coaches for our programs focus on the introduction to:
Hockey fundamentals, Skating skills, Puck handling, Passing and Receiving, and Shooting. The use of multiple coaches, fun games, and cross-ice/small game activities in these programs ensure an active and varied learning environment for your young skater.
**We are always on the look-out for more coaches - if you have any skating experience, please sign up! You will receive volunteer hours as well as receive training!
All Jr. Storm/U6/U8 groups start September 30th, 2025!
When will my player skate?
It is our Association’s goal to have a consistent set schedule for our JR Storm/U6/U8 program as much as possible.
Jr. Storm and U6 will practice twice a week - one week night and one weekend morning.
U8 will have three practices a week.
**You will be able to view your child's weekly schedule on our sports app and on our website's calendar.
What equipment does my player need?
Skates, shin pads, protective/pelvic cup, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, hockey pants/breezers, mouth guard, helmet with full face shield, and a hockey stick. Click this link for a visual of all equipment needed:
https://newtohockey.com/hockey-equipment-buying-guide-for-kids/
SRYHA gives each NEW player a practice jersey to keep and a game day jersey to borrow for games.
SRYHA has FREE loaner equipment for new skaters that will be distributed on Back to Hockey Night, details emailed to registered skaters!
Equipment that is not provided and will need to be purchased is:
Helmet (must be new), Skates, Stick, Neck Guard, Mouth Guard, Protective Cup with Shorts, and Hockey Socks.
These can all be purchased at Play It Again Sports, SCHEELS, or Pure Hockey. Play It Again Sports has a great variety of new and used hockey equipment, keep in mind that kids grow quickly and so it is a great option to purchase used for most items! Please ask the staff for help if you are unsure of sizing for skates, stick, etc.
Will I have to volunteer my time to the Association?
Each family is required to complete 16 hours per skater (up to 2 skaters per family) each season as well as a Raffle Fundraiser. There are multiple ways to complete these hours and they will be emailed out throughout the season. A few of the main ways to volunteer are: At our concession stand in SAE, home tournaments, and our end of the season Jamboree for U6 and U8 skaters. Any volunteer hour not completed by the end of the season will need to pay $75 for each hour uncompleted.
Jr. Storm skaters who end their season in December, will not be required to complete these 16 hours per skater, but will still be required to complete the Fundraiser, which is stated above.
SRYHA is full of families that have a lot of experience in this hockey life - they are great resources to turn to; as well as our Jr. Storm, U6, and U8 Coordinators! Feel free to reach out at any point in the season to any of the coordinators, as well as anyone from our SRYHA Hockey Board with any questions, concerns, or if you would like to join us on the board.
We are excited to have new families join our hockey family - and welcome to Sauk Rapids Youth Hockey Association!
WHAT IS THE AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT MODEL?
Our association follows the ADM guide very closely to heighten the level of development your skater will receive. Click here to learn more about USA Hockey's ADM. https://www.admkids.com/about
Coaches for our programs focus on the introduction to:
Hockey fundamentals, Skating skills, Puck handling, Passing and Receiving, and Shooting. The use of multiple coaches, fun games, and cross-ice/small game activities in these programs ensure an active and varied learning environment for your young skater.