No B players in the D league, no C teams in the B league; it’s just one of the many things that make us different from other leagues.
This principle value is part of what we do to put you, the player, first. Welcome to hockey, redefined.
We work hard to ensure that StinkySocks Hockey games include players of the same skill levels. Although we have safeguards in place to monitor the skill levels of players, we rely on players to register for leagues and games at their skill levels. If we find this not to be the case, we will address this with the player and move them into the league or skate most appropriate for their skill level to ensure the StinkySocks Hockey experience remains a great one for the rest of the players. We group players strictly based on their skill levels and not age nor sex.
We’ve created a guide to help you determine which skill level is most appropriate for you. We realize that this can sometimes be a moving target but hope that these general guidelines assist you in landing in the right game from the start. Regardless of where you land, you can always expect find a WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT there.
If you are still not sure at what skill level you should play, after reading the below, feel free to use the contact us form or call us at the league office at 617-849-9946 and we will help you determine the best fit for you based on your experience.
HOCKEY SKILLS/INSTRUCTIONS
The skills level is an instructional level geared to helping hockey players develop the fundamentals of the game. It is intended for players getting back into the game or just learning to play hockey. The skills level is also great for players at the novice and lower intermediate levels looking to move to the next skill level. We customize the instructional programming to your ability as we have a very low player to instructor ratio.
NOVICE (D)
Players at this level are within the first five years of their adult hockey experience. It’s a great launching pad for players who have not played hockey since childhood. Players at the novice level are typically working on at least 2 of the following hockey fundamentals: shooting, passing, skating and body control.
LOWER INTERMEDIATE (C/D)
This is a transitional skill level, bridging the gap between the D and C skill levels so that D players don’t move into the C level before they’re ready to be there. This is a skill level for players who haven’t played hockey since high school and are getting back into the game after some time off the ice. Players at the lower intermediate level are typically working on at least 1 of the following hockey fundamentals: shooting, passing, skating and body control. This is also a great fit for our senior, C-level players, looking to slow down their game.
INTERMEDIATE (C)
Players at this skill level typically have some high school hockey experience. They make good passes, shoot reasonably well, have solid puck control, and maintain good body control.
UPPER INTERMEDIATE (B/C)
Players at this skill level play are a mid to high C-level and/or lower to mid B-level. This is a mix of both B and C-level hockey players. Players here can move the puck well, make solid passes, shoot accurately, and have a good hockey sense. Our senior B-level players who are looking to slow down their game may find this a good fit.
ADVANCED (B)
Players at this level are younger with solid high school hockey experience or may be older with some college experience. This is a faster skate for more advanced hockey players.
EXPERT (A)
Not Currently Offered
Players at this level may have had professional hockey experience and MUST have at least college experience in divisions 1-3. If they have college experience, they typically have consistently played hockey since college and are still under the age of 35. Players not meeting these requirements are considered B level players.
Appropriate Skill Level Policy
Players are asked to select games and leagues that are appropriate to their skill level. Any player who skates in a game that is clearly below their ability level has the option to leave the game right away and receive a credit for another game that is of their ability level. If they choose to stay and play, they are asked to bring their play down to the average player in that game. As a part of that, they are asked to not shoot the puck. Players who do not appropriately identify their skill level may be asked by the official or a member of the StinkySocks Hockey staff to play according to the guidelines above. Any player who does not come into compliance with this policy may be asked to leave the game without the option of a refund.