Recreational B (Tier 4)
The recreational side of youth hockey begins at 10U and is made up of B (Tier 4) and A (Tier 3) skill levels.
B (Tier 4) hockey promotes development and a lifelong love of the game for all athletes. For B divisions we host assessments late August and look to create balanced teams that will compete in the local league for the season.
All athletes, boys and girls, can register for B hockey here. Families will be prompted with a question about playing co-ed or on girls teams during registration. Females who wish to play on a girls team can select that option.
Ages
HCF fields recreational teams at all 10U-18U ages.
10U assessments will be used to determine which players are on A teams and which are on B teams.
When
These programs tend to start mid to late September and run through the end of February when we host End of Season tournaments for the B teams. State tournaments for B are spread out into March and change on a year to year basis.
Where
HCF utilizes all the rinks in the FNSB for practices and games. This includes UAF Patty Center, Big Dipper Ice Arena, Carlson Center, Polar Ice Center and Fort Wainwright (when available).
Practices
These teams can expect to typically have two practices per week. There is also the opportunity to participate in the skill sessions throughout the season.
Games
There will be generally be one game per week for the B level teams.
Individual teams can decide if they want to travel to participate in tournaments.
Jerseys
Each B team is required to acquire two jersey sponsors. Those sponsorships help cover the cost of the jerseys for the team. One pair of socks is included in the player fees.
Costs
The player fee varies by age: 10U (A&B) - $725, 12UB - $850, 14UB and up- $900. This fee covers practice, game ice and skill sessions locally.
Any additional expenses (team swag, participation in tournaments, extra ice, etc.) must be covered by the team, either by sponsorship, fundraising or a cash call.
Skill Sessions
Skill sessions are optional skates for players to participate in who want more developmental opportunities. There are 15 of these during the season, typically on Sundays at the Polar Ice Center.
There is no extra cost for participating in these sessions.
Volunteering
Our organization counts on amazing volunteers to help provide a great experience for the kids. If you are interested in volunteering, either as a Coach or Manager, please check the appropriate box during the registration process and we will contact you to get you involved! Remember, you're going to be at the rink anyway, you might as well help out :)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there goalie discounts?
For goalies at the B level player fees are reduced 75% to help ease the financial burden to families as goalie gear is more expensive than player gear.
Are there girls teams?
In the fall HCF hosts girls assessments with the aim of fielding girl specific teams at 10U through 14U. Due to the smaller number of female participants we are not always able to field girls teams. When that occurs we encourage girls to participate on youth teams and we place multiple girls on any given team.
What if my child has is brand new to hockey?
Have no fear, our coaches have years of experience getting kids up and moving around the ice! However, we do recommend athletes participate in a Learn to Skate or have basic skating skills as it will provide a confidence boost and make for an easier transition to the ice.
How can I help?
The strength of our program is the number of volunteers we have both on and off the ice but we can always use more. Please reach out to the Coaching Coordinator or Hockey Director if you are interested in helping. The more coaches we have on the ice or volunteers off the ice the better the experience will be for the kids!
Why does 10U play half ice?
The half ice model for youth hockey emphasizes skill development and player participation. Research has shown that players involved in smaller area games (cross-ice or half-ice games) get more puck touches, shots, passes, change of directions and puck battles. These scenarios better replicate hockey as it is played at the older age groups. Not only does it better develop players, every player is more engaged during the play on a smaller surface. More engagement during games for all skill levels leads to more fun and builds the passion for hockey!
2023-24
The Recreational B registration module is for all players (boys and girls) who wish to play at the Recreational B (Tier 4) level for the upcoming season. If you are a female athlete who wishes to play on an all-girls team, please select that option during registration. Girls teams will be formed if there is enough participation in an age group.
B teams regularly practice 2x per week and have weekly ice games (10U play half-ice games).
• 10U - Youth/Girls: Season cost: $725.
• 12U - Youth/Girls: Season cost: $850
• 14U - Youth: Season cost: $900
• 16U & 18U - Youth: Season cost: $900
Registration is closed for the 2023-24 season, however if you recently moved to town or missed assessments please reach out to hockeyclubfairbanks@gmail.com and we MAY be able to place you on a team.