Welcome to the Davis County Youth Hockey Assocation (DCYHA) FAQ page.  We're glad you found us and hope you find the answers you need.  If not, or if you would like more information or to contact someone in person, check out our Contact Information page and feel free to contact anyone on the page.  Everyone is willing to help and guide you in the right direction.  Thanks again for visiting!

Frequently Asked Questions

My child wants to play hockey. Where to start?

First, basic skating ability is required.  This doesn't mean world-class ability but a player should be able to stand up and move around the ice.  At the 8 & Under level, a player needs to be able to stand from a fallen position, in full gear, without assistance.

Now that my child is skating fairly well, what do I do to get into hockey?

Great!  If your child has basic skating ability, and you and your child are ready to commit to the season, your child is ready to register and play with DCYHA!  At the recreational level, there are no tryouts and all children are welcome to register.  Registration opens in June and closes at the end of September.

If you're not quite sure if you're ready to commit, or would like to get some preparation and practice in before the season begins, we highly recommend participation in one of the summer programs offered by DCYHA or the South Davis Recreation Center.  These include our Learn to Play program, numerous "Try it for Free" sessions. Summer skills sessions, power skating sessions, and other summer clinics are available and highly recommended.  Check the various links under "Hockey Programs" or the calendar for dates/times.  The South Davis Recreation Center also has information on the programs.

Is special equipment needed for Learn-to-Play Hockey?

A full set of hockey equipment is required for Learn to Play hockey, or any of our summer clinics EXCEPT Try Hockey for Free.  This equipment is available for free rental (deposit required) on a first-come, first-served basis.  We typically have enough equipment for all participants requiring equipment but we cannot guarantee it.  Should you need equipment, we recommend registering as early as possible so we can plan for your equipment needs.

What else can I do to prepare my child for the hockey season?

Get them on the ice!  The "Try Hockey for Free" days, our Learn to Play program, and several other programs are available and are a great help.  In addition, just having your child attend public skating sessions as possible are a great help.  Information on the various hockey clinics are available on our Hockey Programs Page or the South Davis Recreation Center.

We are ready to invest in hockey. What gear should I purchase?

A full set of hockey equipment consists of:

- Skates
- Helmet w/ facemask
- Shoulder Pads
- Elbow Pads
- Pants
- Shin Pads (also known as hockey knee pads)
- Gloves
- Hockey Socks
- Jersey
- Hockey Stick
- Mouthguard (not required in Mite or Squirt age division)

DCYHA also strongly encourages the use of neck guards by each player.

Where can I buy equipment?

Equipment can be bought locally or online and pre-owned equipment is available.  Locally, Pure Hockey is the largest retail hockey store and is located in Murray.  Scheels in South Jordan also has a hockey section which tends to be larger before and early into the season.  Online retailers are plentiful but the largest, most reputable, best selection and best prices are typically found at purehockey.com and hockeymonkey.com.  For a huge selection of pre-owned inventory, as well as new equipment, SidelineSwap.com is a great place to look.  Locally, the largest pre-owned equipment inventory can be found at Play it Again Sports at 6910 South Highland Drive.  Prior to the season start, DCYHA has an equipment exchange/sale where pre-owned equipment can be swapped or purchased.  We also encourage the use of our online trading post.

What are the minimum requirements to participate in the youth hockey program?

For the 10U Squirt age division and older, basic skating ability is required.  For the 8U Mite age division, players must be able to stand from a fallen position, in full gear, without assistance.  In addition each player must have full hockey equipment.

How much does it cost to play hockey?

To play hockey with DCYHA, each player pays a registration fee.  The registration fees vary by age division.  Current registration fees can be found here.

DCYHA offers needs-based scholarships to participants who apply for financial assistance.  More information on financial assistance can be found here.  (Note:  This information is on our registration pages.  If the link isn't currently available, any member of the board of directors is happy to help.  Their contact information cand be found here.)

A gear rental program is available for a security deposit.  The deposit is returned to the renter when the gear is returned to DCYHA.  Gear is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.  DCYHA fees are among the lowest in the state.  The program relies on volunteer coaches, managers and parent helpers.  This community effort helps us keep fees affordable.

How do I register my child for the hockey program?

Each player must be registered with USA Hockey prior to registering with DCYHA.  This registration is $46.50 and valid for the hockey year.  Children turning six or under in the current calendar year are free to register with USA Hockey.   USA Hockey registration is completed online and can be found here.

All DCYHA registrations are completed online and prices vary based on age division.  The main registration page with general information, links to age-specific division information, as well as the main registration link is found here.

What team will my child play on?

Every child will play for the DC Wind.  Typically DCYHA fields two teams per age division.  In the case of multiple teams, a few weeks after practices begin, coaches will draft the teams.  Although not guaranteed, coaches do their best to honor requests, especially for carpool reasons.

How many games will he/she play?

Practices typically start in October and game play starts in November and continue through the end of February.  Games are typically every Saturday, with exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Total number of games depends on the calendar, scheduling, etc.   Each player can expect to play 10-15 games in a season.

Where will games be played?

DCYHA participates in the Utah Recreation Hockey League which has seven member organizations.  In addition to DCYHA, the organizations are:

- Cache Valley Amateur Hockey Association - Logan
- Weber County Youth Hockey - Ogden
- Olympic Oval Hockey - Kearns
- Park City Hockey - Park City
- Provo Peaks Hockey - Provo
- Ashley Valley Amateur Hockey Association - Vernal

Half of your team's games are played at our home rink in Bountiful, the South Davis Recreation Center.  The other half are played at the other organization's home rinks.

How can I volunteer to help with the hockey program?

There are lots of ways to help!  DCYHA is a all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and can use just about all the help we can get!  Volunteer opportunities include game help (scorekeeper, timekeeper, etc.), team manager positions, as well as positions at the organizational level.  Let us know you want to help!  Note:  All volunteers must clear background screening.

Can I coach?

The answer is most probably yes, however coaching hockey isn't as simple as what you may have experienced with other sports.  

How do coaches become qualified to help?

First, all coaches must pass background screening.  Next, coaches must meet current USA Hockey guidelines for coaching, which includes:

- Having a current coaching certification (May be expired if only coaching 8U)
- Having completed the age-specific coaching modules for the age levels you wish to coach
- Having completed the USA Hockey SafeSport training within the necessary timeframe (currently the past two years)

At that point, you are cleared to be on the ice at practice as well as coach or help with coaching a team.  Teams are limited to four rostered coaches on game day and those coaches are selected by the Coaching Director and the age division directors.

If you are interested in coaching, please complete our online coaching registration found here.  Also, feel free to contact the coaching director or age division directors, found here.

Do I need special insurance for my child?

Simply put, no.  Your regular health insurance is all that is required.  USA Hockey registration carries with it insurance that also augments protection, but should not be the sole source of insurance.

Injuries are not common in youth hockey, but can happen, and every child should be covered by an adequate health insurance plan.