New Family Information
WELCOME TO THE SABRE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
Whether you're just beginning your hockey journey or you're a seasoned player looking for a new home, we're glad you found us.
Since our founding in 1971, we’ve been dedicated to providing a competitive youth hockey experience to the western Chicagoland suburbs. Our growth over the years has been driven by strong leadership, knowledgeable coaches, the support of our incredible parents, and—most importantly—players who truly love the game. We remain committed to developing not only skilled athletes, but outstanding individuals through the sport of hockey.
THE RIGHT PROGRAM FOR YOUR PLAYER
At the Sabre Hockey Association, we strive to provide the best possible hockey experience for every athlete. We understand that choosing the right program involves many considerations. Our goal is to ensure each player continues to develop their skills in a competitive environment that matches their abilities and aligns with their individual and family goals.
YOUTH HOCKEY PROGRESSIONAL PROGRAMMING
Sabre Hockey Association, in partnership with our home rinks—All Seasons Ice Rinks and Rocket Ice Arena—offers programs that develop players from their first steps on the ice to elite competitive levels.
A player's general hockey path typically follows this progression:
Below please find further details regarding each of these programs.
LEARN TO SKATE AND LEARN TO PLAY HOCKEY
If your future Sabre is just beginning their hockey journey and lacing up their skates for the very first time, we highly recommend enrolling in a Learn to Skate or Learn to Play Hockey program with one of our home rink partners.
JUNIOR SABRES HOUSE LEAGUE
Junior Sabres House League (JSHL) serves as an introductory program for our youngest athletes who are beginning their hockey journey and working toward future travel play. It serves as a bridge program for players who have recently completed a Learn to Skate or Learn to Play Hockey program and are ready to experience what it’s like to be part of a team.
JSHL provides in-house training and games with a significantly smaller time and financial commitment than travel hockey, making it an ideal next step for new hockey players.
Important Details:
- Registration Opens: August
- Evaluations: Early September
- Season: Mid September - Mid March
- Two Practices / One Game Per Week
- All Seasons Ice Rinks or Rocket Ice Arena
SABRES TIER 2 TRAVEL HOCKEY
Sabre Hockey Association competes in the following Tier 2 travel hockey leagues:
- Chicago United Hockey League (CUHL): A travel hockey league for our youngest teams. CUHL nurtures and grows 8U hockey in a fair, competitive, and community-based environment.
- Central States Developmental Hockey League (CSDHL): A highly competitive league for youth hockey teams across Illinois and the Central States region. CSDHL offers divisions from 10U to 18U organized by player birth year (Major or Minor teams) and by level (10U, 12U, 14U, etc.) in their Prospects divisions.
- Midwest Superior Girls Hockey (MSGH): A newly established, competitive girls' youth hockey league featuring teams from Illinois and surrounding Midwestern states.
Important Details:
- Registration Opens: July / Girls May
- Tryouts: August / Girls June
- Season: September - March
- Three Practices / Two Games Per Week
- At least One Travel Tournament
- At least One Local Tournament
SABRES TIER 3 HOCKEY
Sabre Hockey Association also offers Tier 3 hockey for players to experience travel hockey in a less competitive environment and a at less time and financial commitment than Tier 2.
- Northwest Hockey League (NWHL): A Tier 3 Travel Hockey League for Chicago and the surrounding suburbs where players can learn the game and foster their love of hockey.
Important Details:
- Registration: July
- Evaluations: September
- Season: Mid September - Mid March
- Two Practices per Week
- One Game per Week
SABRES SPRING HOCKEY
EDGE: A spring training program designed to further advance a player's development by utilizing a blend of practice methods including powerskills training, battle drills, situational and tactical practice. Gameplay can vary by age and level.
- NIHL Spring League: 10U, 12U, 14U and Girls Divisions
- Internal Scrimmages & *Tournaments: 8U, 10U, 12U 14U
- 4v4 League & *Tournaments: Midget Program (15U-18U)
Important Details:
- Registration: February
- Evaluations: March
- Season: April - May
- Two Practices per week
- Games on select weekends
*Tournaments are not guaranteed for every player, nor are they included in program pricing.
SABRES SUMMER PROGRAMS
Summer Skates: A six week summer training program lead by Sabre travel coaches for players to fine tune their hockey mechanics. Registration takes place in May. Multi-week options available in June and July.
Blue and Gold Camp: A two-week conditioning program to prepare players for tryouts and the start of the season. Registration takes place in July. Week One takes place prior to tryouts in early August. Week Two takes place after tryouts in late August.
Please note the above are brief, high-level descriptions of our main programs and are subject to change. More detailed and current information will be made available closer to the registration periods mentioned above.
Click here to sign up for our newsletters and stay up to date on all Sabres news. Alternatively, please reach out to Desiree Jules, registrar@sabrehockey.com, with any registration questions or our Hockey Director, Brandon Lewandowski, blewandowski@sabrehockey.com, with any programming questions.
FAQS
What if my player doesn't make a Tier 2 team?
Tryouts are a fluid process, and we ask families to remain flexible as we move players between groups to ensure each athlete receives the individual attention needed for a fair evaluation. As we assess your player, we may recommend that he or she attend either the JSHL or Tier 3 evaluations. This recommendation is based on the player’s current skill level and where they would experience the best competitive fit to ensure a positive hockey experience and a successful season of development.
What is included in my hockey fee?
- Experienced and Knowledgeable Coaching Team
- Weekly Practices / Ice Time
- League Games / Ice Time
- Game Uniforms (Home / Away)
- Player Warmups (Dependent on Team)
- Practice Jersey (As Needed)
What other expenses can I expect throughout the season?
Additional expenses can include, but are not limited to:
- Annual Renewal of USA Hockey Insurance (See More Details Below)
- Club Fundraising Raffle Ticket Sales (Minimum Sales Required per Family)
- Team Slush Fund (Dependent on Team / Number of Tournaments)
- Player Equipment (Full Gear Required)
What age division is my player?
Click here for USA Hockey Age Classifications. You may also hear reference to the following age categories:
- Mites = 5 - 8 years old
- Squirts = 9 - 10 years old
- Peewee = 11 - 12 years old
- Bantam = 13 - 14 years old
- Midgets = 15 - 18 years old
What is AHAI?
AHAI (Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois) is the official Illinois Affiliate of USA Hockey, the national governing body for amateur hockey in the United States. This affiliation connects Illinois players, coaches, officials, and Clubs to the larger framework that governs the game across the country. By aligning with USA Hockey, AHAI helps ensure that hockey in Illinois is consistent, fair, and in line with national standards for development and player safety.
Why must I register my player for USA Hockey Insurance?
AHAI requires USA Hockey Insurance Registration because it is the national governing body for amateur hockey, and registration is necessary for insurance coverage, eligibility for sanctioned play, and adherence to national standards for player safety and development. This dual registration ensures that all players and teams in Illinois are covered by USA Hockey's insurance policies and can participate in leagues and tournaments that are officially sanctioned and recognized nationwide. Registration is required annually.