Brock Jr. Badgers’ House League FAQs

And things you wouldn’t even think you need to know... but now you do!

Q.  When does registration open and how much does it cost?

A.  Registration typically opens in May/June. Registration cost is re-evaluated every season and is posted with the registration package for each division.

Q. What is included in the registration fees?

A. Over 35 hours of ice-time!  (21 games + practices), Jersey/socks, Equipment discount at Front Row Sports, Basic Picture, Player year-end Banquet Ticket, Development Sessions, Referees, timekeepers, supplies, Player Insurance, Badgers/OWHA fees and more!

Q.  When does the season begin/end?

A.  U9 begins in early September with “warm-up and evaluation skates”.  This is the time when players skills/abilities are evaluated, and teams are made.  This is followed by a few more weeks of practice.  League games begin in November and end at the beginning of April with Super Sunday.  There is often a break around Christmas, March break and Easter.

Q.  How often do they play?

A.  U9 plays 21 games + plus tournaments + practices.  Typically this works out to about twice per week, but it varies throughout the season depending on ice-availability.  Some weeks it could be once, other weeks it could be three times.

Q.  What days of the week does U9 play?

A.  U9 Badgers’ House League Hockey happens typically on Saturday and Sunday mornings– with occasional ice time later in the day or any other day of the week.

Q.  Is U9 full-ice or half ice?

A.  Both!  The first 10 games of the season are half-ice with 3-on3 play.  The ice surface is divided in half with barriers/boards across the “centre line”.   This allows players the maximum amount of game play early in the season to help players develop their skills.   You can read more about the benefits of half-ice play on the Hockey Canada website [www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/hockey-programs/coaching/under-9/parents/benefits-half-ice].   The remaining 11 games are “full-ice” complete with off-sides, icing, faceoffs and even penalties!Q.  Are the Jr. Badgers a part of a league or who do they play against?

A.  The Jr. Badgers’ House League is a part of the Greater Hamilton Girls’ Hockey League (www.ghghl.ca).  The GHGHL website lists all the participating associations/teams, standings, stats and game schedules.

Q.  Do Badgers’ U9 House League teams travel to games?

A.  Yes.   Jr. Badgers’ House League can play anywhere between St. Catharines and Port Colborne to Flamborough or Brantford.  New parents/guardians to Badgers’ House League Hockey can view the GHGHL website for all these details and get an idea of what a schedule can look like.

Q.  What is Super Sunday?

A.  Super Sunday is a one-day, final game event.  All the GHGHL teams from all divisions participate in this massive game-day event to bring the season to a close.  Each team plays one game.  Opponents are ranked/matched according to the standings.  Ex. 1 vs 2, 3 vs 4, 5 vs 6, etc. to ensure the most equal and fun game(s) possible.  Each year Super Sunday occurs in a different city.

Q.  Does U9 participate in tournaments?

A.  YES!  Every Jr. Badgers House League team is required to participates in the Badgers’ Winter Classic in January.  Individual teams/parents/coaches will also decide if they wish to participate in an additional tournament or two.  There is a maximum of three tournaments allowed for House League Teams.

Q.  Do these tournaments cost extra?

A.  Yes.  Tournaments fees (including the Badgers’ Winter Classic) are additional costs.   Teams typically utilize fundraising to offset the additional costs of tournaments.  Fundraising is at the discretion of each team individually.

Q.  What is the “Year-end Banquet”?

A.  The year-end banquet is a dinner for all SCFHA Badgers’ House League Players and one parent/guardian.  It includes a fully catered meal and positive team event to wrap up the season.  The attire can range from players often dressing with elegance to teams wearing their jerseys.  The goal is to have a fun final wrap-up to the season for the entire SCFHA House League Program.  Players’ ticket(s) are included with their registration; parents’ tickets are extra and price will be posted when tickets become available.

Q.  I have a business and think it would be fantastic to sponsor my players’ team, can I do that?

A.  Absolutely!  Some businesses will donate towards specific team costs, others will sponsor the team or even an entire division!  This allows the potential for their logo/name to be added to the back of the jerseys and appear on the SCFHA website.  Businesses will receive a tax receipt for their donations.  Please contact the Director of Sponsorship if you would like to become an Official Sponsor of Jr. Badgers’ House League Hockey!

Q.  I am new to the Badgers’ organization, and I am interested in being a Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Trainer, etc., how do I get involved?

A.  If you are interested in becoming a head coach, please fill out a House League Coach Application [insert link].  If you are interested in being an assistant coach or trainer, please be in contact with the on-ice coaches at the beginning of the season.  Experienced coaches may already have an established coaching group, but it never hurts to check in and explore the possibilities!

Q.  Are there any requirements for being a Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Trainer, Team Staff?

A.  Absolutely.  First and foremost, Badgers’ House League Hockey welcomes female coaches/staff to consider a role with their players’ team. Male coaches/staff are also more than welcome.   Additionally, all on-ice coaches are required to complete a Coach 1 [insert link] certification – regardless of higher-level coaching certifications.  Trainers are required to complete a Trainers Certification [insert link].  All Team Staff are required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) PRIOR to being rostered as a team staff.  Please reach out the House League VP and/or House League Director to take the first steps in this process.

*Note: Joining a team staff is extremely time sensitive for the U9 division as many people do not already have the necessary accreditations.  Please ensure you complete all necessary training and VSC checks in a timely manner with extreme attention to detail for the VSC as soon as you are a confirmed member of a Team Staff.