Welcome To the Southern Illinois Ice Hawks Page

Southern Illinois IceHawks Q & A

 

Who are the Hawks?

Southern Illinois Icehawks (SIIH) is the local youth hockey organization serving the following zip codes:  62043, 62059, 62071, 62201, 62203, 62204, 62205, 62206, 62207, 62208, 62220, 62221, 62222, 62223, 62225, 62226, 62232, 62234, 62239, 62248, 62254, 62255, 62258, 62260, 62264, 62265, 62269, 62282, 62285, 62289, 62298.  If you do not see your zip code, visit http://www.mohockeyyd.org/Zipcodes.jsp to locate your designated club.    

The Icehawks play out of the U.S. Ice Sports Complex in Fairview Height, IL. 

 

SIIH is a member of USA Hockey (USAH), the National Governing Body for the sport of ice hockey in the United States.  USA Hockey's mission is to promote the growth of hockey in America and to provide the best possible experience for all participants.  All players are required to register with USAH prior to tryouts and team participation.  There is a fee to register for USA Hockey.  Please visit www.usahockey.com to register and for an explanation of membership benefits.

 

SIIH is also a member of Missouri Hockey (MO Hockey), the USAH affiliate governing amateur hockey in the St. Louis area.  Fees associated with belonging to this organization are collected through the IceHawks fees. There is no need to register separately for MO Hockey.

 

The league is officiated by the Missouri Ice Hockey Officials Association (MIHOA).   

 

How much does it cost to play for the IceHawks & what do those fees cover?

The average cost per season for each age group is listed below.  The majority of the cost pays for ice time at U.S Ice.  SIIH players will skate an average of two times per week throughout the six month season.  Teams will often combine or share ice to give the skaters more ice time, without adding any additional cost to you.  The IceHawks organization also offers many fundraising options to offset your fees.

 

MINI-MITE - $525
$450 (ice fee) + $25 (reversible jersey fee) + $50 (SIIH registration + banquet + online fee)

 

MITE (tier 1) - $550
$450 (ice fee) + $25 (reversible jersey fee) + $75 (SIIH registration + banquet + online fee)

MITE (tier 2) - $700
$600 (ice fee) + $25 (reversible jersey fee) + $75 (SIIH registration + banquet + online fee)

 

SQUIRT/PEEWEE GRHL(House)/BANTAM B - $800  
$600 (ice fee) + $200 (SIIH registration + MIHOA fee + MO Hockey + banquet + online fee)

SQUIRT/PEEWEE/BANTAM League/Travel - $1075
$875 (ice fee) + $200 (SIIH registration + MIHOA fee + MO Hockey + banquet + online fee)

 

MIDGET - $600
$500 (ice fee) + $100 (SIIH registration + MIHOA fee + MO Hockey + online fee)

 

 

What division/age group will my child play during the 2011-2012 season?

Mini Mite       Players born in the years 2005-2006

Mite                Players born in the years 2003-2004

Squirt              Players born in the years 2001-2002

PeeWee          Players born in the years 1999-2000

Bantam           Players born in the years 1997-1998

Midget                         Players born in the years 1993-1996

 

Do we need to pay everything up front?

The fees can be paid in 4 increments via our online registration program.  Payments are due the 15^th of the month, beginning September 15 and ending December 15.  A late fee of $25 will be assessed if payment is not received on the scheduled due date.  In the event a financial hardship occurs, please contact the SIIH Treasurer to discuss additional payment options.

 

What about jerseys, equipment, socks, etc.?

Each player is responsible for providing his/her own equipment.  Jerseys & socks will need to be purchased by each player.  As we move closer to the start of the season, more information about pricing & sizing of uniforms will be made available.

 

Is there a volunteer fee?

Yes.  Every SIIH family is required to pay a $150 volunteer fee at the start of each season.  Volunteer fees are refunded in full when families complete 5 hours of volunteer time directly benefiting SIIH.  A list of approved opportunities can be found on the Hawks website at www.icehawkshockey.org.

 

Are there fundraisers?

Yes!  The SIIH Board Fundraising Committee is hard at work creating a list of all of the fundraisers that will be available to you to help offset your hockey fees.  At season start, more information will become available.  Please check the Hawks website regularly for opportunities.

 

What kind of time commitment does this involve?

On average, skaters will be on the ice 2 times a week.  This may vary week to week, team to team, and level to level.

 

Who will the coaches be?

