How to Start a Hockey Team

Here are some things to consider when putting together a hockey team:

• Research leagues that are based close to your hometown, you don’t want to be driving an hour to hockey once a week. Check at local arenas or contact the municipality/city headquarters. Also, keep in mind where your teammates will be coming from, they won’t want to drive an hour either!
• Once you find a league, be sure to choose the appropriate competitive level and ask whether it is contact or noncontact.
• Find out how much it is per team, per player and if there is anything else you will be asked to pay for throughout the season. Your teammates will want to know exactly how much they will need to spend.
• Ask about min/max amount of players per team, and what happens if a team has to fold due to lack of players.
• Age restrictions?

When Finding Teammates:

• Be sure to find players who will be committed to the team.
• Find at least one goalie, and it is always a bonus to have a backup, because without a goalie, it could be a tough game.
• You will need 4-6 defensive players and 6-9 offensive players.
• Remember, this team will be working together out on the ice, you want to put together a group that will have respect for the team and that will have fun no matter what the outcome is.

Communication is Key:

• As team captain/coach, the team will be looking to you for guidance and support. You are the one that is responsible for keeping the team together and keeping their spirits high.
• Be sure they know when and where all games and practices are, any cancellations/changes, and any other important updates. A great way to maintain and keep a team organized is through an online scheduling website like www.teamopolis.com where you can keep in touch with your team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Every player will have access to standings, stats, schedules, and can even message each other with an online chat built into the team site.