Q: When does the hockey season start, and how long does it go?
A: The “regular” hockey season begins in early September and runs through the end of March.
Q: When should I register my child to play hockey?
A: Registration for the fall/winter hockey season begins as early as February or March, with registrations of players returning to the league. Any openings are filled from players who have registered, on a first-registered, first-in basis, so it is a good idea to register as early as possible. However, there may be openings that occur as late as August and September, so you should check with the league at any time to see if there are any openings.
Q: What is the spring hockey season?
A: The spring hockey season runs from the beginning of April through the end of May. Open registration for spring hockey programs begins in January. Typically, the time commitment is less than the regular hockey season, with teams playing 10-14 games, with a minimal number of practices.
Q: If a player is already playing hockey, should I continue to register him/her for the Learn to Skate program?
A: Skating is the foundation on which all hockey skills are built. The more skating training and the more skating experience a player gets, the more proficient he/she will be, which helps to build confidence and increases enjoyment of the game. Whether it is a skating class, or open skating, the more that players want to and are able to get on the ice, the better they will be.
Q: What levels of hockey are offered at the Onyx?
A: Suburban FUNdamental Hockey serves as the first step into hockey for players in the Mighty Mite program (ages 4-7), who skate one day per week. The program is also open to players in the Mini Mite (ages 5-7), Mite (ages 6-8) and Squirt/Pee Wee (ages 9-12) divisions, who skate twice a week.
Q: What is the difference between the Suburban FUNdamental Hockey Mighty Mite and Mini Mite divisions?
A: The Mighty Mite program is literally the first step into hockey for players age 4-7. Mighty Mites skate once a week and the players are separated into small groups based on their skill level. The program is a nice blend of fun and learning, and small-sided skill games are a highlight at the end of each practice session.
The Mini Mite program is for players age 4-6 and players are divided into small teams. Mini Mites skate twice a week, with one session being a practice session and the second skate consisting of small-ice mini-games (cross-ice or half-ice) between the teams.
Q: Can you make up a session if you missed one?
A: Due to the size of the Learn to Skate and Suburban FUNdamental Hockey programs, we are unable to make up classes. For Learn to Skate students, it is recommended that the skater use their free open skate pass to practice their skills.
Q: If my player participates in the current regular season, will he/she have priority registration for this league the following year?
A: Yes, returning players always have the first registration opportunity for the following season, and each year you will receive a returning player application in the mail that needs to be returned by the deadline to ensure your registration.
Q: What district does the Rochester Hockey Club play in?
A: Teams in the Rochester Hockey Club compete in District 3 of the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association, which consists of all residents of Macomb County and those residents of Oakland County in cities / townships east of the north/south vertical line formed by Greenfield, Adams, Kern and Barr Roads from the Wayne County line to the Lapeer County line except residents of the cities of Birmingham, Harper Woods and all Grosse Pointes.
Q: Can my younger sibling come out and skate with our team?
A: No. Due to liability issues, players and coaches must be registered as members of the team in order to skate on that team’s ice.
Q: Does the Onyx have any tournaments?
A: The Onyx holds three-on-three tournaments for mite through midget/high school teams in July and August. Information will be available in May.
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Q: Can you make up a session if you missed one?
A: Due to the size of the Learn to Skate and Suburban FUNdamental Hockey programs, we are unable to make up classes. For Learn to Skate students, it is recommended that the skater use their free open skate pass to practice their skills.
Q: If I am currently in basic skills, when do I join the figure skating club?
A: Skaters in Basic 3 or above who are interested in pursing figure skating on a higher level are eligible to join the figure skating club. It is recommended that once a skater reaches Basic 7 they join the Onyx-Suburban Skating Academy and supplement their Learn To Skate class with a private lesson.
Q: When can I re-register for the next series of Learn to Skate?
A: Skaters are evaluated on the second to last week of each series. Skaters should re-register the week of evaluations in order to reserve their spot in the next series. It is not unusual for skaters to repeat a class two or more times. Skaters are allowed to develop at their own pace. Skills taught build upon each other, and to move a skater up before they master a skill only makes skating more difficult.
Q: Who qualifies for family registration in the Learn to Skate program?
A: Family registration is open to siblings of skaters who are currently enrolled in the LTS program and to anyone who is involved in any other Onyx program, such as the Rochester Hockey Club, Suburban FUNdamental Hockey and Onyx Adult Leagues.
Q: If a player is already playing hockey, should I continue to register him/her for the Learn to Skate program?
A: Skating is the foundation on which all hockey skills are built. The more skating training and the more skating experience a player gets, the more proficient he/she will be, which helps to build confidence and increases enjoyment of the game. Whether it is a skating class, or open skating, the more that players want to and are able to get on the ice, the better they will be.
Q: What should I wear to skating lessons?
A: Skaters should dress warmly, but allow for freedom of movement. Mittens or gloves should be worn. Skaters 5 years and younger and all Basic 1 skaters MUST wear a helmet.
Q: What should I do the first day of class?
A: Skaters should arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in. For the first two weeks of each series, Snowplow Sam 1 classes will meet in locker room 3A before going on the ice. All skaters will have a name tag with their name, class level, and teacher’s name. Name tags will also indicate if skate rental is pre-paid. Name tags are located on a table near the doors to Rink 3. Skaters will pick-up their name tag before getting on the ice each week. Name tags will be collected at the end of each class.
Q: How will I know how my child is doing in his/her class?
A: On the second to last week of each series, your child will be evaluated. A test form will be filled out reporting their progress and it will also recommend which class to enroll in next.
Q: Who can be part of the ice show?
A: Anyone who participates in Series II, III, and IV of Learn To Skate and can skate independently regardless of age and level is eligible. All OSA members are also eligible to participate.
Q: If I have been in LTS before, but took a session off, do I have to register during open registration again?
A: Yes, once you miss a session you must attend open registration to sign up again.
Q: Can we take private skating lessons during the public skate sessions?
A: Yes, certain instructors give lessons on private skate during the Monday – Friday 11:30am - 1:20pm and Saturday & Sunday 2:15 - 4:05 open skate times when the ice is not crowded. Call the Onyx at (248) 601-6699 for Learn to Skate instructor information.
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Q: What other costs are involved once I join the Onyx-Suburban Skating Academy?
A: Costs vary depending on how much ice time you require and the fee for the private instructor you select.
Q: If I am currently in basic skills, when do I join the figure skating club?
A: Skaters in Basic 3 or above who are interested in pursing figure skating on a higher level are eligible to join the figure skating club. It is recommended that once a skater reaches Basic 7 they join the Onyx-Suburban Skating Academy and supplement their Learn To Skate class with a private lesson.
Q: Who can be part of the ice show?
A: Anyone who participates in Series II, III, and IV of Learn To Skate and can skate independently regardless of age and level is eligible. All OSA members are also eligible to participate.
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