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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have never even been on skates before?
Why do I need to try-in?
Am I too good to play in your league? 
What are the age limits?
Can I get a refund?
Why do goalies play for less?
Where do we play?
What equipment do I need?
What if I forget a piece of equipment?
Do I get to keep the puck if I score my first goal?
Can I play on the same team as my friends?
Can I play on the same team as my spouse?
Can I refuse a trade?
What if I am going to miss a few games?
What if I cannot make the Opening Day Event?
Who is in charge here?
 
 

What if I have never even been on skates before?

Perfect - we love that! (top)
This is made for people who have never played before. The worse you are, the more we want you!

 Why do I need to try-in?

To make sure you're as bad at hockey as we hope you are. We also want to introduce you to some of the basic rules before game time. It is important that we see what level of hockey you are capable of playing to slot you in the correct division. Only brand new players to our league are required to try-in. We try in returning players if we feel we need to re-evaluate them.  (top)

 Am I too good to play in your league?

You could be - hence the try-ins. Please let us take a peek at your skill set and go from there. You will not have fun in this league if you have played hockey all your life.
Understand - that if you are a competitive person then this league is not for you. This is a laid back environment for fun. Competitive attitudes are not welcome!   Please if you cannot handle losing (even if it is every game), do not join our league... we want people who enjoy sports but can keep a level-head. (top)

 What are the age limits?

21 - to infinity and beyond! We have some people that are 21 and we have some people that are in their 60s.  (top)

Can I get a refund?

The only way to get a refund is to fail the try-ins by being too good. Any player deemed too good for our league will be cut and given a full refund at try-ins. If a player sneaks past try-ins and is later deemed too good, the player will be given a pro-rated refund.
If a player is dismissed from the league for rule violations or voluntarily leaves the league or sustains an injury then no refund will be given. We have fixed costs and fixed number of players we can accommodate.
You may not transfer or sell your spot to someone else either as that person was not drafted, never tried out etc. and it jeopardizes the integrity of our game.
 
 Why do goalies play for less?

Have you seen the cost of Goalie Equipment?! It is quite an investment and thus we reward them for making the investment! This is unlike most other leagues.
Thanks Goalies!! (top)

Where do we play?

Hamilton - Mohawk 4Ice Centre.  Directions to the arena are here! (top)

What equipment do I need?

The two most important pieces of equipment you will need are your helmet and skates.
These items we recommend you purchase new and properly fitted to you. Cheap skates often seem to offer proper support in a store, but they usually have cardboard supports in the ankle. Once you sweat in your skate the moisture weakens the cardboard and your ankles and skating suffer greatly.
A helmet is your best friend on the ice but if it is not properly fitted, been abused or used too much, or not CSA approved it can be more dangerous than having no helmet. Be sure to have a professional size you up and properly fit you!
Here is your list: (approximate prices for entry level equipment)
hockey skates ($150-300)
shin pads ($30)
jock or jill ($20)
pants ($60)
shoulder pads ($40)
elbow pads ($20)
gloves ($40)
neckguard ($15)
CSA approved helmet ($39)
full face shield or cage ($30)
stick ($25)
(for tryins you will need hockey socks too.) (top) 

What if I forget a piece of equipment?

If you forget a piece of equipment you better beg, borrow, or steal (do not steal) the piece as you will not be allowed to enter the ice area without it. Neck guards are the most often forgotten item. If you step on the ice without a piece of equipment it is a two minute penalty that begins once you get the missing item. If it takes you ten minutes to get it that is 12 minutes of lost game time.
It is a tough rule, but it is for your own safety.(top)

Do I get to keep the puck if I score my first goal?

Yes, you may keep your puck. Tell the refs you want the puck right away, after all you do not want someone else scoring their first goal with your puck! 
(top)

Can I play on the same team as my friends?

If Phoebe, Rachel, Ross, Chandler, Joey, and Monica all joined, there would be no guarantee that they would be on the same team (we would become a much more popular league I am sure!). We try to accommodate one match pair provided that they are in the same division and would not create an unbalanced team. Just remember you have signed up for the full GHL experience. You can be traded etc. at any time.(top)

Can I play on the same team as my spouse?

Yes. Due to childcare issues and because we believe it is a fun activity for spouses to participate in together, we do accommodate for them. However, if it is obvious that the two are required to be in different divisions we will not be able to accommodate.(top)

Can I refuse a trade?

Trades are done to create parity in the league and to add entertainment value to the players and fans. So, no.(top)

What if I am going to miss a few games?

Be sure to let your captain know! If you're a goalie, then you're not allowed to miss games!! Ok, if you must, then you have to contact the goalie liaison ASAP! (jeff@ghlhamilton.com). (top)


What if I cannot make it to the Opening Day Event?

You will miss out on an awesome day. But you will still get placed on a team. You will have to pick up your jersey and socks your first game night.(top)
 
Who is in charge here?

The GHL is run by six top notch "Executive" people. Check out their bios over on the left .(top)