FAQs

Can I join the team?

We are always looking for new people to join our team, whether you've played before, or have never tried on a pair of skates. Our coaches emphasize learning, teamwork, and improving fundamental skills on the ice.

What if I've never played before?

We welcome people who are brand new to hockey, and to skating. The more practices you attend, the more quickly you will start to feel comfortable on the ice. If you would prefer to get some skating down first, MIT offers some really helpful PE classes for learning skating and hockey. See http://web.mit.edu/athletics/www/physed/ for more info.

I'm not a student but am affiliated with MIT, can I play with you?

Yes, MIT affiliates (e.g., faculty, staff, spouse/partner) can join. However, in addition to the normal club dues you will need to purchase a DAPER membership. See http://mitrecsports.com/membership-pass-types/default.aspx for more on DAPER memerships.

Is there a varsity team?

No. MIT cut the varsity women's program a few years ago, and the women's club team remains the only women's ice hockey team at MIT that competes inter-scholastically.

When is the season?

We have ice time from mid-October until spring break in mid-March. While October to March is our primary season, we have optional dryland practices before the season begins, and often play tournaments late in the Spring.

When is practice?

We have five coached practices per week:
  • Monday 7-9pm
  • Wednesday 7-9pm
  • Thursday 7-9pm
  • Saturday 5-7 pm
  • Sunday 1-3 pm

What if I can't make all practices every week?

Most players don't make all of the practices a week, and you are certainly not expected to. We have 5 different practice times so that you have a variety of options and can go to the ones which fit your schedule best. We try to gear some practices to have a more beginner focus and others to focus on more experienced players' needs and team play. There is no absolute requirement on how many practices you attend but it is expected that you try to make 2-3 practices a week especially if you want to play in the games. The more you practice, the faster you will improve.

Do you have equipment I can borrow?

Yes! If you've never played hockey and want to try it out before getting your own equipment, we have all the necessary gear to play. This includes sticks, helmets, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, shin pads, hockey pants, and skates in a variety of sizes. You are free to check out whatever you need free of charge as long as you are playing with us.

What should I wear underneath the equipment?

Wear something comfortable and not too restrictive or baggy. Shorts and a t-shirt should be fine, although some people prefer a long sleeved shirt and long stretchy pants to keep the pads from rubbing directly on their skin. You won't need thick layers underneath to stay warm -- skating hard with all that protective gear on will keep you toasty!

Are there club dues?

Yes, we have dues for each half of the season. Dues are paid once at the start of the fall semester and again at the start of the spring semester. The cost of our program is typically much less than playing in a women's hockey league, and the amount of ice time and quality of coaching make our program a great deal. For the 2011-2012 season, dues were $100 dollars each semester and are expected to remain at this level or not much higher. Keep in mind that if you play pick-up hockey you could easily pay $15 per hour. At MIT, the ice time available to you is 6-10 hours a week from mid-October to the Friday before spring break, which makes it a great opportunity.

I have more questions...

To get any and all other questions about the club team answered, please email the captains at

club-hockey-officers [at] mit [dot] edu

Club Mission

Our club mission is to develop our skills, master our team plays, and work together in practices and games as a competitive team for which success is measured by the quality and improvement of our play.

In order to achieve our mission, any event that uses the team name and uniforms must be open to all members of the team.

There following expectations of club participants help support our club mission:

Expectations of Players

  • Dedication to being a member of the MIT club hockey team.
  • Commitment to working together and succeeding as a team.
  • Arrive at the rink with ample time to dress and prepare for practices and games, letting captains know beforehand if unable to arrive on time.
  • Provide support to teammates.
  • Respond promptly to any email asking for availabilities for games or practices.
  • Demonstrate respect for coaches and teammates.
  • Pay attention during practices - no talking while the coaches are talking.
  • No negativity towards teammates on the bench during games, or in practices.
  • No coaching of teammates. If there's an issue that needs to be mentioned, talk to one of the coaches or captains.
  • In order to play in a game, a player must have attended at least one practice in the week prior to the game. Exceptions can be made, at the coaches discretion, for the most challenging games.
  • Keep shifts during a game between 30 seconds and one minute.
  • Push yourself during practices - try new things, skate a little faster.
  • Pay dues in a timely manner.

Expectations of Captains

  • Meet all requirements for remaining an active club sport in good standing.
  • Lead recruitment efforts particularly at the beginning of the season, but also throughout the year.
  • Make sure that new recruits are becoming part of the team.
  • Coordinate between the team and coaches for practice and game rosters and activities.
  • Schedule approximately 15 games for the season at appropriate skill levels.
  • Assist coaches with running practices smoothly, providing a good example to the team at all times.
  • Get availabilities from teammates for games and forward to coach no later than five days before the game.
  • Act as liason to the referees and opposing team during games.
  • Keep team game jerseys, wash in between uses, and have them available at the rink at least twenty minutes before the start of warmups.
  • Coordinate team events to raise morale and team spirit.
  • Assist all players in addressing any concerns raised.
  • Provide a formal method for getting feedback from the team on a regular basis, addressing issues raised and reporting solutions back to the team.
  • Enforce the standards agreed to by the team in terms of player conduct.
  • Work with the Club Sports Council to keep dues low.

Expectations of Coaches

  • Be on time to practice, with a sequence of drills planned appropriate for the participants.
  • Provide feedback to players on a regular basis, both on individual skills as well as plays and teamwork.
  • Provide rosters for each game as soon as possible, but no later than two days before the game.
  • Enforce the standards agreed to by the team in terms of player conduct.
  • Arrive at games at least 10 minutes prior to warmups to go over team strategy.
  • In key situations in competitive games (e.g. overtime, one-goal differential at the end of the third period) select players to go on the ice to give us the best chance of winning.

Acceptable Ways to Enforce this Charter:

  • Verbal warning
  • Sprints / pushups
  • Benching for a shift
  • Benching for a period
  • Not on the roster for an upcoming games

Consitution

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