Travel
The Winnetka Hockey Club Travel program is designed for the child and family that desires a more competitive experience and greater level of commitment. The goal is to provide all skilled players with an opportunity to develop their skills and compete while receiving high level coaching and instruction.
This year, we will be fielding teams that will complete in three leagues:
Chicago United Hockey League (CUHL): 4-5 Mite teams
Northern Illinois Hockey League (NIHL): Up to 9 teams across Squirt, Pee Wee and Bantam (Bantam competes as North Shore Hockey Club).
Central States Development Hockey League (CSDHL): Six teams
- SQUIRT: Squirt Major (2013); Squirt Minor (2014); Squirt Prospects (2013/14)
- PEE WEE: Pee Wee Prospects (2011/12)
- BANTAM (Joint program with Wilmette): Bantam Prospects (2009/10)
- MIDGET (Joint program with Wilmette): Midget Prospects (2007/08)
Before registering, each player must be registered with either USA Hockey or AAU.
Midget (2007 & 2008), Bantam (2009 & 2010), Pee Wee (2011 & 2012) and Squirt (2013 & 2014) register with USA Hockey here.
Mite (2015 & 2016) and Minor Mite (2017, 2018 & 2019) register with AAU here
Ages/Levels
JUNIOR WARRIORS:
U8 (Mite): 2015 & 2016 birth years
WARRIORS:
U10 (Squirt): 2013 & 2014
U12 (Pee Wee): 2011 & 2012
NORTH SHORE HOCKEY CLUB:
U14 (Bantam): 2009 & 2010
U16 (Midget): 2007 & 2008
Wondering why we split Jr. Warriors vs Warriors? Mite players must register to get a number with the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU); Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam & Midget players must register with USA Hockey. This is because of the different league affiliations at the different levels.
Bantams and Midgets are run as a joint program of the Winnetka Hockey Club and the Wilmette Jr. Trevians. Visit the website for most up to date Bantam/Midget information.
Practices & Games
All practices and home games are held at NSIA, Winnetka Ice Arena or Watts Ice Center.
Locations vary for away games and will depend on what division/league teams are playing in.
Teams will have three (3) skates per week, including a skills clinic and two team practices. Times vary by team and schedules will be released once team rosters are set.
Our teams typically play 40-50 games. Each team will participate in at least one local tournament over Thanksgiving and one out-of-town tournament.
CLINICS & TRYOUTS
AUGUST 19-25
Pre-season clinics. Refer to the Clinics & Tryouts page for exact times by selecting registration for your age group below.
AUGUST 27-31
Tryouts. Refer to the Clinics & Tryouts page for exact times by selecting registration for your age group below.
Clinic/Tryout Registration: Mites (U8)
Clinic/Tryout Registration: Squirts/Peewees (U10/12)
Clinic/Tryout Registration: Bantam/Midgets (U14/U16)
Learn more about the tryout process, evaluation criteria and team formation here
Coaching & Uniforms
More info about our coaching staff can be found here.
Uniform fittings take place in the spring for the upcoming season. If you are a new player this year and did not get fitted for a uniform, please reach out to Ali Linehan.
Click here to learn more about required equipment and uniforms.
Season fees
You must remit payment with your season registration/offer acceptance (either in full or with the first of three equal installments). A $350 per player volunteer fee will be charged towards the end of the season for those who have not completed volunteer service.
Travel season fees for 2023-24 range from $5,070 to $6,600 depending on age group, level, and league. Payment is made by electronic check (ACH). You have the option to pay by credit card for an additional 2% fee. This policy has significantly reduced our collection problems, which helps keep fee increases to a minimum.
PLEASE NOTE: Your child will not be allowed to skate with his or her team if the offer is not accepted and season fees are delinquent.
If a player is selected to a travel team which he/she chooses not to play on, the player has until the first practice to notify the President, Travel director, or Hockey Director that he/she does not intend to play. If not notified, the player will be charged for the first installment.
ADDITIONAL FEES
Families pay an additional "Slush Fund" fee per season (typically $200-300) to cover incidental team expenses (team parties, coaches gifts, tournament favors, etc.)
Travel uniforms (jerseys, socks, pants shell) are required purchases and all players must have the customary protective equipment. See details.
Travel to away tournaments for players and their families is an added expense.