RDMH General Information

Minor Hockey in Red Deer

All youth playing minor hockey in Red Deer participate in divisions administered by the RDMH members, there are 4 divisions to RDMH.

1.  Intro to Hockey (Initiation)

Under 5 (U5) (2021 birth year)- This division is designed to "initiate" the young player in to the game of hockey by stressing fun, sportsmanship, equality and basic hockey skills.  The 4 year old division is a hockey skill and skating program, designed to enhance the basics of hockey.  This is an instructional program with no games played.  Participants in the 4 year old program require basic skating skills as this is not a learn to skate program, it's a learn to play hockey program.

Under 6 (U6) (2020 birth year)- This division is designed to "initiate" the young player in to the game of hockey by stressing fun, sportsmanship, equality and basic hockey skills. The 5 year old division is a hockey skill and skating program, designed to enhance the basics of hockey.  This is an instructional program with no games played. Participants in the 5 year old program require basic skating skills as this is not a learn to skate program it's a learn to play hockey program.
Average Ice Time: One hr/week

Under 7 (U7) (2019 birth year) - For 6 year old players, at Dec 31. Registrants will alternate each week between a game and a practice and assigned ice times will take place on the weekends. Dynamite Division participants will play half ice games.
Average Ice Time: One-Two hrs/week

Under 9 (U9):   (2017-2018 birth year)
Average Ice Time:  One Practice and One Game/week

2a  Competitive (City League)

This division is intended for players who have the desire to play competitively. Participants should be willing to invest a reasonable amount of time training on and off the ice and be prepared for local league play with limited travel.

Families should anticipate paying seed fees, once teams have been drafted.  These monies go toward the cost of tournaments, names bars , extra ice etc.  Families will be required to participate in fundraising initiatives to help with these costs.

Under 11 (U11) (2015-2016 born)
Average Ice Time: One Practice and One Game/week

Under 13 (U13):  (2013-2014 born)
Average Ice Time: One Practice and One Game/week

Under 15 (U15):  (2011-2012 born)
Average Ice Time: One Practice and One Game/week

2b  Competitive (U18 Non-Hit)

This division is intended for players with the desire to play competitively in a U18 non-hit league.  Participants should be willing to invest a reasonable amount of time training on and off the ice and be prepared for travel.

Families should anticipate paying seed fees, once teams have been drafted.  These monies go toward the cost of tournaments, names bars , extra ice etc.  Families will be required to participate in fundraising initiatives to help with these costs.

Under 18 (U18)(2008-2010 born)
Average Ice Time: One Practice and one to three games/week

3.  Tiered Hockey

This division is intended for skilled athletes seeking to elevate their game.  travel is required, and players are expected to fully commit, with consistent attendance anticipated.  

Families should anticipate paying seed fees, once teams have been drafted.  These monies go toward the cost of tournaments, names bars , extra ice etc.  Families will be required to participate in fundraising initiatives to help with these costs.

Under 11 (U11)(2015-2016 born), Under 13 (U13)(2013-2014 born), Under 15 (U15)(2011-2012 born), Under 18 (U18)(2008-2010 born) 
Average Ice Time: One Practice and one to three games/week

4.  Elite Hockey (AAA) / (AA)
This division is for highly skilled players who are prepared to dedicate significant time to the game. A high level of commitment is expected, and those trying out can expect to be playing at an intense and competitive level. 

Families should anticipate paying seed fees, once teams have been drafted.  These monies go toward the cost of tournaments, names bars , extra ice etc.  Families will be required to participate in fundraising initiatives to help with these costs.

Under 11 (U11)(2015-2016 born), Under 13 (U13)(2013-2014 born), Under 15 (U15)(2011-2012 born), Under 16 (U16)(2010 born), Under 17 (U17)(2009-2010 born), Under 18 (U18)(2008-2010 born) 
Average Ice Time: Two -Three Practices, Dry land and One-Three Games/week

Female Hockey
A female program is offered dependent on skill, ability, age and numbers. If girls wish to play on boys teams, they are permitted to do so until Bantam. If registration numbers are low and a team cannot be created, the registration fee will be refunded. Generally Female teams are created from Novice to Midget.

Tryouts
Tryouts are conducted for players enrolled in the Elite (AAA/AA) / Tiered (A/B/C) divisions. Sessions are used to determine the registrants ability to play at the desired level. Players are responsible for checking the website for assigned ice times. All correspondence will happen via the website, no phone calls will be made. It is strongly recommended that players confirm ice times 24 hours prior to ensure they have the most current information. 

Evaluations
Evaluations for the Competitive division are used to establish fair and equal teams. Once sessions have taken place, registrants will be assigned to teams. Evaluation ice times are available on website and it is recommended that players confirm session times 24 hours prior to ensure they have the most current information.

Volunteers
The success of an organization like RDMHC is dependent upon volunteers. We have all benefited in our lives because of the work of volunteers. Volunteers are needed to Coach and for a wide number of other responsibilities.

Registration Fees Cover
Each program and level has a participation fee that covers a variety of essential costs, including:

• Hockey Canada/Hockey Alberta fees and Insurance
• First Aid Kit
• League registration
• League ice for practices and games
• Mentorship Program
• Team pictures
• Referee assignor fees
• Building Fund
• Pucks
• Socks
• Operations/Office fees
• Ramp API fees
• Score books (if required)
• Coaches fees (where applicable)

In addition to participation fees, each team will manage a budget to cover additional costs not included above—such as extra ice time, dryland training, name bars, and tournament fees, to name a few. Seed money is collected at the first team meeting to cover immediate expenses.

Fundraising goals and activities will be set by each individual team, and participation is required to cover your player’s portion of the budget.