I can't really skate. Is that a problem? "I don't know how to skate" is a nuanced comment that we get a lot.  Our only requirement for the beginner clinics is that you can skate across the ice without milk crates (unassisted). Hockey skating, stopping, using edges are all part of the clinics.  Now it takes some people a loong time to get across.  We don't care but some of those women decided it was a bit discouraging and decided to take some learn to skate classes before returning.  Others don't care, have stayed with the program and are getting better.

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I'm interested but not sure if this is right for me.   Borrow some gear from a friend and join us for a first skate before signing up! If you love it and want to come back, then sign up.  

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Where do you recommend I buy gear?  Hockey is an expensive sport, no doubt about it.  But plenty of people have gear to pass on or sell - check your town's Facebook page or recycling pages such as 'Everything is Free', 'Buy Nothing', etc. Ask parents through your town's youth hockey or high school programs (recent grads may be ready to part with gear). Gear can readily be bought at Play it Again sports.  Do make sure your skates and helmet fit well, are comfortable and that the helmet is not expired.

Try to buy local! Some local hockey shops include Pure Hockey in Medford & Burlington, Sports Etc in Arlington, Champions in Belmont Center.

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Do I really need a USA Hockey #?   Yes - they cover our insurance.  Which is really, really important to have. USA Hockey membership must be renewed annually; it is good from September 1 - August 31 the following year.

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Can I sign up with my middle school or high school daughter, niece, neighbor?  No. Due to insurance and also the desire for adult camaraderie and sometimes a non-PG discussion in the locker room, everyone has to be over 18 years of age.  However, if the young person in your life is a goalie, let's talk....

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It says I need to wear a black or white jersey for the end of clinic scrimmage but I only have [insert other color here].  Scrimmages are a whole lot easier when you can tell who is on your team - thus we divide into black and white teams.  Other colors (yes, that includes gray and bright blue) add a challenge and as beginners, we already have a lot of challenges.  If you forget (which we all do!), ask in the locker room if anyone has one you can borrow; worst case, look in the lost and found at the rink.

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How do I use the 4 pack? Are there certain days?  Life is busy! Some weeks just have conflicts. If you signed up for a 4 pack, you can come to any 4 sessions you want.  An evite or poll goes out each week for attendance, which gives coaches an idea of how many people will be coming so they can plan drills accordingly. Please fill this out as a courtesy to our coaches.

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My child / partner/ friend is interested in coaching, reffing, or score-keeping. Awesome! Have them contact me. We are always looking for help with the league and clinics.