Peabody Youth Hockey
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about Peabody Youth Hockey? We're here to help. Find answers to common questions about getting started, registration, evaluations, schedules, tuition, player safety, and participation in our programs.
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01 / Getting Started
New to Hockey?
Find information about joining PYH, choosing a program, and getting ready for the ice.
My child is new to hockey. Where should we start?
Our Learn to Skate (LTS) and Learn to Play (LTP) programs provide an introduction to hockey in a positive, development-focused environment. Beginners should generally start with LTS to build skating confidence before progressing to LTP.
How old does my child need to be to start?
Learn to Skate generally welcomes children beginning around age 3, provided they are ready to participate safely in a structured group setting. Learn to Play is intended for children who have developed basic skating skills.
Program readiness matters as much as age. Contact PYH if you are unsure which program is the best fit.
What age divisions does PYH offer?
Our competitive youth hockey programs include Mites (8U), Squirts (10U), Peewees (12U), Bantams (14U), and Midgets (16U–18U). Eligible divisions depend on the player's birth year and the applicable USA Hockey age classifications.
What equipment does my child need?
Full hockey participation requires properly fitted protective equipment, including a helmet with appropriate face protection, skates, gloves, shoulder and elbow pads, shin guards, hockey pants, a stick, and required neck laceration protection.
Specific needs can vary by program. Consult our Equipment Guide before purchasing equipment.
Can my child participate in other sports?
Yes. PYH supports well-rounded youth athletes and recognizes the value of participating in multiple sports and activities. Families should communicate scheduling conflicts with their team's coach or manager so they can plan accordingly.
02 / Registration & Evaluations
Joining a PYH Team
Learn about registration, evaluations, team placement, and goaltender options.
How do I register my child for PYH?
PYH uses TeamSnap for program and team registration. Visit our Registration page to find currently available programs, registration links, and instructions. USA Hockey registration information may also be required as part of enrollment.
When are tryouts and evaluations held?
PYH typically conducts evaluations over approximately two weeks beginning in early April, generally on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Players are generally offered two evaluation skates. Attendance at at least one is required, and participation in both is strongly encouraged. The 2027–2028 schedule will be announced when finalized.
How are players evaluated and teams formed?
PYH uses independent outside evaluators to support a fair and consistent assessment process. Players are identified on evaluation forms using randomly assigned numbers rather than their names.
Core evaluation categories include skating, agility, stickhandling, shooting, and hockey IQ. Team formation also considers registration numbers, appropriate team composition, and applicable league requirements.
Can my child be evaluated as a goalie?
Players at the 8U/Mite level are evaluated as skaters, not as goaltenders. They may still have opportunities to experience the goalie position during the season.
At the 10U/Squirt level and above, players may choose to participate in goaltender evaluations when offered.
Does evaluation guarantee placement on a specific team?
No. Evaluations help PYH determine appropriate team placement, but they do not guarantee assignment to a particular team or competitive level. Final placements depend on evaluations, available roster positions, enrollment, and program requirements.
03 / Season Information
Schedules, Practices & Tuition
Answers to common questions about team schedules, rink locations, registration fees, and payments.
Where can I find my team's schedule?
TeamSnap is the primary source for team practices, games, events, and communications. Families should regularly check TeamSnap for the latest information, including changes to dates, times, or locations.
Where are PYH practices and games held?
PYH practices are held at the McVann–O'Keefe Memorial Rink, 511 Lowell Street in Peabody. League games may be held at other Valley Hockey League facilities.
Always confirm your assigned location in TeamSnap before traveling to a game or practice.
How will I know if a practice or game is canceled?
Coaches and team managers communicate schedule changes through TeamSnap and other team communication channels when necessary. Ensure notifications are enabled and your contact information is current.
How much does it cost to play for PYH?
Tuition varies by division and program. PYH publishes annual fees, applicable deposits, payment arrangements, and discount information on its Fees & Financial Information page.
Terms are season-specific, so families should review the information for the season in which they register.
Does PYH offer a Pay-to-Play option?
PYH offers a Pay-to-Play (PTP) option for eligible players. Under the 2026–2027 policy, PTP tuition covers Valley Hockey League games, while each additional practice or skills session attended costs $15.
Participation is tracked in TeamSnap, with applicable charges added through monthly billing. Eligibility and terms may change in future seasons.
Are payment plans or financial assistance available?
PYH offers payment arrangements and may consider financial assistance requests on an individual basis, subject to Board review and available resources.
Families experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to contact PYH privately at tannershockey01960@gmail.com.
04 / PYH Community
Safety, Volunteers & Support
Learn about creating a positive hockey environment, becoming involved in PYH, and getting assistance.
What safety requirements should families know about?
Players must wear required protective equipment, including neck laceration protection, and follow applicable USA Hockey, Massachusetts Hockey, and PYH safety requirements.
Parents should help ensure equipment fits properly and report suspected injuries or safety concerns promptly. Players with possible concussions must follow applicable removal, evaluation, and return-to-play procedures.
What are PYH's expectations for parents and spectators?
PYH expects parents and spectators to demonstrate good sportsmanship, support player development, and treat officials, coaches, players, and other families with respect.
All participants must follow applicable codes of conduct and safety policies.
How can I volunteer or become a coach?
PYH depends on volunteers to support teams, development programs, events, and day-to-day operations. Opportunities include coaching, team management, Learn to Skate and Learn to Play instruction, and other program activities.
Coaches and applicable volunteers must satisfy USA Hockey registration, SafeSport, background screening, and role-specific requirements before participating.
Where can I purchase PYH apparel and team gear?
Information about official Peabody Youth Hockey apparel and available merchandise can be found on our PYH Store page. Ordering windows, products, and fulfillment details may vary during the season.
Who should I contact if I have questions or concerns?
For team-specific matters, begin with your team's coach or team manager.
For registration, organizational, policy, or general PYH questions, contact the Board of Directors at tannershockey01960@gmail.com.
Concerns involving abuse or misconduct should also be reported through the appropriate official reporting channels.
We're Here to Help
Still Have Questions?
If you couldn't find the answer you need, the Peabody Youth Hockey Board of Directors is happy to assist. Contact us for program information, registration questions, or general assistance.
Information is provided as general guidance. Program details, fees, evaluation schedules, and participation policies are subject to change by season. Current published PYH policies and registration terms govern.