FAQS

Welcome to the FAQ page. This page covers common questions and hot topics including:

1. Season dates, eligibility, participation, and play-with & play-up requests
2. Requirements to register
3. Practice locations and equipment players will need to have
4. Refund policy
5. Neck Laceration Protection requirement (effective beginning in 2024 and beyond)

• What is Wayzata Youth Hockey Association (WYHA)?
• The Wayzata Youth Hockey Association (WYHA) is a nonprofit organization that offers ice hockey programs for youth ages 4–19 in the Wayzata School District 284. The program is open to both experienced and new players, and aims to develop player skills and encourage sportsmanship and fun.
• When does registration open?
• Player registration typically opens late July - early August. For the 2025-2026 season, it opens at 8AM on Monday, July 28th.
• What do I need to do to prepare for registration?
• You will need a USA Hockey confirmation number for each season. Please register with USA Hockey and keep this number handy to complete your WYHA registration. Additionally, ensure you create an account with Crossbar. https://membership.usahockey.com/
• How long does the season run?
• The season begins in late October and runs through early March.
• Can my child play for WYHA?
• Families that live in District 284 can play for WYHA. Additionally, players that meet the Participation Rule requirements also qualify to play for WYHA. Please review the Participation Rule. https://www.minnesotahockey.org/news_article/show/1297790
• Do I need to provide my players birth certificate?
• Players new to WYHA will need to email their birth certificate(s) to miteregistrar@wayzatahockey.org
• Returning players do not need to email their birth certificate(s).
• All birth certificates sent to WYHA and submitted to USA Hockey will be fully deleted after official verification. No birth certificate images are retained by either party.

• What level do I register my player for?
• Levels of play are determined by your child's DOB, you will not choose the level of play in the registration form.
• Can my child play with their friends?
• Players at the Mite level can indicate friend requests on the registration form. Travel players cannot indicate a friend request. Friend requests are not guaranteed, but every effort is make to accommodate these requests.
• My child is very athlete and advanced, can they play at a higher level of play?
• No. Players are only allowed to playup under certain circumstances. Please see the playup policy. https://www.wayzatahockey.org/player-resources/playup-policy/40348
• My child is new to hockey, can they play down an age level?
• No. Only if certain medical conditions exist are playdowns ever allowed.

• If my player is injured, can I get a refund?
• WYHA has a no refund policy. Please purchase insurance during the registration process.

• Where and when are practices?
• Times and locations (Plymouth Ice Center aka PIC, Wayzata Central, Brooklyn Park Ice Arena, Velocity in Osseo) of practices vary. After your player is rostered, you will receive communications from your coach and team manager via the Crossbar app.
• What equipment does my child need?
• Certified Helmet -recommended Navy
• REQUIRED Neck Guard
• Shin pads
• Elbow pads
• Mouth guard
• Skates
• Stick
• Cup or pelvic protector (w/ Velcro shorts to hold up the hockey socks)
• Breezers /Hockey pants - recommended navy blue
• Shoulder pads
• Gloves
• Hockey socks and jerseys (practice and game) will be provided at the first practice.

• I am worried about paying for hockey, are scholarships available?
• Yes! Please complete the online registration form.

USA Hockey neck laceration protection requirements began August 1st, 2024 for players in all age classifications, other than adult, during both games and practices, as well as for on-ice officials under the age of 18. The requirement includes players in the youth, girls and junior age classifications.

Check out USA Hockey's resources and frequently asked questions to make sure you're prepared heading into the new season!