FAQs
The following information provides answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ's) regarding the hockey program offered through AHSHA:
Q: How does high school hockey operate in Arizona?
A: USA Hockey sanctions AHSHA which is the sole high school association in the state. AHSHA is an independent league since 1999 that does not operate under the cognizance of Arizona Interscholastic Association (‘AIA’). Many high schools within AHSHA have established ice hockey as a club sport. Players pay a fee to AHSHA to participate in the program. Registering with USA Hockey for current season is required before registering a player with AHSHA. USA Hockey registration is completed online at USA HOCKEY. The USA Hockey registration fee is not included in the AHSHA registration fees.
Q: In addition to the USAH and AHSHA registration fees, are there any other fees?
A. Teams may require additional fees to cover the cost for extra practices and other team expenses, such as, but not limited to jersey upgrades, additional ice slots, year-end banquet. Contact the assigned team staff for more information.
Q. How many high schools participate in the AHSHA league?
A. The number of schools participating is based on the amount of registered players and varies each year. AHSHA generally assigns players to teams based on the school they attend. However, if there aren’t enough players from one school to form a team, the school would be combined with other schools in the area and assigned to a Varsity or JV team. Team formation is completed before the start of a season.
In the past an average of 35 teams has participated in AHSHA representing more than 100 high schools. The league rules require a minimum of fifteen (15) skaters and one (1) goaltender and a maximum of eighteen (18) skaters plus two (2) goaltenders per team. Many teams in the league are co-ed; AHSHA requires a school to first field a Varsity team, then a JV team, prior to allowing a second Varsity team. Teams are classified as D1, D2, D3 or JV, the pre-season seeding games are used to evaluate teams and slot them into the proper division. There also may be cross division play with D1 and D2 teams playing the AHSHA Premier teams.
Q. Are there tryouts?
A. No. Every player who registers to play will be placed onto a team. The pre-season consists of practices and scrimmage games before and during the Seeding tournaments that serve as evaluations starting in August. Players who have been evaluated and are unable to compete at the level of the team in which they have been assigned will be move to a lower teams roster. Schedules are posted in August for the pre-season. Once teams are formed, links to view the schedule for a specific team is available on the league website.
Q. How long is the season?
A. The pre-season starts in August with practices and scrimmage games. Regular season games are scheduled to start after Labor Day and finish with the Championship playoff series. The season start and end date purely depends on availability of ice at area rinks.
Q. Can a player be on the roster of a high school team and a travel team?
A. Yes. AHSHA policy allows players to play for their high school team as well as a travel team. Players must make an individual decision taking into account the time and financial commitment that playing on two teams requires. There are some travel teams that discourage players from playing on their high school team so it is best to talk with your travel team coaches if you have any questions.
Q. Can a high school team participate in travel tournaments?
A. Yes. If the tournament requires a signed USAH Official Team Registration/Roster for credentials verification (completed with the players and staff on a Roster), the AHSHA Registrar provides one upon request sent to AHSHA@AHSHA.ORG with at least 30 days advanced notice. If a combination of Varsity and JV players from the team is participating in the tournament, the AHSHA Registrar builds the tournament roster. When submitting a request, provide a list of AHSHA players and staff (coaches and managers).
Q. How do I register to play high school hockey?
A. Registration for the hockey season opens in May and continues until October 1st on a space available basis by team. AHSHA reserves the right to close registration at any time.
Q. What do I receive for the registration fee being paid to AHSHA?
A. The fee includes 20 half-ice practices, 20 regular season games, 4 pre-season games, plus playoffs. Each team is guaranteed one playoff game. The fee also includes home/away jerseys, gloves and shells. NOTE: Some teams may require additional fees for extra team expenses such as upgraded uniforms, practices and off-ice sessions. Please contact your hockey team staff for more information on required fees for your school team.
Q. Is there a discount when registering more than one player in the family?
A. Yes, the league offers a sibling discount. The first child will be at full price and your second child will receive a 10% discount. The discount is applied to the additional children registered at that time (Code: SIBDISC25).
Q. Is full payment for the amount due required at time of registration?
A. No. You have the option to either pay the entire fee at the time of registration, or you may select the installment payment option. Make sure you select the "installment" option during registration. Players must remain in good standing with the league to be eligible for continued participation in the program.
Q. Are there required registration forms?
A. Yes, a list of documents required to play can be found under Player / Parent Forms.
PRACTICE AND GAME INFORMATION
Q. How often does the team practice?
A. Each team is allotted approx. 20 half-sheet practice ice slots during the season. The team’s coaching staff, at the beginning of the year, determines if extra practices will be required in addition to those assigned by AHSHA. Some teams may choose to opt out of AHSHA regular season practices and schedule their own. If the team arranges for extra practice ice, there is an additional cost to the player for this expense.
Q. How many games are played?
A. AHSHA assigns each team 4 pre-season games. There will be 20 regular season games, plus playoffs. Each team is guaranteed one playoff game.
Q. Where are games played?
A. Available ice slots at area rinks change each year. Games may be played at the following locations based on available ice:
Ice Den - Chandler
Ice Den - Scottsdale
AZ Ice Arcadia, Phoenix
Jay Lively, Flagstaff
AZ Ice - Peoria
AZ Ice - Gilbert
Mountain America Community Iceplex - Tempe
Mullett Arena - Tempe