Breaking down the ice into many smaller areas allows teams to share the ice

  • Use your ice time more efficiently with 2 or 3 teams on the ice for practice
  • Consider setting up incremental programs where the initial amount of ice time, especially at mite and squirt levels is lower than in the past, but players and parents have the option of participating or “buying” extra skills sessions. This will lower the initial cost and commitment for families that are most concerned with those two items while giving them to participate more if they choose.
  • Team Fees – Keep the clothing cost down by getting a good heavy duty sweat shirt
  • Associations establish a tournament policy – 1 out of town and a maximum of 3 Tournaments. Limit the total of games teams can play per year.
  • Use more off-ice training (dry land or outdoor ice {pond/pickup hockey})

This young hockey player got outfitted with equipment at the Let's Play Hockey Equipment Drive

  • Fundraising
  • Host an Equipment Swap
  • As an association, fill out grants for equipment such as Minnesota Hockey’s Gear Up Minnesota! program
  • Create partnerships with local sporting goods stores to provide discounts for skates, sticks and goalie equipment which are often the most expensive items
  • Let parents know that buying used equipment is a great idea, as long as you don’t sacrifice player safety. Educate them on which pieces are the best to buy used.
  • Using wood sticks instead of composites can help save families money