How do you start?
Like my buddy Vinny says: "Unlike other sports, there is a prerequisite for playing hockey. You got to know how to skate."
Obviously, you can start playing hockey at any age but you have to learn how to skate first. For the sake of this question of "How do you start?", I will assume that you are consumed at the birth of your child with getting your son or daughter on a hockey team in Cincinnati. "Boys, that's an automatic suspension in youth hockey!"
Age Activity
0-3 Plastic hockey sticks and pucks3-5
"Learn-to-Skate" and
"Learn to Play Hockey" 6-8 Mite Program* - No checking
9-10 Squirt League* - No checking
11-12 PeeWee League* - Checking begins (mandatory preseason safety checking clinics)13-14 Bantam League*
15-18 Midget League*
* Tryouts are held for travel/select teams at every level.
Tip for Parents:
Before you spend the money on hockey gear, it is recommended that your child attends a free "Intro to Hockey" put on by the Cincinnati Amateur Hockey Association. They will have a equipment for your child to use. Then, ask tons of questions of the volunteers and parents with kids in the hockey programs that are helping out at the event.
Please visit the website for details or email CAHA for the next scheduled date for "Intro to Hockey" and
"Learn to Skate".
"Learn to Play Hockey" for Adults
The "Learn to Skate" Cincinnati has introductory hockey programs for adults as well.
Please see their site for more information:
http://www.learntoskatecincinnati.com/icehockey/adultprograms.html