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
U5 (2022 born) - This division is designed to "initiate" the young player into 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.

U6 (2021 born) - This division is designed to "initiate" the young player into 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.

U7 (2020 born) – An introductory program focused on fun, basic skill development, and building a love for the game. Players learn skating, puck control, and teamwork in a positive, small area environment (half ice). Registrants will alternate each week between a game and a practice and assigned ice times will take place on the weekends.
Limited Travel - Participates in the Red Deer Minor Hockey League.
Average Ice Time: One -Two hrs/week.

U9 (2018-2019 born) - A development-focused program that builds on fundamental skills while introducing more structured gameplay. Players continue improving skating, passing, and game awareness in a fun and supportive setting.
Limited Travel - Participates in the Red Deer Minor Hockey League.
Average Ice Time: One Practice and One Game/week.

2. U11 – U18 “D” Tiered (Formerly “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.
Families should anticipate paying start-up 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.

U11 (2016-2017 born), U13 (2014-2015 born), U15 (2011-2012 born)
Limited travel – Participates in the Red Deer Minor Hockey League
Average Ice Time: One Practice and One Game/week.

U18 (2008-2010 born)
Travel team – Participates in the Rockies Hockey League (Non-Body Contact)
Average Ice Time: One Practice and one to three games/week.

3. A, B, C 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 start-up 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.

U11 (2016-2017 born), U13 (2014-2015 born), U15 (2012-2013 born), U18 (2009-2011 born)
Participates in Central Alberta Hockey League or the Rocky Mountain Female Hockey League
Average Ice Time: One Practice and one to three games/week.

4. AAA, AA Elite Hockey
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 start-up 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.

U11 (2016-2017 born), U13 (2014-201 born), U15 (2012-2013 born), U16 (2011 born), U17 (2010-2011 born), U18 (2009-2011 born)
Participates in the Alberta Elite Hockey League and Alberta Female Hockey League
Average Ice Time: Two Practices, Dry land, and One-Three Games/week.

Female Hockey
A female program is offered dependent on skill, ability, age, and numbers. If registration numbers are low and a team cannot be created, the registration fee will be refunded. We have female teams from U9 – U18 Divisions.

Tryouts
Tryouts are conducted for players enrolled in the AAA/AA Elite / A, B, C Tiered divisions. Sessions are used to determine the registrant’s 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 or email we be issued. It is strongly recommended that players confirm ice times on the website 24 hours prior to their skate to ensure they have the most current information.

Evaluations
Evaluations for the U7, U9, “D” Tiered, are used to establish fair and equal teams. U18 “D” evaluations will help establish tiered teams for league participation. Once sessions have taken place, registrants will be assigned to teams. Evaluation ice times are available on our website, and it is recommended that players confirm session times 24 hours prior to their skate 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 have a participation fee that covers a variety of essential costs, including but no limited to:
• Hockey Canada/Hockey Alberta fees and Insurance
• First Aid Kit
• League Fees
• Ice for practices and games
• Mentorship Program
• Team pictures
• Referee assignor fees
• Building Fund
• Pucks
• Socks
• Operations/Office fees
• Score books (if required)
• Coach’s fees (where applicable)
• Cell phone holders U13 – U18
• Hudl / Instat (AAA/ AA) only

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. Start-up 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. If participation is not met to standards of the teams fundraising, families will be responsible for the amount not fundraised.