Frequently Asked Questions (with answers!)

• When does the ice season begin?
• How much does it cost to play ice hockey?
• Where is the home ice rink?
• What are the age classifications for ice hockey?
• What equipment do I need for ice hockey?
• What can you tell me about ice skates?
• What can you tell me about hockey sticks?
• How do I know what size equipment I should buy?
• Where can I buy equipment for ice hockey?
• Are your ice hockey coaches certified?
• How do I get involved in coaching ice hockey?
• When is the registration for the next ice hockey season?
• How many games and practices are there in an ice hockey season?
• Can you tell me more about the Mini-Mite Program?
• Do you have a lesson plan for the Mini-Mite Program?

Inline Hockey Questions

• What is the PWHC-Inline League (PWHC-IL)?
• Who is USA Hockey Inline?
• What do players get for registering with USA Hockey Inline?
• What different programs does PWHC-IL offer?
• How many seasons does PWHC-IL have and how long do they last?
• When is registration for each season?
• When and where are inline house program games played?
• When are house program practices?
• What are the age groups?
• Do you have to have a minimum level of ability to register for a house program team?
• How much does it cost?
• What do the registration fees pay for?
• Are the referees trained?
• What equipment is required?
• What can you tell me about skates?
• What can you tell me about hockey sticks?
• How can I help?

Q: What is the PWHC-Inline League (PWHC-IL)?

A: PWHC-IL is the unit of the Prince William Hockey Club (PWHC) that sponsors youth inline hockey.  PWHC-IL seeks to develop each player's ability to play a competitive team sport through an emphasis on sportsmanship, camaraderie, and personal development.  Our goal is to provide the youth of Prince William County and the surrounding areas with a place to learn the fundamentals of inline hockey in a fun and safe environment. PWHC-IL is sanctioned by USA Hockey InLine.

Q: Who is USA Hockey InLine?

A: USA Hockey InLine (USAHIL) is the official inline hockey program of USA Hockey, Inc., the national governing body for the sport of hockey in the United States.  The mission of USA Hockey InLine is to promote the growth of inline hockey in America and to provide the best possible experience for all participants by encouraging, developing, advancing, and administering the sport of inline hockey.

Q: What do players get for registering with USA Hockey InLine?

A: There are a number of participant benefits associated with USA Hockey InLine membership. Players receive an individual membership card, excess medical, catastrophic and liability coverage, a subscription to American Hockey Magazine, a copy of the USAHIL official playing rules book (upon request), opportunities to participate in USAHIL events, clinics, and an e-mail newsletter. 

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Q: What different programs does PWHC-IL offer?

A:  PWHC-IL offers both house and travel programs.  The house program typically involves one practice and one game per week, with all games being played at Total Sports Pavilion in Prince William County.  The travel program allows players to represent PWHC in competition against other teams at the local, regional, and national level. 

In addition to the house and travel programs, PWHC-IL sponsors skating and hockey clinics, usually during the summer.  For additional information about upcoming programs or clinics, please contact the Director of PWHC Inline Hockey.

Q: How many seasons does PWHC-IL have and how long do they last?

A: PWHC-IL's house program has three playing seasons:  Fall, Winter, and Spring.  Each season includes approximately 9-10 games plus at least one playoff game.

Fall season - From early September to just before Thanksgiving.

Winter season - From just after Thanksgiving through approximately late February, with a break during the winter holidays. 

Spring season - From approximately early March through approximately the end of the school year.

PWHC-IL's travel program has two playing seasons: Fall and Spring.

Q: When is registration for each season?

A:  Registration is virtually always open for the PWHC-IL house program.  Registration for the Fall season usually starts in late spring.  Registration for the other seasons usually starts during the preceding season. For additional information about the current registration, go to the PWHC Registration Page.

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Registration for a PWHC-IL travel team is based on being selected to a team after participating in a tryout process.  For additional information about PWHC-IL's inline hockey travel program, please contact [Mike Artist].

Q: When and where are inline house program games played?

A: House program games are played on Saturdays and Sundays. The games take 1 hour to play, with three 15-minute periods. Teams usually play one game per week, but may be scheduled for more or less if necessary. House program games are played at Total Sports Pavilion.  

Q: When are house program practices?

A: House program practices are scheduled by the individual coaches. They are usually held one day per week, usually on a weekday evening or on weekends.  Since the League does not arrange practices, there may be an additional fee for practices arranged by the team's coach.

Q: What are the age groups?

A: PWHC-IL sponsors up to five age divisions, broken down as follows:

8 and under (Mites)

10 and under (Squirts)

12 and under (PeeWees)

14 and under (Bantam)

17 and under (Midget)

The age divisions are based on the player's age as of the December 31st in the year that the player registers to play in.

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Q: Do you have to have a minimum level of ability to register for a house program team?

A: No.  All players are welcome in PWHC-IL's house program.  Our players range in skill level from those just beginning the sport to some of the most skilled players in the country.  You will be placed on a team based on a brief review of your background. 

Q: How much does it cost?

A: PWHC-IL Registration fees for the house program are $85 (for early registration). USA Hockey InLine registration is required and is an additional $25 annually (or $18 if registering for the first time in the spring season).  For additional information about registering for the house program, go to the PWHC Registration Page.

Registration fees for the travel program vary depending upon the individual team schedule.

Q: What do the registration fees pay for?

A: Registration fees pay for rink rental, referees, player's jerseys (for the house program), season-ending awards, and administrative costs. Registration fees for the house inline program do not include practices, which are separately arranged for by each team's head coach.

Q: Are the referees trained?

A: All referees used by PWHC-IL are approved by USAHIL.  Most have received full USAHIL certification.

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Q: What equipment is required?

A: USAHIL requires that all players have the following equipment to participate in any USAHIL-sanctioned event:  inline skates, helmet (HECC approved), full face mask (HECC approved), colored (non-clear) internal mouth guard, elbow pads, gloves designed for hockey, knee and shin protector designed for hockey, and a hockey stick.

Q: How can I help?

A: We always need sponsors, coaches, managers, time/score keepers, and officials (officiating provides for great exercise, and is a paid opportunity) If interested please send us an e-mail.

If your question was not answered here,
please feel free to email us and we will answer any questions you have.

info@pwhockey.com

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