NWAHA Program

NWAHA endeavors to maximize it players' development in a fun environment, and balance the fostering of the competitive spirit with good sportsmanship, discipline, and fairness. We believe that our balanced philosophy has produced a recipe for success. With the dedication of our qualified volunteers, the coaching support system in place, and the quality of our practice facilities, we firmly believe that NWAHA is one of the best town hockey programs in the four-state area. We sincerely hope you enjoy your 2011-2012 season!


NWAHA FAQs

Q: What equipment is needed to play hockey for NWAHA?
A: NWAHA is proud to offer an equipment rental program for $50 annually. The equipment provided includes:

The rental program does not include:

• Hockey Stick
• Athletic Supporter/Jock
• Neck Guard
• Mouth Guard
  
  

Q: What are the age divisions?
A: NWAHA follows the USA Hockey division rules regarding league ages which are based on BIRTH YEARS rather than actual birth age. See the chart below to determine your division:

Q: Where are games and practices held?
A: Practices and in-house games for all levels of play are held at the Joel Carver Ice Arena located in the Jones Center for Families. The address is 922 E Emma Ave. Springdale, AR.
(479) 756-8090.


Q: How much will this cost me?
A: The annual fee is $325 (a $30 membership with USA Hockey is also required). This fee covers all homes games and practice costs. Team merchandise such as game jerseys and game socks can be ordered at an additional cost.


Q: What is USA Hockey and why do I need to register with them?
A: USA Hockey is the national governing body that coordinates all amateur ice hockey in the United States. USA Hockey sets the rules, procedures and regulations regarding youth ice hockey. NWAHA is a USA Hockey affiliate club and all NWAHA players and coaches are registered with USA Hockey.


Q: Do you offer Scholarships?
A: NWAHA has been helping individuals financially on an as needed basis for the past several years. Recently, due to the tremendous generosity of many individuals, a financial assistance fund named The Robyn Parsons Fund was established to formally assist children who would enjoy playing hockey, but who may have financial constraints or family priorities that limit their ability to participate. This fund continues to grow through generous individual contributions, donations made from the NWAHA registration process, and individual team's fundraising campaigns. Please know donations are always welcome and 100% tax deductible, send donations to:

NWAHA
Robyn Parson Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 6277
Springdale, AR 72762-6277
Click here for a scholarship application

All applications will be held in the strictest of confidence. Your personal information will be reviewed and discussed by a committee made up of NWAHA Board Members and the NWAHA Board Treasurer. These individuals will have the responsibility to review, prioritize need, and award funds, as they deem appropriate. If you have already completed registration, you can still complete and mail these forms in for consideration. Should you be eligible for scholarship, you will receive a reimbursement check in the mail.


Q: Does a child need to know how to skate in order to join?
A: No. There is a skill level/team for children of every skill ability at every age division. That said, it is admittedly tough for a child to jump into this sport at the age of 13 or 14 with no playing or skating experience.


Q: Is there a minimum age to start playing?
A: There is no official minimum age, but most kids start no younger than 5 years old. There have been a small number of kids start at age 4. It's based on the child's attention span, maturity level, and sheer desire, more than it is based on physical ability.


Q: Can girls play, too?
A: Yes. The number of girls playing ice hockey is growing each year. This year we have approximately 7 girls playing at various levels within our program. We do not currently have any all-girl teams.


Q: How long is the season?
A: The program runs mid-September thru mid-March. There is typically a two week
break for the Christmas/New Years holiday weeks.


Q: How many times a week do the teams practice or play games?
A: Our games and practice times are scattered throughout the weeknights and weekends based on the availability of ice time at the rink.


Q: How long are the practices and games?
A: All practices and games run approximately 1 - 1 ½ hours.


Q: How about injuries? Isn't ice hockey dangerous?
A: National statistics show that the incidence of injury in youth ice hockey is no higher than other organized youth sports - baseball, soccer, basketball, football, etc. The mandatory full equipment protects the skaters very well.


Q: What about body checking? Can't the skaters get hurt doing that?
A: USA hockey does not permit body checking until the Bantam level (age 13 and older). (At the Mite, Squirt, and PeeWee levels the kids play "no-check" hockey.) Proper coaching and instruction, along with proper enforcement of the rules by officials, minimizes the danger in full-contact hockey.

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