FAQ
Q: When does the season begin and end?
A: Our season begins after Labor Day in September and ends with playoffs and tryouts for next season in late March.
Q: How often are teams on ice?
A: Each team will have 1-2 team practices and 1 skating skills practice per week, and 1-2 games on the weekend.
Q: What are the levels in youth hockey?
A: USA Hockey determines player levels based strictly on birth year. While most divisions span two birth years, Mites (U8) covers three, and Midgets (U18) encompasses all high school age groups.
Birth Year Classifications: 2026-2027 Season
(Valid 9/1/2026 – 8/31/2027)
- Mites (U8): 2018, 2019, 2020
- Squirts (U10): 2016, 2017
- Peewees (U12): 2014, 2015
- Bantams (U14): 2012, 2013
- Midgets (U18): 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Q: What if I play a fall sport?
A: We have many multi-sport athletes in our program. We ask that you participate in as many practices/games as possible in the Fall and fully commit to hockey throughout the winter season after Thanksgiving. Communication with your coaches is the best way to manage this.
Q: What is the Mites/U8 first-year team level like?
A: Games are played 4v4 on a half-ice sheet. Players develop at this level through increased puck touches and increased connection to the game play. Gone are the old days when the best Mite carried the puck 200' while all other players were at the other end of the ice. Nets at this level are intermediate-sized, and all players rotate through the goalie position.
Q: When does checking start?
A: Body checking begins at the Bantam/U14 level on the coed side. BYH holds checking clinics before starting this level, and body contact (positioning relative to the defender) occurs at all levels. Girls-only hockey does not have legal body checking.
Q: We Dont live in Brookline - Can my child play for Brookline?
A: With a few exceptions, Massachusetts Hockey rules state that you should play for your town of residence. If you live in another town with a youth hockey program, we strongly encourage you to play for them. If your town does not have a youth hockey program, you are more than welcome to join us. Please message us for any questions or inquiries.