New Hockey Parents
Welcome to Hockey Alberta - if this is your first time registering your child in hockey and getting them started on playing in a team sport that will help build new friendships, enjoyment of physical activity and development of life skills on and off the ice, then this page is for you!
As a new hockey parent, you may be scratching your head, wondering where to start. This page is here to provide important resources and answers for some of the questions you might have. Click on each tab for different resources.
Equipment for your child will ensure that they can play the game correctly, and more importantly, safely. Your child’s safety is paramount to them enjoying the game and is a top priority of sanctioned hockey.
Equipment can be purchased at stores like Canadian Tire, Sportchek, Source for Sports, and Play It Again Sports. You can also check your area for local sports stores near you!
Required items for your child to play hockey include:
- Equipment bag
- Jock (boys) / Jill (girls)
- Shin pads
- Hockey socks
- Hockey pants
- Skates - keep in mind that skate sizes should typically be 1-1.5 sizes smaller than your shoe size for a proper fit, but allow for room for feet to grow.
- Shoulder pads
- Elbow pads
- Neck guard
- Helmet with full cage
- Mouth guard
- Hockey stick
Recommended items for your child to play hockey include:
- Stick tape
- Practice jersey (if none are provided by team)
- Water bottle
- Shin pad tape
- Skate guards
Visit the Financial Assistance tab for resources on obtaining equipment you may not be able to afford.
With over 180 minor hockey associations all throughout the province, you can contact the MHA closest to your child and receive information from them on how to register for their programs, as well as any additional information you may need for the season. Many MHAs have their own websites and social media which provide useful information regarding registration and the season ahead. The MHA with which you will register depends on your residential address.
Minor Hockey Association Registration Dates & Websites >
If you need assistance with finding your regional area, please contact Hockey Alberta staff and we will be happy to provide assistance.
There are different age groups to register your child in, dependent on their birth year. As of this moment, registration for the 2024-25 season includes:
- U18 Male/Female: For the 2024-25 season, open to Players born in 2007 and subsequent years.
- U15 Male/Female: For the 2024-25 season, open to Players born in 2010 and subsequent years.
- U13 Male/Female: For the 2024-25 season, open to Players born in 2012 and subsequent years.
- U11 Male/Female: For the 2024-25 season, open to Players born in 2014 and subsequent years.
- U9 and U7 part of the Intro to Hockey Model.
Some families may be looking for financial assistance to get their child out on the ice - here are some resources to visit to learn more about easier access to playing hockey and getting equipment for your child.
- Every Kid Every Community - The EKEC Player Assistance Grant is for financial support to current or new players looking to play the game of hockey who may not otherwise have the opportunity to do so because of financial hardship. The purpose of the grant program is to retain and increase the number of young hockey players in Alberta.
- Kidsport Oil Country Hockey Assist Program - The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation is collaborating with KidSport Alberta to help increase access to youth hockey. At this moment, the program states that approved applicants are eligible to receive up to $750 per player for their registration fees, as well as access to no-cost equipment from Sport Central. Should you live outside of the region, there are instructions on how to apply to the KidSport HAF chapter that covers your region.
- Calgary Flames EvenStrength Program - This program allows some financial assistance for players registered/registering with Hockey Calgary. The FESP helps cover the costs of registration fees and gives kids access to no-cost equipment through the Calgary Flames Sports Bank. Qualified low-income families playing with other hockey associations in Southern Alberta will receive up to an additional $100 to help cover their registration fees and access to the Calgary Flames Sports Bank .
- Jumpstart - Jumpstart features grants to help get your child playing sports with financial assistance. Individual Child Grants are available for those eligible to receive them and require an application. The annual maximum amount a child is eligible to receive is up to $600, subject to Chapter discretion and/or local demands.
- Hockey Canada Assist Fund - The Hockey Canada Foundation Assist Fund was created in response to the many families experiencing financial challenges. The goal of the Fund is to help Canadian youth access hockey and play the game they love. The Assist Fund will provide up to $500 per player in registration fee subsidies to approved applicants who are registered with a Hockey Canada-sanctioned association.
