There are common myths about hockey that deter families from getting involved. Here are a few myths we've all heard about hockey:
However, these myths are just that . . . myths.
Myth # 1 – It's expensive to get started and equip your player. FALSE. Families can purchase all essential equipment in a starter kit for around $200 from chain hockey stores like Pure Hockey or Hockey Monkey, not “thousands of dollars” as most perceive. The equipment can also be purchased on-line from these retailers and includes skates, a helmet, chest protector, elbow pads, pants, shin guards, stick and, during certain promotions, even an equipment bag. The Skating Association of Maine has some equipment available for loan for the ATOMS: Learn to Skate program. Used equipment can also be purchased from retailers such as Play It Again sports in Biddeford and Portland. Of course, as a player progresses in the sport, higher-end equipment does become more expensive, but this is no different than any other sport such as baseball with gloves and aluminum bats and lacrosse with protective equipment and sticks.
Myth # 2 – Hockey practices and games are at 4 am. FALSE. Learn-to-skate hockey programs and Tier IV (house) practices are conducted at the Camden National Bank Ice Vault. Practices are weeknights between 5:30 - 8:30 pm depending upon player age/level with weekend game times rarely played prior to 8:00 am. Early morning or late evening games are the exception, not the rule.
Myth # 3 – There's so much travel involved. FALSE. Unless a participant is playing at the highest level of youth hockey, most games are at our home ice (Hallowell) or at facilities located within an hour from Hallowell/Augusta.
Myth # 4 – Hockey is too violent and presents an unreasonable risk of injury. FALSE. USA Hockey, the governing body of youth hockey in the United States, does not permit body checking at the 12U, 10U and 8U levels. Body checking does not start until the 14U level. There is less physical contact permitted in hockey at the younger ages than football and lacrosse. Does this mean a participant cannot get injured? Of course not. There is always a risk of injury in hockey as there is in all sports.
Fact # 1 - It’s ALL About the Kids. TRUE. Hockey does have its own set of unique rules and perhaps is not one of the mainstream sports that parents grew-up with when they were children. However, this should not deter parents from permitting their child to play hockey or at least give it a try. Remember, it’s our children that are participating, not the parents.