OVERVIEW:

The Columbus Ice Hockey Club Hockey Program is a developmental program that is offered through the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks department and dedicated volunteers from the central Ohio Community that provide over 1,000 volunteer hours over the course of the season.  We offer a Learn to Skate and a Learn to Play Hockey Program, as well as, 8 teams of which 6 of which (10U and higher) play in the Columbus House Hockey Leage.  CIHC also has a JV team which competes in the Ohio Scholastic Hockey League and girls specific programming which are detailed below.  

CIHC is proud to have 4 coaches who have reached the highest level of certification under USA Hockey – Level 5. 

Registration for our house program typically opens in early August and the season begins early November and concludes in late February/early March (depending on the player's division). The CIHC Hockey program is administered out of the Columbus Fairgrounds Ice Rink.  In addition, we utilize the Chiller Ice facilities throughout the season for our Learn to Play Hockey and Learn to Skate programs. 

GENERAL INFORMATION:

For our CIHC House teams we conduct evaluations during the first two weeks of practice with your age group. During this evaluation period we will make sure each skater is playing with the group appropriate to their skill level where they can develop and learn. 

CIHC fields 8 teams which are the following:

o   6U – 6 & Under– 1 team - (2012-2013) – CIHC follows USA Hockey’s American Development Model Red, White and Blue Hockey.  Red, White and Blue hockey promotes the integration of cross-ice practices and games into youth hockey – which can raise the level of creativity among players, increase player participation and skill, and create a positive environment for kids to play, love, learn, and excel.  6U games will consist of Jamborees only.  The CIHC mini-mite team will play in 2-3 Jamborees throughout the season consisting of 3-4 games.  For this season, in addition to Jamborees, we are looking to schedule 2-5 games with local mini-mite teams. 6U’s practice two times per week with the 8U CIHC team.

o   8U – 8 & Under– 1 Team - (2010-2011) - CIHC follows USA Hockey’s American Development Model Red, White and Blue Hockey.  Red, White and Blue hockey promotes the integration of cross-ice practices and games into youth hockey – which can raise the level of creativity among players, increase player participation and skill, and create a positive environment for kids to play, love, learn, and excel.  8U games consist mostly of Jamborees with a few games against local mite teams from other organizations.  8U’s  typically practice two times per week with the 6U team.

o   10U – 10 & Under– 1 Major and 1 Minor Team - (2008-2009)  - Participate in the Columbus House Hockey League and one special event/tournament per season.  A special event could be a hockey clinic or games versus another NHL Hockey is for Everyone program. 10U teams practice two times per week.

o   12U – 12 & Under– 1 Major and 1 Minor Team - ( 2006-2007) - Participate in the Columbus House Hockey League and one special event/tournament per season.  A special event could be a hockey clinic or games versus another NHL Hockey is for Everyone program. 12U teams practice two times per week.

o   14 U – 14 & Under– 1 Major and 1 Minor Team - (2004 - 2005) - Participate in the Columbus House Hockey League and one special event/tournament per season.  A special event could be a hockey clinic or games versus another NHL Hockey is for Everyone program.  14U teams practice two times per week.

CIHC Learn to Skate and Learn to Play Hockey programs:

• Learn to Skate (LTS)– This program is for beginning skaters at all levels who wish to learn how to skate.  The program meets one night per week and runs for 6 weeks.  Learn to Skate registration usually opens in early September and occurs only a rolling basis until hockey season ends in late Feb/early March.
• Learn to Play Hockey (LTPH) – This program is for beginning hockey players at all levels who successfully have completed Learn to Skate class either via CIHC or through the Chiller.  Learn to Play Hockey classes meet once per week.  The goal of the LTPH program is to teach the game to the participant so they can enjoy it for many years to come.  LTPH registration usually opens in early September and occurs only a rolling basis until hockey season ends in late Feb/early March.

CIHC JV Team:

• JV Team – CIHC’s JV team competes in the Ohio Scholastic Hockey League formerly known as the GCHSCHL.  CIHC plays a full JV schedule and conducts tryouts during early/mid October for participants that are in high school.  For more information on the JV Team please email John Haferman at 

CIHC Girls Program

• 12U & Below Girls Program – CIHC incorporates girls into their 12U & below teams and does not provide separate ice or practices.  It is our belief at the 12U & below girls can plays alongside their male counterparts.
• 13U & Above Girls Program – Though as a program we still will provide the opportunity for our female members to play on our teams we also recognize that 13U & above introduces the concepts of checking.  As a result, CIHC has a 13U & Above girls program for an additional fee.  Unique to this program are dedicated practices and games with/against other girls-only teams in the area. 
• If you have interest in the girls program please email John Haferman at 

QUESTIONS:

Please direct all questions concerning the Columbus Ice Hockey Club Hockey Program and plans for the upcoming season to John Haferman at