At the Seattle Junior Hockey Association, hockey is more than a game. Hockey develops lifelong skills, friendships, and a love for sports. Here are some frequently asked questions about our association, hockey in the state of Washington game, how SJHA provides one of the best youth sports experiences available to your family.

1. How do I start playing hockey?

Seattle Junior currently runs a year-round Beginner Hockey program that is broken up into four season sessions (Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring). The Beginner Program covers the basic skating and stick skills for players to graduate to a full season team within 16 weeks. For those who are trying to learn the game before 10 years of age, you will follow our Hockey 1 and Hockey 2 pathway. For those 10 years and older, you will follow our Late Start to Hockey pathway. Read more on these pages for specific program details.

2. What if I, as a parent, don't know anything about hockey?

You don’t need to know anything! (Except to dress warm for the rinks.) Our hockey community welcomes new parents all the time with open arms. You’ll have the opportunity to make new friends in the stands and learn more about the sport. Seattle Junior will also provide you with newsletters, parent meetings, and more to keep you in the loop about hockey happenings.

3. What happens after Beginner Hockey?

After you have completed either Hockey 1 and Hockey 2 or Late Start to Hockey, you may join a full season Recreational (Rec) team that runs from September through the middle of March.

4. Rep vs. Rec? 

The state of Washington has two designations for hockey programming: Representative (Rep) and Recreational (Rec). Here are the main differences between Rep and Rec hockey:

• Practices- Rep practices two 75 minute sessions per week; Rec practices two 60 minute sessions per week.
• Focus- Skill development is an equal focus for both Rep and Rec programs.
• Games/League- Rep teams play in state-wide leagues that require two games per weekend and travel to all corners of Washington state; Rec teams play one game per weekend and only play local teams (Tacoma, Bremerton, Whatcom included).
• Travel/Tournaments- Rep teams will often fly away or drive to Canada to participate in showcases and tournaments. This is up to the team to decide. Rec teams will often play local tournaments or drive to Winthrop or Bend to participate in outdoor events.
• Coaching- Seattle Junior educates and supports all coaches equally. Every coach at Seattle Junior is held to the same standard for participation, conduct, and preparation.
• Tryouts/Evaluations- Rep teams are selected through a tryout process; for Rec hockey, all players make a team. The Rec teams are equally balanced and will be decided through a series of evaluations at the beginning of the season.
• Cost- Check out our Program Pathways page for specific prices.
• Season Length- Both Rep and Rec seasons will be roughly early September to early March.

5. What is Mitey Mite? What is Mite?  

There are two options for 8U hockey: Mite and Mitey Mite.  Mitey Mites are players (8 and under) that have completed Hockey 1 and 2 or have been recommended by the Beginner Hockey Director to matriculate early. Mitey Mites (2hrs a week) practice once a week and play an in-house game once a week for the duration of the season. Mites are players (8 and under) that have completed Mitey Mite or have been recommended by the Mite Coaching Staff to matriculate early. Mites (3hrs a week) practice twice a week and play a modified travel game schedule (never outside the greater Seattle area). Check out our Program Pathways page for specific prices.

6. What are the specific registrations?

For Rep hockey players, a registration link will be sent to you when you have been offered a spot on one of our teams. For Rec hockey players, please register for the season here.

7. Are coaches qualified?

All Seattle Junior coaches receive annual, age-appropriate training and certification from USA and the United States Center for SafeSport. This creates a safe environment, where every child receives the proper instruction to play hockey. Additionally, Seattle Junior coaches receive quarterly professional development workshops through Seattle Junior’s Coach Speaker Series. Coaches will be exposed to off-ice trainers, nutritionists, sports psychologist, expert coaches, and leadership trainers to constantly add tools to their coaching craft. We promote a growth mindset at Seattle Junior and our coaches are the keystone to establishing this with their players and families. Also, coaches will be observed multiple times throughout the season by the Hockey Director to sharpen their practice themes, instruction skills, and receive positive feedback about what is working too.

8. What about girls’ hockey?

Hockey isn’t a boy’s sport. SJHA and the Western Washington Female Hockey Association (WWFHA) have partnered to provide the state's largest girls' hockey program. With Girls' Only Try Hockey For Free, Girls' Only Beginner Hockey, Recreational teams at 8U and 10U, and Rep teams at 12U-17U, we will be supporting over 100 girls who are pioneering the game in Washington. 

9. What if I'm still not sure about hockey?

Seattle Junior offers four Try Hockey for Free events each year with no strings attached. Come out, give it a shot, and witness your child’s smile first hand!

10. When does the regular season start? Are there other dates I should know?

Seattle Junior teams begin practicing the week after Labor Day each season and continues through the beginning of March. All important dates such as tryouts, camps, clinics, and other opportunities will be housed on our calendar page.

11. I already paid for my child’s hockey registration. What are these other charges?

In order to be registered with Seattle Junior, you must be registered with USA Hockey. Both USA Hockey and the Pacific Northwest Amateur Hockey Association (PNAHA) require annual registration fees beyond your dues to SJHA to provide insurance for all players, coaches, and volunteers within the organization. You may also be approached about a “Slush Fund” from your team’s manager. Typically, SJHA managers or treasurers will also collect a “Slush Fund” that will pay for team events like tournaments or parties as well as other miscellaneous items that SJHA cannot not pay for including coaches’ travel fees, coaching stipends, and team gifts.

12. I have a problem, a question, a suggestion, a desire to give kudos... who do I talk to?

Check out our new contact flow page!