The coaches will be announced once the team rosters are decided. SIIH and Missouri Hockey require that all coaches complete a USA Hockey coaching program which includes a background check. Most head coaches are parents of players participating in the program.  Coaching positions are volunteer positions with certification funded by SIIH. 

 

How will I know if my child made the team?

Everyone makes the team!  The IceHawks are committed to your child’s continued development of learning the sport of hockey and creating an atmosphere that promotes fun, enjoyment, and a love of the game above all else.  All team rosters will be announced on the Hawks website.

 

What are the various levels of play?

The following are the divisions of play, although not each age level offers each division:

GRHL – (House) – This may be broken into Gold & Silver Divisions, with Gold being more advanced than Silver

Level B – This may be broken into B1 & B2, with B1 being more advanced than B2

Level A – This may be broken into A1 & A2, with A1 being more advanced than A2

Level AA

Central States

Level AAA

 

How much travel is involved & where do they travel to?

Most of the travel will be focused in the St. Louis area, however, teams may opt to participate in tournaments that would take them out of the St. Louis area.  Tournaments are not included in the average fees listed above. 

 

How long is the season?

The season is approximately September–February, with Championship Finals in March.

 

 

When are tryouts? Is there a tryout fee?

Tryouts for the 2011-2012 season will take place in July. Yes, there is a tryout fee.  Please check the IceHawks website regularly for posted dates, times and fees.  It is imperative that your child is registered with USA Hockey and all tryouts fees are paid prior to stepping on the ice.  Tryout fees are to be paid at the door the day of tryouts. 

 

Do I just show up at tryouts with my child ready to skate?
No.  Prior to tryouts you MUST register you child with USA Hockey online www.usahockey.com.  After paying the online fee you will receive a registration confirmation number.  Continue the registration process by accessing the IceHawks online registration www.icehawkshockey.org.  Your child’s USAH registration confirmation number will be needed in order to complete the IceHawks registration.  Please refer to the above age groups if you are not sure of your child’s age bracket.  If you are unable to register your child on the IceHawks website prior to tryouts it is still mandatory (for insurance purposes) that you register with USA Hockey.  You will be required to submit the registration confirmation page to the SIIH Registrar the day of tryouts. 

 

How early do we arrive for tryouts and how long do they last?
Tryouts will begin promptly when scheduled. Your child should be dressed in full equipment and ready to get on the ice as soon as the session begins. As such, please get your child to the rink at least a half an hour early.  Anticipate that check-in will take a few moments.  The tryout sessions last for one hour.

 

Does my child have to attend Prep Camp and Evaluations? 

Prep Camp and Evaluations are not mandatory but they do provide valuable information to SIIH in determining how many players and teams they will roster for the season.

 

Must my child attend Tryouts?    

All players must attend Tryouts; most importantly directed to those players wishing to make the travel teams.  In the event your child is not able to attend tryouts, please contact the Coaching Director so that other arrangements can be made. 

 

Can I volunteer?

Absolutely!  SIIH is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dependant upon volunteers.  All positions of leadership are volunteer; to include all Board Members, Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Team Managers, etc.  SIIH welcomes all families to take ownership in the organization by getting involved and volunteering.

 

NEW rules for the MiniMite/Mite program.

Starting in the 2011-2012 season, all 8 and under players (Mini Mite and Mite) will follow the USA Hockey ADM Red, White & Blue model with exception of Mite AA.  Clubs will be allowed to field 1 Mite AA team for the 2011-2012 season only.  Starting in 2012-2013 all 8 and under will follow the USA Hockey ADM Red, White & Blue model.   Format of the Missouri Hockey 8 and under Red, White & Blue program:

• USA Hockey ADM Red, White & Blue model practices consisting of small area games and skills
• Monthly city wide festival weekends hosted by each club utilizing half ice games
• All players will practice together
• Players will be divided by skill level for festivals
• Participation in the State Championship Weekend

 

 

 

 

If I have more questions, who do I direct them to?

Your SIIH Board for the 2011-2012 is here to help make your experience with the Icehawks enjoyable, successful, and FUN!  Any questions, comments, suggestions, or concerns can be heard by any of the following:

 

 

Business Director                                         Eric Kirkpatrick             eric@lawkirkpatrick.com

 

 

 

Helpful Websites

 

Southern Illinois Icehawks – www.icehawkshockey.org

U.S. Ice Sports Complex – www.usicesports.com

Missouri Hockey – www.mohockey.org

USA Hockey – www.usahockey.com