Moorestown Quakes Ice Hockey Club
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who is eligible to play for Moorestown Youth Hockey?
Boys and girls in 5th to 12th grade who live or attend school in Moorestown are eligible to play.
Middle School players (grades 5-8) who are residents of Burlington County but reside outside
of Moorestown may also play if approved by the SJMSIHL. All High School players must be
Moorestown residents or attend a Moorestown school. Recommended skating skills and playing
experience are described below. Travel and house league players who are rostered with Jaguars,
Flyers Youth, Hollydell, Comcast and other area travel programs are encouraged to play for
Moorestown Hockey club in addition to their travel or house league team.
Q. What is the Club’s Mission statement?
To promote amateur youth ice hockey in Moorestown, NJ, organize youth teams to play ice
hockey, teach teamwork, self discipline, sportsmanship, integrity and self confidence through
hockey instruction.
Q. What skills does a player need to play for Moorestown Youth Hockey league?
New Middle school players should have above average skating skills (skating lessons
recommended) and participate in “learn to play hockey” or summer hockey camp programs
available at the Igloo rink in Mt. Laurel www.skateigloo.com, or the Flyers Skate Zone rinks in
Voorhees or Pennsauken, www.flyersskatezone.com. Inexperienced High School players should
have above average skating skills and knowledge of how to play. Participation in camps, clinics
and skating lessons prior to joining the club is recommended for all age levels.
Q. Is there a way to try Ice Hockey without making such a big initial investment?
Participation in Spring Hockey (description below) is a good way to try the sport without a long
term commitment. “Learn to play Hockey sessions” are available at local rinks (see links
above). Have your player watch games or practices at his/her age level. Play it Again Sports in
Mt. Laurel sells gently used equipment at a reasonable price. Gently used equipment may also be
available at no cost from the local organization MooreKids whose mission is to help Moorestown
kids affected by financial hardship. (List of required equipment below)
Q. What is Spring Hockey?
Spring Hockey is the season after the regular season. The focus is on skill development and
fun. It is a good chance for players to try the sport or a new position or work on creative aspects
of the game. In the Spring, players play in the age division that they will be playing in the
upcoming Fall/Winter season. For example, 4th grades students (entering 5th grade in the fall)
would play on a Middle School team. 8th grade students (entering HS in the Fall) would play for
a High School team. Team level placement in the spring league will not determine team
designation for the regular fall/winter season. Not playing in the Spring does not affect a player's
placement during the subsequent regular season.
Q. How and when can I register?
Registration takes place in March for Spring Hockey and late Spring for the Fall/Winter (regular)
season. Registration and payments are administered on the web site.
Page 1 of 4
Moorestown Quakes Ice Hockey Club
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I missed the registration date, can my child still play?
We may be able to add players depending upon the circumstances and timing. Due to required
deadlines from governing bodies, league team rosters may be set. Please contact a Coach at your
player’s age level to discuss late placement. Contact information is provided by team on the
Club website.
Q. What equipment is required and recommended to play hockey?
A complete set of equipment is required to play per USA Hockey regulations.
 Ice Hockey Skates /comfortable sport socks
 Ice Hockey Stick /wooden stick adequate for new players
 Hockey Tape
 Ice Hockey Helmet with Cage and chin strap
 Mouth Guard
 Shoulder pads
 Elbow pads
 Athletic supporter (jock) for boys or athletic protector (jill) for girls
 Ice hockey pants
 Shin guards
 Hockey socks (covers shin guards)
 Practice Jersey
 Uniform – Jersey(s), socks, pants shell
Q. Where can hockey equipment be purchased?
There are many local sporting goods options. It is recommended to work with a specialist at a
local store when buying for the first time. Play it Again Sports in Mt. Laurel specializes in used
equipment. Hockey Giant in Cherry Hill is a hockey superstore with a large selection for all
levels of play. The local area rinks: Igloo, Skate Zone rinks in Voorhees and Pennsauken all
have pro shops that sell equipment. Best to avoid internet sites unless you know exactly what
you want and the size. Once you are experienced, the internet sites can be convenient and have
competitive pricing.
Q. What does a full set of equipment cost?
A full set of used player equipment with skates can be purchased for approximately $200$300. Goalie equipment is more expensive. New players do not need high end equipment and
should get the most basic items available. A well fitted pair of skates and current safety
approved helmet should be the biggest investment. Uniforms will need to be purchased and fitted
at Fall registration. One jersey is required for the Middle School teams, two (2) are required for
High School level. Matching socks and shells to cover pants must also be purchased.
Q. When and how will my player be assigned a jersey number?
Jersey numbers are assigned to players by the Moorestown Hockey Club to avoid the possibility
of number duplication as players move through the levels and join different teams each year.
