FAQ's (St. Thomas Panthers)

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT AGES CAN REGISTER?

Divisions are based on year of birth
 as of Jan 1st, This is a guideline:

Panther Cubs/Fundamentals - Age 4-6

U9   - 
Age 7- 8

U11 - Age 9-10

U13 - Age 11-12

U15 - Age 13-14

U18 - Age 15-17

 

WHAT CATEGORIES OF HOCKEY ARE AVAILABLE?

The Panthers try to offer 3 teams in every division. First teams are generally A/AA depending on coaches evaluation of team. The second team is normally a B division but can be moved up or down to ensure the team is playing in the division for the best development of its players, The 3rd team will be a C/LL level.


WHAT DOES IT COST?

Once fees are set for a given season they are published on this website. Each season fees are subject to change based on changes to ice costs, insurance costs and the cost of officials...to name a few items.

Please refer to the ‘REGISTRATION’ tab to find the most recent seasons registration fees for an idea of what the costs are.

 

In addition to registration the following fees are also possible depending on your choices:

Tryout Fee: for U9 to U18 divisions for those players wishing to tryout for our teams will be posted under REGISTRATION tab in April

Competitive fee: For those U9 to U18 players who are successful in their bid for a spot on a tier 1 or 2 teams. This is used for extra ice time. Amount will be posted under REGISTRATION tab.

Team Fees: once they are formed, many teams will also collect funds for an account to cover costs such as tournaments, additional ice time, year end team parties etc. A team meeting will be held to set the amount needed as well as fundraising or other ways to raise the funds needed typically around $250 to $500 per player.


WHEN IS REGISTRATION?

Registration starts in April. The earlier you register the better for our association to plan on many things like number of teams at each level and how much ice time we need to book with the city.


WHEN DO WE NEED TO PAY FOR REGISTRATION

See REGISTRATION tab.


IS THERE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

We do not supply financial assistance other than a payment plan. There are a few options from local service clubs. Canadian Tire Jumpstart is one option, Kidsport Canada London is another. The Panthers want your daughter to play hockey and are will to help in anyway possible, but we can not help if you do not ask.


WHAT EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED?

Equipment List:

       CSA approved Helmet with face cage (clear or wire)

       neck protector

       mouth guard (not mandatory but recommended)

       shoulder pads

       elbow pads

       hockey gloves

       knee/shin pads

       hockey skates

       athletic jill for girls

       hockey pants

       hockey socks (for practice*)

       hockey shirt (for practice*)

       garter or shorts to hold socks up

       hockey stick

       hockey tape (for stick and socks)

* The association supplies game shirts and socks

WHEN DO THEY PLAY AND PRACTICE?

Game and practice times are not always consistent. Each year it depends on our registration numbers as well as the ice times we receive from the city. We strive to get each team an ice time from Monday to Friday and an ice time Saturday or Sunday. Most teams will play an away game once a week, usually on weekends but some may be during the week.


HOW LONG IS THE SEASON?

The playing season runs from generally September to March. Tryouts start after the Easter weekend and can run until the end of May. U9 and U11 evaluations will start in September. Depending on a team's performance during the season they could be playing in Provincial finals into early April.


HOW FAR DO WE TRAVEL

Our teams play in 2 leagues depending on level of competition and coach's decision, WOGHL and LLFHL  Both leagues have a travel area of two hours, but many games are within a one hour drive of St.Thomas.


DO YOU HAVE A PLAYER ICE TIME POLICY

Yes. All coaches of local league teams will ensure equal ice time. All coaches of competitive teams will ensure fair share of ice time for complete team development. Reference our Constitution  Appendix B equal ice policy for more information.