ARE YOU NEW TO HOCKEY?

1. Who is WYHA?
The Wooster Youth Hockey Association (WYHA) is a 501(c)3 organization located in Wooster, Ohio. Our mission is to introduce the youth of our area to the great game of ice hockey, such that every child, through their participation in the program, can enjoy a positive, character building sports experience while creating a passion for the game.

Emphasis will always be placed upon individual skill development, personal development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The individual conduct of WYHA directors, coaches, players, and parents will be maintained to ensure a positive culture in which all can honor the sport and exemplify an organization in which to be proud of.

And above all else... "It’s always about the kids."

2. My child expressed interest in playing: where do we start?
ANIA programing offers Learn to Skate, a great place to start for potential hockey players. Skaters graduate to Learn to Play, also offered through the rink.  Players progress onto team placement at the beginning of the next youth hockey season, if they are ready.

3. Is equipment provided?
ANIA offers rental equipment for Learn to Play hockey. Most players, however, purchase new equipment as they age through the program. WYHA and ANIA will accept equipment donations when a player can no longer use something or cannot pass it along to a sibling.

4. How much does hockey cost?
Each spring WYHA sets the player dues for the following season. Dues cover practices, games, referee fees, league costs. Dues do not cover costs for equipment, uniforms, or any tournaments in which teams participate. 

Here are the dues for the 2024-2025 season. 

8U (Mite): $975
10U (Squirt): $1175
12U (Peewee): $1375
14U (Bantam): $1575
HighSchool: $2475
 

5. Is financial aid available?
WYHA offers fundraising opportunities to trim and cover costs. Fundraising opportunities differ by season, at times, and by team. Look for email communication from WYHA and/or a team manager, regarding fundraising for the current season. Do not hesitate to contact the WYHA board with fundraising inquiries or financial need-based concerns. 
 

6. What are the age classifications for hockey teams?
Participation on teams is defined by the player’s birth year until high school hockey, when players are classified according to class (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior). The following list illustrates the age classifications for WYHA youth hockey teams in the 2024-2025 season:

8U (Mite): Birth years 2016 and younger
10U (Squirt): Birth years 2015 and 2014
12U (Peewee): Birth years 2013 and 2012
14U (Bantam): Birth years 2010 and 2011
High School: Birth years 2009 to 2006
 

7. Where and when do the teams play?
WYHA practices at ANIA. Teams practice twice a week in the evenings. Typically practices occur on a Tues/Thurs or Mon/Wed schedule. Home games are also played at ANIA. 8U-14U teams play in the CSHL (Cleveland Suburban Hockey League). Most road games are in the Cleveland area. The high school team plays in the NCHSHL (North Coast High School Hockey League), which is the CSHL equivalent for that age. Teams may also play in tournaments throughout the seasons, usually out of town during MLK and President’s Day weekends, though some may occur locally at other times during the season. Teams can also play games against non CSHL opponents at the discretion of each coach. The overwhelming majority of games align with weekends, typically Saturdays and Sundays. NCHSHL playoffs occur in mid-February for high school teams.

8. How long is the season?
Tryouts/team placement occurs in late April or early May. Practices begin at the start of September. Preseason play open in mid-September, ensuring teams play at an appropriate competitive level. Regular season games start in October and cross the calendar to the middle of February. Practices end at the conclusion of February. Qualifying teams for 10U-14U participate in the CSHL semi-finals and finals, typically at the end of February or beginning of March at the latest. 
 

9. What do these levels of play mean in the CSHL?
AA = advanced level of play
A = intermediate level of play (A1 is stronger than A2, etc.).
B = instructional level of play (B1 is stronger than B2, etc.).

8U hockey in the CSHL uses levels of Red, White, and Blue. Red is stronger than White. White is a higher level of play than Blue.