Welcome to StinkySocks Hockey – Women’s Programming

The Women’s Novice level is designed for women 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 our 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.

The Women’s Lower Level encompasses Levels 1 through 4, covering the full Novice category and extending into the Lower Intermediate range. This level generally excludes players with high school, college, or comparable competitive experience. Level 1 players are new to organized hockey and skating in a team environment, focusing on foundational skills such as skating, stopping, stick handling, and basic positioning. Most progress quickly as confidence and control improve. Level 2 players may have limited childhood experience but did not play in high school; they are becoming more comfortable with game flow and developing consistency in core skills like skating, passing, and shooting. Level 3 players typically have at least two years of adult hockey experience and demonstrate stronger skating and puck control, along with increased awareness of positioning and team play. Level 4 players have moved beyond the beginner stages and are ready for slightly faster-paced, more competitive play, showing growing confidence in game situations, stronger decision-making, and improved overall coordination.

Across all four levels, players continue to refine their skating, shooting, passing, body control, and overall game sense in at least one of the four key areas.