Ice Hockey FAQs

Each level of hockey has it’s a separate set of equipment requirements. Review your level description and parent letter for the needs of each level. 

The Park District of Oak Park proudly utilizes USA Hockey’s One Goal Program. The One Goal organization provides starter sets of equipment (no stick) for players generally ages 4-8 new to the game or unable to participate due to the high cost of equipment. One Goal Equipment has limited availabilty and is distributed on a first come, first serve basis and all fittings must be done prior to your first day of class. Quantities are very limited through the summer months. For details, please contact Bryce Miller.

Children with no or very little skating experience should register for Mini Cub 1 or Mighty Cub 1. Children who can successfully navigate a public skate (starting, stopping, etc) without assistance from a walker or the wall can enter Mini Cub/Mighty Cub 2. Those with experience should compare their current skill work to our level descriptions. See the hockey progression chart.

Participants need to be in equipment and ready to go by the time class starts. As it typically takes skaters 20 minutes to get ready, we suggest at least 20 minutes before class.

We highly recommend skaters successfully participate in one session of level 2 prior to entering the IBPL. The IBPL is designed to teach game theory and offer an opportunity to play cross ice games in a league format prior to beginning a travel program.

We highly recommend skaters complete a full season in the IBPLprior to moving into the travel hockey league. Without the experience of the IBPL, skaters will not be prepared for the game play and intensity of travel hockey.

An Ice Bear is a ferocious creature who strives to perform at a peak level and always works hard. An Ice Bear works with a pack to take out the competition. The Ice Bear is the mascot for the Travel Hockey Program.

Skaters that skip levels or advance without our permission put themselves at risk of having a skill level well below their peers and pose a safety risk to themselves and others. We find it is highly discouraging for skaters to advance without the necessary skills as they will be unprepared for the new challenges.

Our class lengths are based on the recommendations provided by USA Hockey.Studies they have done show that classes beyond these lengths are counter productive to properly learning hockey.

In an effort to bring more awareness to concussions, please click here for an overview from the National Federation of State High School Associations on what concussions are, their signs and symptoms, and other valuable information related to head injuries. Click here for a free online concussion course!

We are not able to offer stick and pucks in the fall due to a high demand of ice. We will offer Stick and Pucks during holiday breaks, as well as spring and summer.

Mini Cub 1 should be the right class to transfer to after Snowplow Sam 1. If the coaches believe he is ready for 2, they will move him up. Please remember to contact our Hockey Coordinators, Dan Seltzer or Jon Kreyer, prior to the first day of class for a gear fitting!

We generally have enough gear in stock to fit all beginners 3-8 years old. You can schedule an appointment by contacting hockey@pdop.org.

Our summer classes started the week of June 7, but you can still register online! First time players should register for Mighty Cub 1.

https://www.amilia.com/store/en/park-district-of-oak-park/shop/programs/62359