1. Does my child need to know how to skate to play for Lincoln Ice Hockey Association?
No experience is necessary. LIHA coaches teach skating through the 6U/8U and Learn to Play programs.
2. Can my child go directly from skating lessons to playing on a team?
LIHA recommends that players complete the Learn to Play Hockey program before joining a league. Some players who have a lot of roller hockey experience can transition without taking ice hockey classes, but all will benefit from learning to play the game of ice hockey before joining a team.
3. What type of equipment will my child need and where can I buy it?
It’s no secret that hockey can be an expensive sport. To enjoy hockey to its fullest, players must have specific equipment that fits properly today, NOT equipment that they will “grow into.”
Hockey skates will be the most important investment. Be sure to discuss proper fit, “baking,” and “contouring” with a professional during the purchasing process.
The next most important investment will be a helmet with facemask. Some helmets are adjustable to accommodate for growth.
Padding will include padded hockey pants (breezers), shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin pads, and gloves. A mouthpiece is required equipment. As of August 1, 2024, neck laceration protection is required for all youth players. Compression shorts with a built-in jock and protective cup are recommended.
Players in LIHA's Learn to Play and 6U/8U programs will be provided with all required equipment (except mouth guard and protective under gear). All other players will need to purchase those items. Many players also wear tights and long-sleeved, moisture-wicking gear under their other equipment for additional comfort.
Equipment is available for purchase locally at Play It Again Sports. Online retailers include Hockey Monkey, Pure Hockey, and sometimes Amazon.
Click here for a video about dressing a youth hockey player.
4. When is the hockey season?
Registration for the fall/winter hockey season opens in late June or early July.
Travel coaches are announced in late June with Travel team tryouts taking place in July and August. Travel team rosters are announced following tryouts, and Travel teams begin pre-season practices in August and September. Travel team full-season schedules start in early October.
House and Select coaches are announced in late August. House teams start practicing in October, and Select evaluations occur within the first few weeks of the season.
The House and Select team seasons end in late February or early March. Some Travel teams play later into March.
The full 6U/8U season begins in mid-October and ends in early March with a break from mid-December to mid-January. Single-session players can choose between either mid-October to mid-December or mid-January to early March. The 8U Select season starts in October after an evaluation and ends in early March.
5. When and where do LIHA teams practice and play games?
LIHA games and practices are held at The Ice Box at 1880 Transformation Drive in Lincoln, and at the John Breslow Ice Hockey Center at 433 V Street in Lincoln. Usually when a practice time is assigned at the beginning of the season, the team will have that practice time all season. Occasionally a team will get an extra practice that may be at a different time.
The sooner members register for the season the sooner the ice schedule can be finalized.
6. How do I know what level my child will play at?
USA Hockey has identified age ranges for ice hockey players that are based on birth years. Age divisions for the current year are listed on the Registration page.
7. Can my child play in a lower age division?
No, USA Hockey rules do not allow players to play down. House players usually have a wide range of skills on any one team, and coaches try to match experienced players with comparable players on the opposing team.
8. Can my child play up in another age division?
Although not recommended by LIHA, players can request to "play up" a division under certain circumstances. This is usually done in the lower age divisions and requires approval from the Coaching Director. Play-up requests are only considered for Travel-level players who are expected to place in the top 5 (first line) of the higher-level team. Players who don't meet this threshold are better served at their appropriate age level.
9. At what age do players start body checking?
Under USA Hockey rules, players at the 14U level are permitted to body check during games. Coaches at this level teach the players how to check and how to take a check so as to prevent injury.
10. How do I determine what level my child should play at (House or Travel)?
There are many variables to this question. One consideration is the amount of travel associated with a Travel team. In Lincoln, Travel teams do a significant amount of travel compared to larger cities due to the fact that Nebraska has a limited number of hockey programs. You need to make the commitment to travel and to the extra practices. Another consideration is the skill/talent level of the player. Travel teams are more skilled and, as such, have tryouts in order to be selected. Additionally, equal playing time is not a factor at the Travel-team level. Play is based on effort, coachability, ability to be a team player, and attendance at practice.
11. How does LIHA determine what and how many teams there will be at each level?
LIHA considers several factors, including:
The goal every season is always to have at least one House, one Select, and one Travel team for 10U, 12U, and 14U.
For the 6U/8U program the goal is to have at least four 6U teams, six 8U teams, and one 8U Select team.
The sooner members register for the season the sooner these decisions can be made.
12. What type of insurance does my child need for hockey?
All players are registered with USA Hockey, which provides insurance coverage. However, this is not intended to be the player's primary insurance.
13. Can girls play hockey?
Absolutely! LIHA welcomes all players, regardless of gender. There is not currently an all-girls team due to participation numbers, but girls play on LIHA House and Travel teams.
14. My child says they want to play goalie. Do I need to buy special equipment?
Goalies are one of the most integral parts of a hockey team. They do require special equipment that is more expensive than the normal player. Because of the individual characteristics of each player (size, weight, tendencies, right/left handed, etc.) the league cannot stock all the equipment necessary for goalies. Goalie equipment can be found online at Goalie Monkey.
15. How are players for Travel teams selected?
The LIHA Selection Committee (comprised of impartial LIHA coaches) is committed to fielding the best possible teams at each level. They evaluate and select players for those teams based on the players' abilities, the position each plays, as well as attitude and coachability. In addition, each team must meet USA Hockey requirements for the team composition (for example, no more than 20 players may be on a roster). Coaches expect players selected for Travel teams to be committed to the team and to attend all practices and be at all games.
16. Why such a price increase from 8U to 10U?
LIHA made significant changes to the 6U/8U program in 2021 to encourage more kids in Lincoln to try, learn, play, and enjoy the game of ice hockey. This included:
When players move to 10U they are participating in a five-month season. The registration fees cover the cost of ice and referees, and reimburses volunteer coaches for background checks and coaching certifications. As a nonprofit organization, LIHA simply aims to break even every season.
17. How do I apply to become a LIHA coach?
LIHA posts a coaching application and coaching requirements on the Coaches page in March each year.
18. Does LIHA follow USA Hockey's Zero Tolerance Policy?
Yes, the Lincoln Ice Hockey Association is committed to the Zero Tolerance Policy regarding use of foul language, fighting, poor treatment of officials, and use of illegal substances. Players are expected to conduct themselves appropriately at all facilities and all team events. Players, team representatives, and parents who cannot abide by the rules will be disciplined. All players and parents are expected to sign a Code of Conduct when registering.
19. How do you join the Lincoln Ice Hockey Association?
Registration for each season typically begins in the summer and is available here on the LIHA website. Before registering with LIHA you must register with USA Hockey and obtain a confirmation number (you will need this number when registering with LIHA).
20. Who should I contact if my question is not included here?
You can email any board member with questions, comments, and/or concerns.