RRYHA

Rock Ridge Youth Hockey Association (RRYHA) is dedicated to developing young hockey players in the Rock Ridge area of Minnesota. Our mission is to provide a fun, competitive, and supportive environment where athletes of all skill levels can grow both on and off the ice.

Through high-quality coaching, teamwork, and community support, we aim to foster a love for the game while building confidence, discipline, and lifelong friendships. RRYHA is proud to be a cornerstone of youth hockey in our region, helping shape the future of the sport one player at a time. 🏒💚🖤

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RRYHA offers hockey programs for boys and girls of all skill levels, from beginners to competitive players. Our association supports ages 4 through 15, providing a structured and fun environment for young athletes to develop their skills and love for the game.

Levels of Play:

🏒 Mini-Mites, Mites, and Girls 8U (Ages 4-8) – Introductory levels focused on basic skating, puck handling, and having fun on the ice.

🏒 Squirts (Ages 9-10) and Girls 10U – Full-ice gameplay begins, emphasizing skill development and teamwork.

🏒 Peewees (Ages 11-12) and Girls 12U – Players refine their abilities and strategy while competing at a higher level.

🏒 Bantams (Ages 13-14/15) and Girls 14U – Advanced gameplay with body checking introduced, preparing athletes for high school hockey.

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The Rock Ridge Youth Hockey Association (RRYHA) season typically runs from October through March, following the traditional Minnesota youth hockey schedule.

Season Breakdown:

🏒 Preseason (September-October): Some teams may hold optional conditioning clinics or early practices.

🏒 Regular Season (October-March): Official practices and games begin, with league play, tournaments, and team development.

🏒 Postseason (March): End-of-season tournaments and playoffs for competitive levels.

While the main season runs through winter, RRYHA may also offer off-season training, camps, and clinics during the spring and summer to keep players engaged and developing their skills year-round. 🏒💚🖤

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Practices and home games for RRYHA are typically held at:

🏒 Iron Trail Motors Event Center – Virginia, MN (Main facility for practices and games)

🏒 Eveleth Hippodrome – Eveleth, MN (Additional ice time and games as needed)

🏒 Gilbert Bubble – Gilbert, MN (Additional ice time for practice, weather permitting and as needed)

Teams may also travel for away games and tournaments throughout the Iron Range and surrounding areas, depending on the level of play.

All three rinks provide a great atmosphere for players to develop their skills and for families to cheer them on!

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Practice schedules vary based on age level, team placement, and ice availability, but in general:

🏒 Mini-Mites, Mites, and Girls 8U (Ages 4-8):

• 2-3 practices per week
• Focus on skill development, skating, and small-area games

🏒 Squirts, Girls 10U, Peewees, Girls 12U, Bantams, and Girls 14U (Ages 9-14/15):

• 3-4 practices per week
• Combination of skill drills, team strategies, and scrimmages

Practices are typically scheduled in the late afternoons or evenings on weekdays and may include weekend ice times. The exact schedule is determined before the season starts and is subject to change based on ice availability at Iron Trail Motors Event Center (Virginia, MN), Eveleth Hippodrome (Eveleth, MN), and the Gilbert Bubble (Gilbert, MN).

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The number of games played depends on the age level and team placement, but here’s a general breakdown:

🏒 Mini-Mites, Mites, and Girls 8U (Ages 4-8):

• Play in local jamborees and scrimmages rather than a full game schedule.
• Typically 6-10 games throughout the season.

🏒 Squirts, Girls 10U, Peewees, Girls 12U, Bantams, and Girls 14U (Ages 9-14/15):

• Typically 30-45 games per season, including league games, scrimmages, and tournaments.
• May include home and away games throughout the Iron Range and northern Minnesota.

Game Days:

• Most games are played on weekends (Friday-Sunday), though some weekday evening games may be scheduled.
• Tournaments often involve multiple games over a weekend, requiring travel.

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For Rock Ridge Youth Hockey Association (RRYHA) players:

🏒 Game Jerseys & Socks:

• Provided by the association as part of registration.
• Players will need to return them at the end of the season.

🏒 Practice Jerseys:

• Players need to purchase their own.

🏒 Additional Gear (Warm-Ups, etc.):

• If players want team apparel, families will have the option to purchase them separately.

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Beyond registration fees, families in Rock Ridge Youth Hockey Association (RRYHA) should expect additional costs, including:

🏒 Required Gear & Equipment:

• Hockey skates (Used or New)
• Helmet with full cage
• Shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards (provided for 1st year players)
• Gloves & hockey pants
• Stick(s)
• Mouthguard & protective cup/pelvic protector
• Equipment bag (provided for 1st year players)

📅 Travel & Tournament Costs:

• Hotel stays for out-of-town tournaments
• Meals & gas for travel games

👕 Additional Apparel & Team Gear:

• Practice jerseys (not provided)
• Team warm-ups, hats, hoodies, etc. (optional, but popular)

💲 Miscellaneous Expenses:

• Skate sharpening (needed regularly)
• Extra ice time, private lessons, or skills clinics (optional, but available)
• End of Season Party (optional)
• End of Season Coaches Gift (optional)

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