If you are new to travel hockey...
Who are the Jr. Blue Hens?
The Jr. Blue Hens are a Tier II youth ice hockey club that plays out of the University of Delaware Ice Arenas. We field travel teams from Mites (U8) through Midget Major (U18) at the AA, A, and B levels. We are members of the Delaware Valley Hockey League (DVHL)
My child wants to play travel hockey. How do I get more information?
You can contact the Jr. Blue Hens with any questions via email at jointhejbh@jrbluehens.org.
What is the difference between travel hockey and the middle school or in-house leagues?
Travel hockey does require a greater time commitment than the middle school or in-house leagues. Practice is typically two nights per week and there are typically two games per weekend. In travel hockey, players are grouped by birth year and skill level. Additionally, as its name suggests, travel hockey requires travelling further distances for games and tournaments.
Oh yeah…about that…how far do teams normally travel for games and tournaments?
The Jr. Blue Hens is a member of the Delaware Valley Hockey League (DVHL) and competes against other DVHL teams. DVHL teams are located as close as The Pond and as far away as Wilkes-Barre, PA. Throughout the season, teams can expect to travel to arenas located in DE, PA, MD, and NJ. Jr. Blue Hens traditionally do one tournament as a club. Additional tournaments are left to the coaches’ discretion. Popular destinations include: Rochester, NY, Annapolis, MD and Lake Placid, NY.
How much does it cost to play travel hockey?
Annual tuition fees cover all league games, non-league games, and the registration fee for the club year-end tournament. The tuition also covers players’ weekly on- and off-ice practices and some special clinics. Uniforms, team warmups, and additional tournaments are not included in the annual fee. For team level fee breakdowns, please visit the SEASON FEES page on the Jr. Blue Hens website: http://www.jrbluehens.pointstreaksites.com/view/jrbluehens/registration-239/season-fees
How long is the hockey season?
The DVHL season begins in September and end in February. Some teams extend their season into March by playing in tournaments. For a small fee, the Jr. Blue Hens also offer on-ice clinics during the summer for all levels.
OK…I’m in. What are my next steps?
The Jr. Blue Hens hold player evaluations every Spring for the upcoming season. Evaluations are typically held in April. Please visit our website at jrbluehens.org for player registration and evaluation information and details. If the evaluation season has already passed, please send an email to jointhejbh@jrbluehens.org.
I am interested in volunteering. What types of positions are there with the club?
Volunteers are the backbone of our organization…and there are many ways to help! Coach, Team Manager, Time Keeper, Score Keeper, coordinating clubwide events…and more! Additionally, members are always welcome at monthly board meetings which are the third Wednesday of the month at 7 pm in the Rust Lounge.
I am interested in coaching/assistant coaching. Who should I contact?
You should contact the club’s ACE Coordinator at ACE@jrbluehens.org. The ACE Coordinator is responsible for the recruitment and continued development of our coaches.
