New to Hockey? (2024)

Q: What's the age range for girls skating with RCHC?
A:The age range depends on which season we're in. For example, our House program in 2018-19 was open to girls 5-19. Please click on the "Home" tab then select "2021-22 Season" to see if your player is eligible to skate with us. (Hope so!)

Q: What if my daughter can’t skate?
A: No biggie! Even the most accomplished hockey players started with bendy ankles and wobbly knees. And they fell down. A lot. Your player will too. But don’t worry ... players who are still learning to skate are welcome in our

in the 2021-22 season

Q: What should I bring to the rink on the day of the event?
A: If we gave you a smart looking' red jersey already, bring it! (If not, we'll provide it -- no worries!) Also bring a hairband if your skater has long hair and a water bottle marked with her name. For safety, mouth guards are required & can be purchased at any local sporting store as well as rink pro-shops.

Q: What should my daughter wear under her hockey equipment?
A: Girls should wear comfortable clothing in which they can play and have fun! We recommend a loose fitting shirt on top. On the bottom, some girls like to wear tights or leggings with their shin guards over the tights, all covered by hockey socks which we loan players for free. Other girls like to wear sweat pants & pull their hockey gear and socks over them. Everyone is different and, as your player attends more practices, she'll figure out what works best. Remember, too, that the rink is cold. When not in her hockey gear, she (as well as Mom, Dad, and other spectators) should bring a coat, hat & warm stuff.

Q: Who can I contact if I have a question?
A: Send us an email anytime atinfo@rosecityhockeyclub.comif you have a question or suggestion. We welcome your thoughts on how to make it a great experience for the girls.

Q: Where can I buy some sweet RCHC merch?
A: Check out

, where you can pick what items you want. We have a huge selection and 10% of your purchase supports us, an official nonprofit.

​Q: What is a"development program" is exactly?
A: Good question. Dev programs are designed for players who are committed to playing competitively. These athletes are often hoping to play college hockey and beyond. In addition, a development program is often a stepping stone between a House program and a travel team. The former often involves little or no tournament travel while the latter, a travel team, often involves 4 or more tournaments per season.

Q: What will the players be doing on the ice?
A: Our USA Hockey certified coaches will lead the girls through age specific hockey drills as outlined by USA Hockey. They’ll use a building block approach starting with the fundamentals of skating at the start of practice and finishing with both the stick and puck. In addition, different drills will take place at different stations on the ice. The rest of our practice plan is top secret!

Q: Will the players get a hockey jersey?
A: Heck yes! Every girl registered with us will receive a sharp looking red Rose City Hockey Club jersey. These sell for $90 on eBay so hold on to yours. (Ok, just kidding, but keep the jersey because you’ll need it for future sessions.)

Q: What equipment will be in the "loaner" hockey bag?
A: We provide all participants hockey gear. Each hockey bag will contain a helmet, chest protector, elbow pads, hockey pants, and shin protectors. (By the way, mouth guards are not included but required.)

Q: Will the players scrimmage? Will there be checking?
A: Scrimmage- yes, usually at the end of practice. These cross-ice games allowed players to get more "touches" of the puck (compared to playing on a full sheet of ice). There's no checking in our program or in girl's or women's hockey at any level … including the Olympics!

Q: Love this program! What can I do to help? Thank you! We'dlove your help spreading the word by "liking" our

and "sharing" it with your network.Anotheroption is to

. Among other things, our money will go to our girls scholarship program for children who otherwise could not skate, as well as ice fees and gear. Even $10 helps! Finally, please visitour

We have a huge selection of merch and 10% of your purchase supports us, an official nonprofit.Thank you.

Q: My daughter tried hockey & loves it, but she doesn't have any equipment. If I were to buy a few pieces, what do you recommend?
A: Like you, our first concern is always safety. The first piece of equipment you should buy is a helmet sized perfectly for your daughter. (The helmets we provide meet USA Hockey specifications but they probably won't fit your player as well as her own.) The second item we recommend is hockey skates, so she can zip down the ice & score a goal!

Q: I'd love to buy my player some hockey gear but, let's face it, it's expensive. Arethereany other options?
A: Yes, THREE come to mind! (1) You can pick up used gear at either the

in Beaverton or the

in Vancouver, WA. Both stores will give you 10% off if your player wears her red jersey.(2) We recommend buying equipment at Northwest Skate Authority, pro shops located at the Winterhawks Skate Center and Sherwood Ice Arena. If you buy gear during a RCHC event (i.e., camp, practice, skate mob), you'll receive a 10% discount if you spend over $100. (3)The Jr Winterhawks periodically hold a two-day "Gear Swap" at the Winterhawks Skate Center. This is an opportunity to buy used gear at a discount or swap equipment (ex: trading elbow pads that are too small for a bigger pair). Thank you Portland Jr Winterhawks for including our girls!

Q: What is a flash mob skate?
A: These spontaneous events are a chance for your player to practice her skating in an ultra fun setting. Coaches and volunteers show up at a public skate and play tag, follow the leader, and other games with the RCHC players. (They also work in a few skating tips!) Since these are public skate sessions, there is usually a small fee required (it ranges from $11 - $9). Players are urged to wear their RCHC jerseys. Full gear is optional and a helmet (even a bike helmet) is always a good idea. Sticks and pucks aren't allowed. When's the next one? Can't tell ya ... watch FB and our Twitter sites for the next announcement.

Q: I heard there are scholarships available. Is that true?
A: Heck yes! To make hockey accessible to all girls interested in playing, we've given out literally thousands of dollars in scholarships since starting in 2013. They are awarded based on financial need and other considerations.Scholarship applications may be found on theseason for which a player is applying for. (Ex: For a House program scholarship, seethat page.)All of this has been made possible by generous supporters.If you'd like to donate to the RCHC Fund, which helps pay for scholarships, gear, and other items, pls click here!

Q: Are there online sources to buy gear?
A: Yes, among them are hockeymonkey.com and totalhockey.com. That said, we HIGHLY recommend buying some items of equipment -- like a helmet -- in person so your player can try it on & get sized properly. (In addition,thefoam inside a helmet must be relatively new & meet specs to be safe.) Northwest Skate Authority (the pro shop at the Winterhawks Skate Center & Sherwood Ice Arena) isterrific. The guys there are friendly and knowledgable. They'll also give you a 10% discount on purchases over $100 if you buy it during camp, a practice, orskate mob.

Q: Should my daughter play boy’s or girl’s hockey?
A: There are pros and cons to each approach, as outlined in this article (

). Doing both would be wonderful but, if not possible, we sure hope she decides to skate with us!

Q: My daughterloves your program. She is signed up, but wants even more ice time. Suggestions?
A: Check out the local co-ed programs. From our perspective, the more hockey, the better. If she's just learning to skate or brand new to the game, a "learn to skate" or "learn to play hockey" program might be a better fit. You'll find great, affordable programs at the

,

and

.

Q: How can I learn more about the Rose City Hockey Club?
A: Sign up for regular updates on our website,“like” our Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter (@PDXGirlsHockey) to stay informed.