Information for New Hockey Parents
Welcome to Milton Youth Hockey. As a new parent you probably have a few questions. Below will help address the most frequently asked questions. Don't hesitate to asked questions not found in this guide. You can email us here: Milton Youth Hockey Question
Q: What equipment is provided by MYHA?
A: MYHA will provide 2 game jerseys per player. These jerseys are ON LOAN for the season, and must be returned at season’s end.
These jerseys must be washed and hung up to dry, NOT put in a clothes dryer. Jersey numbers will be determined based upon seniority within the team as well as jersey size requirements.
*The 8U House team will be provided with Jerseys they can keep.
Hockey socks must be purchased by each player. See the equipment manager for details but the cost is usually around $10. The player may keep the socks at season’s end.
Game Jerseys are NOT to be worn for practices.
Q: What equipment must I purchase for my child?
A:
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Required Equipment
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Stick
Hockey Gloves
Skates
Shin Guards
Hockey Pants
Elbow Pads
Shoulder Pads
Helmet
Neck Guard
Mouth Guard
Jersey–Practice or Game
Hockey Socks
Jock Shorts/Strap and Cup Protector (Jock shorts with velcro tabs for the hockey socks are much easier to deal with than a hockey garters).
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Optional Equipment Supplies:
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Water Bottle with long straw to fit thru facemask
Skate Socks
Long leg underwear
Long Sleeved T-Shirt/Undershirt
Towel (s)
Stick Tape
Skate blade covers/protectors
Screwdriver for equipment adjustments
(most often phillips head screws for helmets)
A good hockey bag to help organize and transfer all this equipment. A large rolling hockey bag with wheels is VERY helpful.
Q: How often should skates be sharpened?
A: The answer is really subjective based on how hard they are skated on. Let your child be your gauge as they will know when they begin to feel “loose” on the ice. Average seems to be after 4-5 hard skates.
Q: Any suggestions and tips for new hockey parents?
A: Yes, see below!
The second most important element in a successful season is arriving early enough before practice or game time. A MINIMUM of 30 minutes prior is a good target for most players. Players need time to get dressed, skates tied, and be prepared. Scrambling around and being late wastes valuable ice time.The coaches may wish to go over the practice plan with the children before they take to the ice.
Teach your child to pull/carry their own bag.
Teach your child to maintain, clean, and DRY their equipment after each practice/game and at home. If you haven’t smelled an over-ripe hockey back you’re in for a treat! Rinse it off, and leave it out to dry.
ALWAYS bring both your home and away jersey to games as the colors worn may vary.
Hockey sticks REALLY need to be the correct length for the player and this should be checked each year as the player grows! The stick should be at the players chin with their skates on or at their eyes in street shoes.Junior sticks should NOT have a large curve. State-of-the-art composite sticks aren’t necessary or even helpful for younger players.
Write your child’s name on the bottle as they all look alike.
Teach your child to drink only from their own bottle. Don’t spread germs!
Q: Where is the best place to shop?
A: There are many places to shop both online and in person. While MYHA does not endorse any local stores, we provide this list for your convenience.
Local Sporting Good Stores/Sources:
Kevin Smith Sports Connection
1174 Williston Rd,
South Burlington, VT
(802) 658-0848
Play It Again Sports (New & Used)
150 Dorset St, South Burlington, VT
(802) 865-3021
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Maple Tree Place Shopping Center
1355 Maple Tree Place (Taft Corners)
Williston, VT 05495
802-288-9854
Q: Who do I go to with questions during the season?
A: Each season, every team will have a volunteer team director. These team directors will keep you up to date on games/times/practices and all other team information. This volunteer role often acts as a liaison between the head coach and the parents.
Q: I want to help, how can I?
A: Each home game needs volunteers for the following duties:
Here’s a BRIEF description of each job
Q: How do you keep a score sheet in Hockey?
A: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWWJYall39g
Scorekeeper/Game Reports
The home team is responsible for keeping the official game report (scoresheet)
The refs will check in with you and provide their info.
The visiting team will supply their roster.
Game Reports are provided at the game. Game Report Sample
Scorekeeper simply tracks and records goals, penalties, final score.
The referee will tell the scorekeeper this info as it occurs.
Visiting team coach gets a copy of the Game Report.
Home team coach gets a copy of the Game Report.
Timekeeper
Runs the game clock.
Mostly stopping and starting the clock and blowing the horn as needed.
Penalty Box Manager(s)
This varies depending on the age level, but essentially it’s simply attending the box and opening the door to let players in and out for penalties.