Yes. Hockey players wear more protective equipment than any other sport. A study has shown that ice hockey injuries ranked after both basketball and soccer in emergency room visits related to sport and recreational activities. Youth hockey is a different game than the NHL. With a different set of rules in place, youth hockey places a stronger emphasis on sportsmanship and friendly competition. Contact is not allowed prior to the 14U level (age 13 & 14). At Bantams, checking is allowed but NO fighting. 

-from https://www.usahockey.com/comeplayyouthhockey

Getting Started

Iowa is becoming a hockey hotbed. Did you know there are more than 2,500 youths registered to play hockey in our state?  The Iowa City-Coralville Hockey Association can provide a season of great moments — and fun — for you and your child.  Whether your child plays for the Jr. Heartlanders or the Maidens of Mayhem, they will receive age-specific, age-appropriate hockey skill development. 

For brand new skaters, or those that need a refresher, please see the Coral Ridge Ice Arena website (https://www.coralridgeice.com) for information on their Learn To Skate and Learn to Play Hockey programs. These programs are designed to teach beginner hockey players the fundamentals of skating. It’s important for your player to become comfortable on the ice, learn the basic hockey stance, stride, knee bend, use of edges and how to hold a stick before moving into a Learn to Play program or joining an ICH team.

For players looking forward to a season of skill development, competition, engagement, and fun please register your child with Iowa City - Coralville Hockey association at ICH Registration.

If you have additional questions please email or visit our website. See you at the rink!

Youth Age Divisions

Divisions are organized by players’ ages — 6u, 8u, 10u, 12u, 14u, and 16u. The player’s age as of Dec. 31 of the season of play helps determine in which division they will play.  ICH is enjoyed by players ages 4 and up.

• 6U: ages 6 and under
• 8U: ages 7-8
• 10U: ages 9-10
• 12U: ages 11-12
• 14U: ages 13-14
• 16U: ages 15-16

What is the difference between House League (formally called Development League) and Travel Teams?

For players in the 10U and up age groups, there may be the option to play House League or be part of a Travel Team.  The main difference between the two has to do with time commitment and cost.

Travel Teams generally have additional practice times each week to plan for games against other associations in Iowa and across the Midwest.  As a result, the fees travel team players pay are higher to cover the extra ice time and tournament fees.  Travel teams may also have tryouts for team selection.

House League provides players an opportunity to skate, enjoy hockey and develop their skills, without the same level of time or financial commitment as travel teams.  House league players may participate in scrimmages at our home rink, but generally do not play games against other associations, keeping overall costs down.

Practices Times, Games & Tournaments

Practices are generally held on weekday evenings at The Rink at Coral Ridge, located inside Coral Ridge Mall, but can happen on weekends depending on ice availability. Most games and tournaments are played on weekends.  As practice times, games and tournaments are scheduled, they will be updated on the ICH Calendar.  Our season begins late summer/early fall and runs through early March.

• The Iowa City-Coralville Hockey Association is sanctioned by USA Hockey. All association coaches are certified by and registered with USA Hockey.
• USA Hockey ADM Model (http://www.admkids.com)
• Emphasize hockey skills (puck control, passing, shooting), knowledge of the game, good sportsmanship, and the essence of team play.

How to Dress Youth Hockey Players for Practice