There are two numbering systems – one for Middle School and one for High School. The Club
makes every effort to allow players to choose their number. Once assigned, players will keep
their number through Middle School. Seniority rules if two people desire the same number or if a
Page 2 of 4
Moorestown Quakes Ice Hockey Club
Frequently Asked Questions
desired number is already taken. The selection process may be applied again in High School if a
player’s Middle School number is already used by a High School player or a high school player
would like a new number.
Q. How long is the season?
The Fall/Winter (regular) season evaluations are in late Spring. Practices begin in September and
the season typically ends in February. Spring Season evaluations are held in April and the season
typically ends by the beginning of June.
Q. When do games start?
For Fall/Winter season, games typically start in late September. Spring games start in mid April.
Q. How many times a week are practices held?
Most players should expect to be on the ice one for 1 practice a
week at all levels and 1 game
for Middle School and up to 2 games at the High School level.
Q. How many games are played in a season?
There are approximately 20 fall/winter (regular season) games for Middle School teams and 1520 games for High School teams. The number of games played depends on the number of teams
in that league at that level. There are approximately 10 spring games plus playoffs. Additional
scrimmages and tournaments may be scheduled at the discretion of the Coach and team families.
Q. Where do teams practice?
Practices are held at The Igloo in Mt Laurel or The Skate Zone in Pennsauken rinks.
Q. Where do teams play games?
Games are played at the Skate Zone in Voorhees exclusively for the Middle School. High
School teams play primarily at The Igloo, Hollydell and the Skate Zone – Voorhees. Some high
school games may be played at other rinks within the greater Philadelphia area.
Q. When do teams practice and play games?
Practices are held mostly weekday afternoons or evenings depending on age level. Middle
School and High School have one practice weekly. Games are held weekend afternoons and
evenings for Middle School players. Both weekend and weekday games are scheduled for High
School players. There is typically 1-2 games per week during the season.
Q. What are the age groups and progression for hockey?
Middle School players in grades 5-8 are divided by age and skill level into A, B, and C levels.
High School players in grades 9-12 play on the Varsity or Junior Varsity A or B levels based on
an evaluation process.
Q. Are there tryouts?
Evaluations are held for all levels for the Fall Season. A one evening evaluation is held for the
Spring. All players who register and have paid the required fees will be placed on a team roster
based on experience level. Determinations of level will be made by Coaches as described below.
Page 3 of 4
Moorestown Quakes Ice Hockey Club
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. At what level will my player be placed?
The Club will place registered players on an age appropriate team level where they are best
suited to succeed and play safely. Age and school grade level are strongly considered in making
sure that players are matched with other players of a similar size and maturity. However, there is
a mix of experienced travel hockey players as well as players with less experience. Therefore,
teams are created based on age, experience and skill level (Middle School A, B and C; Junior
Varsity A/B and Varsity) through an evaluation process. The Board and Coaches take great care
in making sure each player is properly evaluated and placed on a team where he or she can have
the most positive experience.
Q. When is checking (body contact/ hitting player off the puck) allowed?
Checking begins at age 12 or 13 and is allowed at the Middle School A level in accordance with
USA hockey governance. Checking is not allowed at the Middle School B and C levels.
Q. Who are the coaches?
Moorestown Hockey Club provides USA Hockey certified coaches who focus on skill
development and positive coaching ideals. Our Coaches include both parent and non-parent
individuals who have played hockey themselves and have coached previously. Coaches and staff
by team are listed on the website with contact information.
Q. What is USA Hockey?
USA Hockey is the National governing body for the sport of Ice Hockey in the United States. Its
mission is to promote the growth of hockey in America and to provide the best possible
experience for all participants by encouraging, developing, advancing and administering the
sport. USA Hockey's primary emphasis is on the sport and development of grassroots hockey
programs. USA Hockey is divided into 11 geographical districts throughout the United
States. Each district has a registrar. The registrar registers teams, administers registration of
officials, administers educational and certification programs for coaches and skills development
goals for players; and oversees liability and safety programs. The Club abides by all rules and
regulations of USA Hockey. Moorestown Hockey coaches are required to have USA Hockey
certification appropriate to his/her team age level. All players must register online with USA
Hockey in order to play. Your player’s USA Hockey registration must renewed annually prior to
Fall registration (which is in May) even though the previous season registration is valid until
August. See www. USAHockey.com for more information about this organization and to
register your player
Q. What are the SJHSIHL, SJMSIHL and NJYHL?
SJHSHL (South Jersey High School ice hockey league) and SJMSIHL (South Jersey Middle
School ice hockey league) are the governing bodies for the local teams in our league. NJYHL
(New Jersey Youth Hockey League) is the governing body for travel leagues in our area (Jaguars,
Hollydell Hurricanes, Flyers Youth, etc.)
Any other questions, please email the Club at: [email protected]
Page 4 of 4