Burnsville Hockey Club FAQ

1.                  Introduction:
This document is intended to be a guide for the “new hockey parent.”

2.                  My question isn’t answered here!  Where can I get more information?
www.blazehockey.com

There are many sources within the club to find information.  For general information, or if you don’t know who to contact, the Communications Director is available to direct your inquiries.  The BHC WEB site has a list of contacts for each level or position for your reference.  See the “BOARD” link.

3.               Signing up for Email Notification

The BHC uses Email as a primary means of communications with players, parents and other members.  We maintain two categories of email lists: a club-wide list, and team lists.

Club-wide email lists are emails that we broadcast to all members.  We send emails throughout the season as well as off-season for important news.

Subscribing: On the BHC home page (www.blazehockey.com) we have a section in the lower-right corner of the page where you can put in your email address to be added to our list.  You can put in as many addresses as you wish (for example, mother, father, work, school and child’s addresses). 

Unsubscribing: You may unsubscribe from our club-wide email list by clicking the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of any email that is sent from the club.

Team specific emails are sent by coaches and managers to team members to notify them of team events.  You can either subscribe or unsubscribe from TEAM emails lists by going to the team page on the BHC WEB site.  Near the bottom is a space to enter your email address.  Then click on either the “subscribe” or “unsubscribe” button for your choice.  The team page emails are deleted.  

4.      How do I register my child?
You can register your child either on-line, or in person.  If this is the first time your child will play in the BHC, you will be required to submit a copy of that child’s birth certificate.  This document remains on file with the club and is used to determine eligibility to play in league and tournaments.  A copy is provided to the team manager of your child’s team to be submitted to tournaments.

The BHC conducts walk-in registrations for those that wish to pay with a personal check.  Online registrations can be completed using a credit card.

5.                  Financial Information

Registration Fees

Ice Fees:
Mites do not pay additional ice fees.

“Upper Level” teams pay for their ice time directly to their team manager, who in turn pays the fees to the Club Treasurer.

Generally, “A” teams will spend more time on the ice than “B” teams and “B” teams will spend more time on the ice than “C” teams.  This directly impacts the cost per player.

Tournaments: Upper level teams will generally play in 3-4 tournaments per year.  The team is responsible for collecting fees and paying for their tournaments.  A tournament generally runs from $450-$600 for the team, and is divided by the number of players.

Fundraising: The BHC gives families the opportunity to defray some of the cost of playing hockey ($125) via our “Pizza Fundraiser.”  By participating, players are required to sell a minimum of 30 items.  Parents can choose at registration to opt-out of the fundraiser and pay the $125 directly to the club.  If a parent agrees to sell the required items and later chooses not to, the amount due the club is $145.

Pull Tabs: The BHC maintains relationships with area businesses that allow us to run “pull tab” stands.

6.               Levels: The BHC uses the following levels in ascending order:

7.                  Girls vs. Boys leagues: 
http://www.minnesotahockey.org/players/girls_classifications.asp

8.                  Equipment:
See the following link for general information on hockey equipment:: http://www.tricityyouthhockey.com/equipment.html

The BHC has a limited amount of equipment for skaters and goalies available to use for the season.  Parents will be required to place a deposit with the club which will be refunded at the end of the season.

Be sure to take advantage of the relationships that the BHC has with area businesses.  See our WEB page for sponsor information

All participants MUST have an approved neck guard and mouth guard.

9.                  Time Commitment?

Each level from Mites thru Jr. Gold gets progressively more time intensive.  Additionally, “A” teams can expect to have more practices and games than “C” teams.  This is a guideline, not a rule.

Mites: Mites 1&2 play “in-house” games.  There is no traveling involved.  During colder months, they will practice 1-2 nights per week outdoors.   Mites 3-4 are broken into “regular” and “advanced” teams.  Mite 3 &4 “advanced” will be on the ice 3-4 hours per week, while “regular” will be on the ice 2-3 hours per week.

“Upper-Level (Squirt / U10 –Bantam / U14) are divided into A, B (B1) and C levels.  “A” teams are on the ice 5-6 hours per week.  “B” teams, 4-5 hours per week and “C” teams, 3-4 hours per week.

10.              Volunteers
A Youth sport in general is a non-profit endeavor.  It is run by people who contribute many hours to give your child the opportunity to play sports whether it is baseball, soccer, or hockey.  The BHC maintains a Volunteer Policy which is available on the BHC WEB site.  Parents are expected to contribute time to help staff events that enhance the club, such as our annual Thanksgiving Tournament and District Playoffs.

Your team will also require you to help at games and scrimmages with duties such as the time clock, penalty boxes and scorekeeping

11.              Development
Training Center: The BHC maintains a “one of a kind” Training Center, which is located directly across from the Burnsville City Hall.  We have paid staff that strives to give teams and players various “off-ice” training possibilities such as shooting cages, strength training equipment and a mini floor hockey area.  This is a considerable expense and is a great source of pride for the club.  Individual players my go to the training center, or teams may sign-up for a block of time.  Parents are encouraged to stop by and see what this unique opportunity can provide for their players!

Clinics: The BHC offers optional pre-season clinics for both skaters and goalies.  Details about dates/times can be found on the BHC WEB site

12.              How to find area rinks
At www.rinkfinder.com you can find maps and directions to most all ice arenas in Minnesota.

13.              Who will coach my player?
Mite teams, as well as “B” and “C” level upper-division teams are generally coached by parent-coaches.  “A” and “B1” teams are typically coached by non-parent coaches.   Whether a parent or non-parent is coaching, the BHC Development Committee selects and appoints the best available coach for each team..

14.              What is “HEP”?
“HEP” is the acronym for the Hockey Education Program.  More information can be found on the Burnsville Hockey WEB site.