Travel Hockey

The WHYHA Travel Program features competitive hockey. Our goal is to align each team within the organization at a level that allows them to be competitive for that season. Players will be pushed to improve hockey skills and overall athleticism.  WHYHA has travel teams for Mites (8U), Squirts (10U), PeeWee (12U), Bantam (14U) and Midget (U16 and U18). 

WHYHA travel teams at the Squirt, PeeWee, Bantam and Midget levels compete in the Connecticut Hockey Conference (CHC) for the chance to attend the Tier II - Tier IV Connecticut State Championships each March, with the possibility of qualifying for the USA Hockey Regional Championships and National Championships.

- Coaches teach advanced level skill development for players

- Players are selected as a result of a competitive tryout

- At least two (1-hour) practices every week from September to March

- Professional on-ice training (Explosive Hockey, IPH and Pro Crease Goaltending)

- 40+ games a season, plus 2 to 4 tournaments

- Travel includes both local and away games

8 & Under (Mites) – Consists of youths 8 years old and under, before December 31, in the year the season starts 

10 & Under (Squirts) – Consists of youths 10 years old and under, before December 31, in the year the season starts. 9 to 10 years of age.

12 & Under (Peewees) – Consists of youths 12 years old and under, before December 31, in the year the season starts. 11 to 12 years of age.

14 & Under (Bantams) – Consists of youths 14 years old and, before December 31, in the year the season starts. 13 to 14 years of age.

Under 16 (Midgets) – Consists of youths 16 years old and under, before December 31, in the year the season starts. 15 to 16 years of age.

Under 18 (Midgets) – Consists of youths 18 years old and, before December 31, in the year the season starts. 17 to 18 years of age.

At least two practices a week on weekday evenings.  

WHYHA Travel Teams play from 35 to 50 games per season (September to March). Teams typically play 2  games per weekend. Teams often participate in 2 to 4 tournaments a season.

U16 and U18 teams generally play a split season, playing 10-15 games from September to early November and then take a break for the high school season. U16 and U18 teams may re-form to practice or play games/tournaments in February and March (occasionally referred to as "wrap teams").

Travel teams play in the Connecticut Hockey Conference (CHC) with home and away games against teams in their age division.

Tryouts for our travel teams occur in March and April of each year. 

Travel season typically begins in early September and ends in March. 

Our primary rinks:

• Veterans Memorial Skating Rink in West Hartford, CT

• Trinity College (Koeppel Community Sports Center) in Hartford, CT

What additional costs should you expect?

• Tournament fees (hotel, travel costs...)
• Uniforms
• Practice Jerseys