RDMH General Information

Minor Hockey in Red Deer

All youth playing minor hockey in Red Deer participate in divisions administered by the RDMH members, have developed four main divisions with each stressing different levels of objectives.

Intro to Hockey (Initiation)

Under 5 (U5) (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 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) (2019 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) (2018 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):   (2016-2017 birth year)
Average Ice Time: One Practice and One Game/week

Competitive (City League)
This division is designed for the player who has the desire and ability 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. Body checking is a part of this division in Bantam only.  Families should anticipate paying seed fees, once teams have been drafted.  These monies go toward the cost of tournaments and extra ice time.  Teams generally participate in fundraising initiatives also.

Under 11 (U11): 
Average Ice Time: One Practice and One Game/week

Under 13 (U13):  
Average Ice Time: One Practice and One Game/week

Under 15 (U15): 
Average Ice Time: One Practice and One Game/week

Elite (AA)/ Tiered Hockey
This division is for the skilled athlete, wishing to develop his game to the next level. Travel is expected at this level. Players should be prepared to commit to hockey at this level, full attendance is anticipated. Additional expenses will be incurred.

Under 11 (U11), Under 13 (U13), Under 15 (U15), Under 18 (U18) 
Average Ice Time: One Practice and one to three games/week

High Performance (AAA)
This division is for highly skilled players who are prepared to devote a great deal of time. A high level of commitment is expected. Players wishing to tryout for teams in this division can expect to be playing at an intense and competitive level. Additional expenses will be incurred. This category has both a male and female stream.

Under 15 (U15), Under 16 (U16), Under 18 (U18)
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 High Performance and Elite 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.

Participation Fees
For each program, at every level, there is a participation fee. These fees cover costs such as A.A.H.A. dues, insurance, league registration, equipment, ice costs and programs, mentor ship, team pictures, administration, referee costs, and the Building Fund.  The participation fee is based on the standard schedule of events for the upcoming season. Additional fundraising may be required depending on the division. Fundraising is for team expenses such as extra ice, tournament fees or team jackets. Teams will generally collect initial see money at the first team meeting. This money will be used to cover expenses at the team level. Fundraising goals will be determined by individual teams.