Black Ops Spring Program
Black Ops Spring Program
The Black Ops Program is designed for players looking to continue developing their skills, grow as players, and enjoy hockey during the off-season. This program emphasizes development, effort, and fun in a structured, positive environment.
- All practices are run by experienced IceHawks coaches
- All practices (all levels) are held at the McKendree Metro Rec Plex
- All players selected to participate receive a Black Ops jersey
Most age groups will hold tryouts or evaluation skates, and each age group’s practices will be tailored to the skill level of the players selected. While we strive to accommodate as many players as possible, please know that cuts may be required at certain levels due to roster limits.
If players of varying skill levels are selected, practices will be structured intentionally to ensure all participants are challenged appropriately and get the most out of each session.
Age Group Information & Schedules
6U Black Ops
At the 6U level, Black Ops is geared toward experienced players.
- Players must have played for the IceHawks during the most recent season or
- Have approval from the Hockey Director
For players just starting out or still working on the basics, our Learn to Play or Continue to Play programs would be a better fit.
- Saturdays: April 11 – June 27
- Time: 9:45 AM
- No classes: May 23 or May 30
Cost: $200
If coaches feel a player is too far behind the group, families may be given the option to transfer into a Learn to Play or Continue to Play program, or receive a refund. Our goal is to place every player in the right environment so they can get the most out of their experience.
8U Black Ops
At the 8U level, Black Ops is geared towards more experienced players.
- Players must have played for the IceHawks during the most recent season or
- Have approval from the Hockey Director
The first week will serve as an evaluation skate.
- Registration may be transferred to the Continue to Play program, or
- A refund will be issued minus a $15 evaluation fee
- Saturdays: April 4 – June 27
- Time: 8:30 AM
- No classes: May 23 or May 30
Cost: $200
10U Black Ops
The 10U Black Ops program is designed for players looking to continue development in a competitive spring environment. Please see below for tournament information.
- March 11 – 6:00 PM
- First practice: Monday, March 16 – 6:00 PM
- Remaining practices: Wednesdays, March 25 – May 6 at 6:00 PM
Cost: $200
Players not selected will receive a refund minus a $15 tryout fee.
12U Black Ops
The 12U Black Ops program is designed for players looking to continue development in a competitive spring environment. Please see below for tournament information.
- March 11 – 7:15 PM
- First practice: Thursday, March 19 – 6:00 PM
- Remaining practices: Wednesdays, March 25 – May 6 at 7:15 PM
Cost: $200
Players not selected will receive a refund minus a $15 tryout fee.
14U Black Ops
The 14U Black Ops program is designed for players looking to continue development in a competitive spring environment. Body contact and checking skills will also be taught. Please see below for tournament information.
- March 11 – 8:30 PM
- Wednesdays: March 18 – May 6
- Time: 8:30 PM
Cost: $200
Players not selected will receive a refund minus a $15 tryout fee.
16U Black Ops
The 16U Black Ops program is designed for players seeking continued development in a competitive spring environment. Please see below for tournament information.
- March 9 – 8:30 PM
- Mondays: March 16 – May 4
- Time: 7:45 PM
- Note: March 16 and March 23 sessions will be held at 8:30 PM
Cost: $200
Players not selected will receive a refund minus a $15 tryout fee.
Tournament Opportunities (10U–16U)
Select players may be invited to participate in tournament opportunities as part of the Black Ops program.
- Tournament opportunities may be offered at the 10U–16U levels
- Not all levels may participate in tournaments
- Not all players will be selected to participate
- Tournament participation would be an additional cost
- More information will be provided if and when tournament opportunities are confirmed
For any questions, please contact
HockeyOps@IceHawksHockey.org
Black Ops Spring 2026 Season
Black Ops Spring Program
Please note that your age group will be what your child is playing in the 26-27 season.
The Black Ops Spring Program is designed for players who want to continue developing their skills and enjoy hockey during the off-season in a structured, positive environment.
Most age groups will hold tryouts or evaluation skates. Practices are tailored to the skill level of the players selected. Roster sizes are limited and cuts may be required at certain levels.
Program Highlights
All practices run by experienced IceHawks coaches
All practices held at McKendree Metro Rec Plex
Black Ops jersey included for all selected players
6U Black Ops
Who it’s for: Experienced players only
Eligibility: Must have played for Ice Hawks last season or have Hockey Director approval
Schedule: Saturdays, April 11 – June 27 | 9:45 AM
No Classes: May 23 & May 30
Cost: $200
Players not ready for this level may be moved to Learn to Play or Continue to Play, or issued a refund.
8U Black Ops
Who it’s for: more experienced players
Eligibility: Ice Hawks players or Hockey Director approval
Evaluation: First week is an evaluation skate
Schedule: Saturdays, April 4 – June 27 | 8:30 AM
No Classes: May 23 & May 30
Cost: $200
If not selected, registration may be transferred to Continue to Play or refunded minus a $15 evaluation fee.
10U Black Ops
Tryout: March 11 – 6:00 PM
Practices:
Monday, March 16 – 6:00 PM
Wednesdays, March 25 – May 6 – 6:00 PM
Cost: $200
Refund minus $15 tryout fee if not selected.
Please see below for tournament information.
12U Black Ops
Tryout: March 11 – 7:15 PM
Practices:
Thursday, March 19 – 6:00 PM
Wednesdays, March 25 – May 6 – 7:15 PM
Cost: $200
Refund minus $15 tryout fee if not selected.
Please see below for tournament information.
14U Black Ops
Tryout: March 11 – 8:30 PM
Practices: Wednesdays, March 18 – May 6 | 8:30 PM
Focus: Development with body contact and checking skills
Cost: $200
Refund minus $15 tryout fee if not selected.
Please see below for tournament information.
16U Black Ops
Tryout: March 9 – 8:30 PM
Practices: Mondays, March 16 – May 4 | 7:45 PM
March 16 & March 23 will be at 8:30 PM
Cost: $200
Refund minus $15 tryout fee if not selected.
Please see below for tournament information.
Tournament Opportunities (10U–16U)
Select players may be invited
Not all levels or players will participate
Tournament participation is optional and an additional cost
More details will be shared if opportunities are confirmed
Questions?
📧 HockeyOps@IceHawksHockey.org
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