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General
Hockey
Learn to Skate
Figure Skating
Q: Do you have a pro-shop?
A: The Onyx pro shop is run by Perani's Hockey World. For information, visit their website at www.peranis.com or call (248) 651-4943..
Q: What are your drop in and open skate times?
A: For updated drop-in and open skate times, download our activity schedule or click on the drop-in and open skate buttons on the left hand side of this page.
Q: How can I advertise on the boards?
A: Click on the arena advertising button on the left side of this page, or call Lucia Zuzga at (248) 478-1600 for information.
Q: How do I purchase ice?
A: For available ice time, call (248) 601-6699.
Q: How do I apply for a job at the Onyx?
A: Stop by the front desk for an application if you feel you are qualified to work in concessions, the front office, or maintenance.
Q: I forgot my child’s helmet – do you have one I can borrow?
A: No, we do not lend out helmets or any other pieces of equipment.
Q: Can I get a refund if my skater drops out of a hockey, learn to skate, or figure skating program?
A: The Onyx has a no-refund policy. If a cancellation is necessary due to medical reasons, a credit certificate will be issued.
Q: Do you have private hockey lessons?
A: No we do not. We only offer private skating lessons.
Q: My school is having a function, and we are asking for donations. Can the Onyx donate some skate passes?
A: The Onyx will make every attempt to support local schools when possible. Please call the Onyx at 248-601-6699 to inquire.
Q: Can I reserve a room in the Onyx for a team meeting?
A: Yes, the wings of the building are utilized for team meetings/gatherings. Please call the Onyx at 248-601-6699 to reserve 24 hours prior to your event.
Q: Do you have a TV/VCR we can use?
A: Yes. Please call the Onyx to reserve the TV/VCR for your use.
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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 February. 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.
The Onyx is also the home rink to the Rochester Hockey Club with teams are at the B level in the Mite (ages 6-8), Squirt (ages 9-10), Pee Wee (ages 11-12), Bantam (ages 13-14) and Midget (ages 15-16) age divisions. Rochester Rattler (A and AA) and girls teams, are formed by a tryout process in August, with teams at the
Mite A (age 7), Mite AA(age 8), Squirt A (age 9), Squirt AA (age 10), Pee Wee A (age 11), Pee Wee AA (age 12), Bantam A (age 13), Bantam AA (age 14), and Midget A (age 15-16), and Midget AA (ages 17-18), Girls 12 & Under division, Girls 14 & Under division and Girls 16 & Under division. Rattler teams compete in the Little Caesars Amateur Hockey League.
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: 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.
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Q: Can you make up a session if you missed one?
A: Yes, you can make up a missed Learn to Skate class. Call the Onyx front office at 248-601-6699 and schedule a make up class on a Learn to Skate Day that works with your schedule.
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 a skater reaches Edge 1 before they join the Onyx-Suburban Skating Academy and supplements 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 session. 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. Now, with Hockey skating classes offered in the Learn to Skate program, skaters can develop their hockey skating skills with full gear on.
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,
Parent Tot, and Hockey 1-4 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 session, 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 Session 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 12:00pm - 1:50pm and Saturday & Sunday 2:15pm - 4:05pm 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 a skater reaches Edge 1 before 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 Session 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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