Getting Started With StinkySocks Hockey
Since the winter of 2006 StinkySocks Hockey has been enhancing the game by offering adult hockey that breaks free of the norm. We aim to get players on the ice year-round in an inclusive environment, for a fantastic workout with balanced levels, alongside other players who are there for the right reasons. This founding mission is deeply rooted in each of our games, leagues, and events.
Follow the Guide Below to Find the Best Game Format for You!
Do You Have a Team or Looking to Play Individually?
I Have a Team
I Am Playing Individually
Play as a Team with Our BYOT Leagues
Build and manage your own team with BYOT. Captains get the control they’re looking for, from managing their roster to creating the best jerseys on the ice, all while not having to worry about administration such as team payments. For the work they do, captains also get a high-end composite customized hockey stick each season… the lightest and most durable on the market! Teams get the same or nearby locations, no super late game times, appropriate leveling, a positive playing environment, and more.
What is your experience or the highest level of hockey you played?
Limited or Adult
Youth or JV
High School
College Club / Juniors
D2 or D3
D1 or Pro
How long have you been playing as an adult?
Never
Less than 6 Months
Between 6 and 24 Months
More than 2 Years
How Long Has it Been Since You Have Played?
We've Been Playing Consistently
We Haven't Played Since High School
We Haven't Played Since College
We Haven't Played in 5 to 9 Years
We Haven't Played in Over 10 Years
Choose an Age Range
Under 25
25-30
31-40
40+
Are You a Skater or a Goalie?
Skater
Goalie
What is your experience or the highest level of hockey you played?
Limited or Adult
Youth or JV
High School
College Club / Juniors
D2 or D3
D1 or Pro
How long have you been playing as an adult?
Never
Less than 6 Months
Between 6 and 24 Months
Over 2 Years
How Long Has it Been Since You Have Played?
I've Been Playing Consistently
I Haven't Played Since High School
I Haven't Played Since College
I Haven't Played in 5-9 Years
I Haven't Played in Over 10 Years
Choose an Age Range
Under 25
25-30
31-40
40+
Are You Looking for a Highly Competitive Game or a Structured but Relaxed Game?
Highly Competitive Game
Structured but Relaxed Game
I'll Play in Either
Was Your Organized Experience Men's or Women's Hockey?
Men's Hockey
Women's Hockey
Where Are You Looking to Play?
Metro Boston
North of Boston
West of Boston
South of Boston
Western MA
Calculating Results...
Thank You for Completing the Getting Started Form!
Your summary below will give you an overview of our game types, levels and locations recommended for your team.
You can receive a copy of this summary by clicking on the button below.
If you have any questions on what game type is best for your team or how to get started, contact us!
Thank You for Completing the Getting Started Form!
Your summary below will give you an overview of our game types, levels and locations recommended for you.
You can receive a copy of this summary by clicking on the button below.
If you have any questions on what game type is best for you or how to get started, contact us!
Get Started
BYOT Leagues
Register your team and we’ll get things rolling to place your team in an active or upcoming league. No deposit from the captain is necessary!
BYOT Leagues
Looking to join a team in a BYOT league? Join as a free agent and we will find a team for you.
Tournaments
StinkySocks Hockey tournaments are organized for hockey players looking for competitive AND fun hockey tournaments!
No Commitment Hockey
Each game is essentially a very well organized pickup game that features a referee for structure.
Draft Leagues
Get drafted! The Draft League starts with an on-ice evaluation and teams are established by captains to create the best parity between teams.
Your Level Information
Novice (Levels 1-3)
The Novice level is designed for players in the early stages of their adult hockey journey—typically within their first five years of organized play. It also suits those who may have been playing longer as adults but never played hockey prior to adulthood. Additionally, it’s an ideal entry point for individuals returning to the sport after having only played in childhood.
A Level 1 player is generally new to organized hockey and skating in a team environment for the first time. Most players progress quickly out of level 1. Level 2 players often have some childhood experience but did not play in high school and have been away from the game since their organized experience. Level 3 players usually have at least two years of adult hockey experience under their belt. Across all levels within this novice category, players are typically developing fundamental skills in two to four key areas: shooting, passing, skating, and body control.
This level is intended for Level 1-3 players. While it’s open to that range, leagues such as draft leagues, BYOT, and tournaments often trend toward the upper end of that spectrum due to cohesion and teams rostering the most competitive players eligible within this range.
Lower Intermediate (Levels 3-4)
The Lower Intermediate level is designed specifically for adults who began playing hockey as adults. Players at this level are typically still working on developing at least one of the core hockey skills, such as shooting, passing, skating, or body control. Players with any organized men’s high school-level hockey experience, or whose current playing ability is equivalent to that background, are NOT eligible at this level. However, exceptions may apply, such as in cases where a player has high school experience but has been away from the sport for 20+ years.
This level is intended for Level 3 and 4 players. While it’s open to that range, leagues such as draft leagues, BYOT, and tournaments often trend toward the upper end of that spectrum due to cohesion and teams rostering the most competitive players eligible within this range.
Intermediate (Levels 4-6)
The Intermediate level is for players who have men’s high school-level hockey experience or possess a comparable current skill level, whether due to their youth, athleticism, or adult playing background. Players who have participated in organized hockey beyond high school—such as juniors, college club, or prep—NOT eligible, unless they have been away from the game for 15 years+ or have other mitigating life circumstances.
This level typically includes Level 4, 5, and 6 players; Level 5 players are most often in their 30s with high school experience, while Level 4 players are older and Level 6 players tend to be younger. Participants at this level are able to make good passes, shoot effectively, maintain solid puck and body control, and demonstrate overall reliable hockey skills. Although the Intermediate level covers the full 4–6 range, leagues like draft leagues, BYOT, and tournaments often attract players from the higher end of this spectrum, as teams look to roster the most competitive eligible players available.
Upper Intermediate (Levels 6-7)
Players at the Upper Intermediate level can move the puck well, make solid passes, shoot accurately, have a good hockey sense, and are comfortable with a fast-moving game. It is usually the best fit for younger players who have had solid high school experience, as well as any player who has played juniors, prep, or college club. Players who have participated in organized hockey at the men’s college divisional level, or possess a comparable current skill level, are NOT eligible, unless they have been away from the game for 10 years+ or have other mitigating life circumstances.
This level is intended for Level 6 and 7 players. While it’s open to that range, leagues such as draft leagues, BYOT, and tournaments often trend toward the upper end of that spectrum due to cohesion and teams rostering the most competitive players eligible within this range.
Advanced (Levels 7-9)
The Advanced level includes players with solid experience beyond men’s high school hockey, those with collegiate-level backgrounds, or anyone with equivalent playing ability. While typically excluding former D1 college players, exceptions may be made for factors like age, time away from the game, or other personal circumstances.
Players in this range are generally classified as follows: a Level 8 player is usually in their 30s with college-level experience; Level 7 skews older and perhaps less active; while Level 9 includes younger, faster players at the higher end of the advanced skill spectrum. This is a high-tempo level designed strictly for advanced players.
This level is intended for Level 7-9 players. While it’s open to that range, leagues such as draft leagues, BYOT, and tournaments often trend toward the upper end of that spectrum due to cohesion and teams rostering the most competitive players eligible within this range.
Expert (Levels 9-10)
Players at this level have typically played D1 college hockey and may have had professional hockey experience. Players at this level MUST have at least high level collegiate experience. If they have college experience other than D1, they typically have consistently played hockey since college and are still under the age of 30.