When is your season?
Our official season runs from September tryouts, through Easter weekend, when we go to Brampton Canada for the world's largest hockey tournament (last year over 400 teams participated!).
Do you have regular practices?
During the season, The Blades usually have two practices month.
How many games do you play?
There are approximately eight other women's teams in the tristate area and we play each team at home and away, so there is a minimum of 16 games. This does not include any tournaments or if we play a team more than twice.
I don't have a car! How can I get to the games?
If you don't have a car - no fear! The Brooklyn Blades have an excellent carpooling system. In the 10 year history of the Blades - nobody has ever missed a game because she could not get a ride.
Do you provide coaching?
YES! We have some very experienced (and helpful!) coaches to run our practices and our benches during games.
Where are your practices and games?
Our home ice is now Bayonne High School in Bayonne NJ. This is 10 minutes outside the Holland Tunnel. Our regular travel games are normally within 1-2 hours of NYC. We play teams on Long Island, Westchester, Bridgewater NJ, Montclair NJ, Trenton NJ, Grundy, PA, and Stamford, CT. In the past, we have made occasional road trips (weekend) to places such as Ithaca, NY and Greenfield, MA.
When are your practices and games?
Practice and home games are on Sunday evenings. Away games are typically Saturday or Sunday night. We may be able to add some weeknight practices once the season gets underway.
What are the players like?
We have a great bunch of people on our teams -and always have a lot of fun both on and off the ice. The majority of players are in their 20's and 30's. Our oldest player is mid 40's, and our youngest is 16.
This sounds great, but, how much does it cost?
Who knew it, but ice is expensive. Plus we have additional costs of USA Hockey insurance, coaches fees, referees, equipment, home jerseys & socks, etc... We were able to lower the cost this year to $625. This fee does not cover all our expenses, so we
have a few fundraising events throughtout the season.
How much does hockey gear cost? What gear do I need to play?
The cost of hockey gear can vary widely. You can buy gear new or used. "Full" hockey gear is required for our travel teams and clinics: Hockey skates, shinguards, pelvic protector (recommended), hockey pants, chest protector, elbow pads, gloves, helmet with full facemask (cage or shield), stick, jersey, hockey socks. A mouthguard is not required, but is also recommended.
Why should I join the Blades instead of another women's team?
There are a few other teams in the area, but they do not have regular practices, and they generally carry a much smaller game schedule. In addition, all Brooklyn Blades travel team members have in the past been invited to participate in the adult skills clinic at Prospect Park for a VERY nominal charge. With the Blades you get a lot of ice for the $$!
Do you have tryouts?
The Blades have tryouts each year, usually in mid or late September.
How many spots are available for the travel teams?
We like to accommodate as many players as we possibly can. A normal USA Hockey roster (for each team) usually carries 18 skaters + 2 goalies. If there is enough interest, we may possibly consider some form of "taxi squad" or "alternate" program.
What are your tryout policies?
Each year, returning Blades are guaranteed their spots (or "grandfathered" in) on the roster for the returning season. No returning Blade has ever been cut because a "better" skater has come along. The available spots are granted based on the skill level of the new players and the number of openings on each team. There have always been spots for new players. The number of new players that we can take on varies each year. All players are welcome and encouraged to come to our tryouts. Should you be granted a spot on the team, your tryout fee will be applied to your annual team fee.
What if I do not have enough experience to play on a Travel Team?
If you have played competitive hockey before, come to our tryouts! Let our coaches make that determination! The Brooklyn Blades also offers a co-ed adult skills clinic twice a week in Prospect Park. This is a great way to brush up on and expand your hockey skills. . This skills clinic is also a great place for the beginning hockey player to learn the basic hockey skills (skating shooting, passing) in a non-competitive environment, so that you can try out for our travel team in the future. Many of our Travel Team members got their first start in hockey in the Adult Skills Clinic. Quite a few of our travel team members also participate in the clinic as a way to get extra practices during the week.
The Brooklyn Blades sound AWESOME! How do I sign up?
Registration is now open for the 2007-2008 season. Click
here to Register. You can join our mailing list by contacting womensteams@brooklynblades.org.
What if I have more questions?
Send an e-mail to womensteams@brooklynblades.org
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