Frequently Asked Questions

Q: WHAT IS ADM?

A: ADM (the American Developmental Model) promotes the integration of cross-ice practices and games into youth hockey.
ADM raises the level of creativity among players, increase player participation, and creates a positive environment for kids to play, love and excel.

Q: WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF THE FUTURE STARS PROGRAM?

A: The goal for the Future Stars Program is to pickup basic skills and have fun playing hockey. They will learn skating forward and backwards, stick handling, puck control, passing and shooting,teamwork and the basics of hockey. They will have a blast.

Q: WHAT EQUIPMENT DOES MY CHILD NEED?

A: Properly fitted equipment is very important. Your child will need hockey skates, shin, elbow & shoulder pads, hockey pants, hockey gloves, hockey stick, hockey helmet with full facial cage, an athletic hockey cup (for boys), neck & mouth guards and a hockey bag to carry the equipment in. You can find most of it second hand at places like Play it Again Sports. Even if you were to buy all new equipment it wouldn't be more than $300.00 for everything. Pure Hockey, Perani's and B & R Sports are the three largest hockey retailers in Southeast Michigan.

Q: IS YOUTH HOCKEY FOR GIRLS TOO?

A: Absolutely. Girls hockey is popular, and many girls play on Youth teams (with Boys) until checking begins at age 13, then move to girls only teams after that.  Girls college hockey scholarships exist at many schools, so girls can aspire to compete in College, with the USA Hockey National team, and even in the winter Olympics!

Q: DOES MY CHILD NEED TO KNOW HOW TO SKATE BEFORE JOINING?

A:  No. Many of our first year skaters have never even been on the ice. Our Future Stars coaches are trained and certified to work with the youth on their skating ability, stick handling, puck control, passing and shooting. Most of all, we want the kids to have fun and they will quickly pick up the basics of skating.

Q: WHAT IS THE COMMITMENT LEVEL REQUIRED FOR MY CHILD TO PLAY YOUTH HOCKEY?

A: We will have two 1-hour on-ice sessions per week. Generally we will practice on a weekday evening around 6pm and one weekend morning or afternoon. Higher level players may also have additional weeknight ice times. It is important that your child attend as many practices, scrimmages and games as possible.

Q: WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS?

A: Ice time is usually for one hour. Parents and guardians need to be able to get their child to the facility at least 20 minutes early to ensure adequate time to get into their equipment, lace their skates and be ready to get on to the ice. We only have an hour of ice time so the team will not wait to start practice for late-comers. Also, USA Hockey Club is a volunteer organization and we do encourage participation from our parents and guardians. The season generally runs from early September through early March.

Q: ONE HOUR, THAT’S GREAT! CAN I USE THE TIME TO RUN ERRANDS?

A. No. Hockey is not a "drop off” sport. Your child may need your assistance with their gear or may have to go to the restroom.

Q: CAN I COME TO PRACTICE AND CHECK THINGS OUT BEFORE SIGNING UP?

A: Certainly! Practices, scrimmages and games are open to anybody who wants to see what hockey is all about. Feel free to talk to the coaches after the practice or even talk to parents at the rink.

Q: WHAT OTHER COSTS ARE INVOLVED?

A: The USA Hockey Club of Michigan is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to developing a superior amateur youth hockey program. We value sharing the game of hockey in the spirit of family, friendship and sportsmanship among players, parents, coaches and other members of our community. The USA Hockey Club is very fortunate to have so many wonderful coaches teach our kids the great game of hockey. Some of which have been drafted to the NHL!

The fee to join the USA Hockey Club of Michigan is $150 per player. Discounts are offered to families with multiple kids in the hockey programs that we offer. The Membership fees cover everything from jerseys to goalie equipment to promoting the league.

A membership with USA Hockey is also required. The fee is $45 per player, coach or referee. Children under 7 are free! Your team manager will have a separate cost for ice time, team gear, and possible tournaments.