Frequently Asked Questions:
YOUTH PROGRAM
Question: When are player evaluations?
Answer: Coaches evaluate each player at the end of their season and we use this information to build teams initially. We then take the first 2 sessions of the season to play equalization games as not all players have been evaluated (i.e. if they are new). Player movement may occur during this time and players/parents should be prepared for this to happen. Team parity is the hardest thing to achieve as there are so many factors to consider (re: first years vs second year players, goalies, coaches, bench helpers, no shows, children playing multiple sports, etc.). No system is perfect but we do aim to achieve team parity.
Question: Who makes the teams?
Answer: The league makes the teams - there is NO coach draft.
Question: Are youth teams tiered?
Answer: Teams are placed in Division Pools for play-offs only - based on season standings.
Question: Why are games scheduled on weekends only?
Answer: There is no arena time available for ball hockey during weekday evenings. We continue to ask the county for more arena time however all the facilities are currently being fully utilized. The few weekday evenings we do get are provided to teams/divisions for practice time.
Question: Can players request to play with a friend?
Answer: Yes, players can request 1 friend only and both players MUST request each other for this to be considered. Both players must be registered in the same division as well.
Question: Can siblings play on the same team?
Answer: Yes, siblings will be placed together but MUST be registered in the same division. (Note: cousins are not siblings).
Question: Is there a Fall/Winter League in Sherwood Park?
Answer: There is no arena time available to offer a fall or winter league in Sherwood Park. We do try to secure gymnasium and/or arena time at facilities within the county but nothing has been consistent to date. If anyone can assist us with securing a facility we would love to hear from you.
Question: Why does a player stay in the penalty box after the other team scores?
Answer: If a player receives a 4 minute penalty they are required to serve the entire 4 minutes regardless of a goal being scored by the opposing team. If a goal is scored then the penalized team goes back to even strength however the penalized player will need to wait for a whistle after their time has been served before leaving the penalty box.
Question: Do goalies need to supply their own gear?
Answer: Goalies can use their own gear if they have it (no street hockey gear allowed). The league can assist with outfitting goalies with the exception of helmet & dangler, hockey pants and protective cup. Each team is alloted a bag of goalie gear at the beginning of the season. No SPBH gear is to be used outside. A damage deposit is required for loaner gear.
Question: Can I request a specific coach?
Answer: We cannot guarantee a specific coach as there are many considerations when teams are being built (i.e. team parity, number of goalies, friend/sibling requests, etc.).
Question: Are there all-female teams?
Answer: The majority of our youth teams are co-ed. We aim to have a minimum of 2-3 females or more per team, if possible, however this is dependent on the number of female registrants each year. Some teams may have more and some teams may have none, we do aim for team parity among all teams each season. Some of our older females (16+) also have the option to play in our Women's Program if they prefer.
WOMEN'S PROGRAM
Question: Are women's teams tiered?
Answer: Teams are placed into A & B Pools. We aim for a fun and recreational league, regardless of pool placement.
Question: Why do the women's teams play at Broadmoor Arena and can we play on the full-size rink?
Answer: This is the only arena time currently available for our Women's Program. We will continue to ask for more arena time. Note: Many of the women prefer to play at Broadmoor.
Question: Can the women have a fall/ winter league?
Answer: There is no arena time available in Sherwood Park to offer a fall or winter league. Many of our players do play in Edmonton in the winter months.
Question: Can the women play more than once per week?
Answer: We are limited by arena time for the Women's Program however the women can add their name to the sub-list if they wish to play more. Many teams are looking for subs so the opportunity to play more is available.
Question: Why do the women play 4x4 at Broadmoor?
Answer: They used to play 5x5 but Broadmoor arena is a smaller rink and it was very congested. We also asked the players what they wanted and the survey results were split down the middle. Teams trialed the 4x4 and really liked how it opened up the floor and gave players more opportunities to touch the ball and run more. The league moved to 4x4 in 2018. For 2016 survey results -
click here.
Question: Where is the post-game watering hole?
Answer: We have used several venues over the years but this changes each year depending on what we can secure for drink and food specials each season.
MEN'S PROGRAM
Question: Why is there no men's division anymore?
Answer: We added the Men's Division in 2023 and it was very successful (2023 Provincial Gold in Calgary Tier 3 Division and Silver at the 2024 Nationals in Edmonton for Men's C Division). With this success came more desire from many players to compete at a higher level and bring in more teams. Unfortunately arena time is limited and we cannot guarantee the competition level from year to year therefore a decision was made after the 2024 season to put this division on hold and we will revisit at a later date. The men's teams/players are encouraged to go to one of the Edmonton leagues to continue playing this great game of ball hockey.
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