New to hockey?

Have a kid who's interested in playing, but you're nervous that they’ll be too far behind? We can help. Kids catch up quickly as long as they get an opportunity to play in a fun, patient, supportive environment. Our high-level coaches and fun practice environment can help novice hockey players learn how to skate and stickhandle in no time.

We offer a travel program for boys and girls ages 7-14, provide expert coaching for Bloomington's house-hockey local-play program, and partner with Bloomington's high-school hockey program. Along the way, they'll learn teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance, and they'll make great friends.

Worried about the cost of hockey? Equipment for youth hockey, especially in the early years (up to age 10) can easily be purchased for around $250 by looking at gently-used gear from SidelineSwap. Our equipment folks are happy to help make recommendations for gear that will fit well and last a while.

Don't want 5am practice for a 6 year old? BBYHA practices take place mostly in the afternoon and evening hours after school, with a few 8am Saturday practices here and there.

Worried that checking or fighting looks like it does in the NHL? USA Hockey has no-checking rules that are research-based. Checking leagues start at the 14U level, after young brains are more resistant to concussions. USA Hockey mandates immediate game suspension for engaging in a fight, and BBYHA takes both of these guidelines seriously.

The BBYHA wants kids to develop a lifelong love of hockey. We use the USA Hockey's "American Developmental Model" (ADM) as a guide for our age-appropriate coaching and competition, to help ensure that our players can become good sports and have fun on and off the ice.

We're here to answer any questions and help you find the right kind of hockey for your kid and your family. Email our coaching coordinator, the Director of Hockey Operations, at hockeyops@bloomingtonblades.com to find out how hockey can help your kid stay in shape and have fun for life

Players are required to wear protective equipment (from head to toe):

• *an approved helmet with a full cage
• mouth guard
• *shoulder pads
• *elbow pads
• *hockey gloves
• athletic cup (boys) or pelvic protector (girls)
• *breezers/hockey pants
• *skates
• *shin guards

Players also need a stick, and hockey tape is used to tape the stick so that the player can control the puck better.

Equipment with a * can be rented through Bloomington Blades Youth Hockey Association by contacting our equipment manager.