Frequently Asked Questions
Beginner Hockey
Popular Questions
If you’ve always wanted to play hockey but never had the chance, this program is designed for you! It’s perfect if:
✔ You’ve never played hockey before and want to learn in a fun, structured environment
✔ You can’t skate (or aren’t confident on the ice) – we start with skating fundamentals
✔ You’re looking for a judgment-free, supportive group of beginners
✔ You want to learn the game step by step – from skating to stickhandling to real games
✔ You want to have fun and meet new people while picking up a great new sport
Absolutely! This program is built for beginners, including those who have never been on the ice before. The first few sessions focus entirely on basic skating techniques, so you’ll develop confidence before transitioning into hockey-specific skills.
You’ll start by learning to skate, then move on to handling the puck, passing, shooting, positioning, and team strategies. By the end of the program, you’ll put your skills to the test in real games against fellow participants.
The program runs for 11 weeks, featuring structured weekly practices led by experienced coaches.
Each on-ice session is 75 minutes, with some extended 90-minute sessions scheduled throughout the program. These longer sessions will be noted in the schedule.
For Summer 2025, all sessions will be held on Sunday evenings, typically starting at 7:30 PM.
Yes! In the final phase of the program, you’ll form a team and compete in 3 full hockey games against other beginner teams from within the program. These games provide a structured, supportive environment where you can apply everything you’ve learned.
Most participants are true beginners who have never played hockey before or are just learning to skate. The program is designed so that everyone progresses together, creating a comfortable and encouraging atmosphere.
To sign up, select your program and submit your payment via e-transfer. Once payment is received, we’ll send a confirmation email with next steps.
No, all payments are final – no refunds or credits. Be sure you can attend before registering.
✔ Helmet with a full cage or visor
✔ Skates
✔ Gloves
✔ Shin guards
✔ Elbow pads
✔ Shoulder pads
✔ Hockey pants
✔ Stick
✔ Protective cup/pelvic protector
No problem! We can direct you to equipment specialists who can help you find gear that fits your needs—whether you’re looking for budget-friendly used equipment or high-end new gear.
No, we provide a jersey for you as part of your registration.
Shinnies
Popular Questions
Shinny is casual, non-contact, drop-in hockey, where players come together for a fun, relaxed game. There are no set teams—players are assigned teams upon arrival. Our shinnies are structured for beginner and intermediate players, with some games including referees.
- Join our WhatsApp group to get started.
- If approved, you’ll be invited to BenchApp, where you can browse upcoming skates.
- E-transfer the fee to shinnyofedmonton@gmail.com, including the skate number in the memo (e.g., Skate 117).
- Check into the waitlist on BenchApp.
- What if I don’t get moved from the waitlist immediately?
Don’t worry! If you’ve paid and checked into the waitlist, we’ve received your payment. We update BenchApp in batches, so you may not be moved immediately.
Each shinny session has a listed fee in the notes section of BenchApp. Prices vary based on ice time, location, and whether referees are included.
No, all payments are final – no refunds or credits. Please be sure you can make the skate before paying.
SOC is ultimately a novice shinny group, so when we say our Tier 1 – Intermediate skates are “faster,” we don’t mean they’re full of AAA or elite-level players. Instead, these skates are for beginners who have been playing for a year or two and are looking for a bit more structure, speed, and competition than our mixed or beginner skates.
Expect:
✔ Quicker tempo than beginner shinny
✔ More structured play – better positioning, passing, and game flow
✔ Players comfortable skating and handling the puck at speed
✔ No reckless play – still beginner-friendly, just at a faster pace
If you’re not sure if Tier 1 – Intermediate is right for you, ask an organizer and we’ll help guide you to the right shinny!
Yes! However, all players must be approved and added to BenchApp before they can sign up.
Yes, about half of our shinnies have referees to help structure the game and maintain fair play. The rest are self-officiated, with players expected to follow respectful and sportsmanlike conduct.
No, goalies play for free, but spots are limited.
Yes, full hockey equipment is required to ensure player safety.
Please bring both a dark and a white jersey so teams can be easily adjusted on the ice.
Shinnies are hosted at various arenas across the city. The exact location is listed in BenchApp for each skate.
If a skate is full, you can stay on the waitlist. If a spot opens up, we’ll move the next eligible player into the game.
Our shinnies are about having fun and playing safe. We expect:
✔ Respectful play – No reckless behavior or aggressive contact.
✔ Inclusivity – Stronger players are expected to mentor, not dominate.
✔ Good sportsmanship – Help build a positive community on and off the ice.
Skills Development
Popular Questions
We run power skating and skills sessions designed for beginners and developing players looking to improve their skating, puck control, passing, and shooting.
These sessions are ideal for players who have basic skating ability and want to become faster, more confident, and improve their puck control and shooting.
Power Skating focuses on edge work, stride efficiency, speed, agility, and balance—helping you move more efficiently and confidently on the ice.
Each session focuses on a combination of:
✔ Skating drills – improving edge control, acceleration, and agility
✔ Stickhandling & passing – developing better puck control
✔ Shooting techniques – wrist shots, snap shots, and slap shots
✔ Game awareness – positioning and decision-making
No! These sessions are designed to help beginners and intermediate players improve their skating and overall skills at their own pace.
Our power skating and skills development sessions are led by Scott Fellnermayr, Head Coach of the NAIT Ooks Men’s Hockey Team, along with other experienced instructors.
Sessions take place at various times throughout the season. Please check the schedule page for exact dates and locations.
Each session runs 60 minutes, focusing on high-rep drills and personalized feedback.
✔ Full hockey gear is required for all sessions.
✔ A water bottle for breaks.
Tournaments
Popular Questions
We’ll post updates on our website when tournament registrations open. Spots fill quickly, so keep an eye out and sign up early to secure your place.
All players register as individuals. Teams are drafted to ensure balanced competition and a great experience for everyone.
Yes! Our tournaments are open to all genders.
Since all our tournaments are draft-style, we manage the skill balance within each event to keep games fair and fun. The best way to see if you’ll be a good fit is to come out to our shinnies and experience the level of play.
We focus on creating the best competitive balance possible by vetting all participants. This ensures games are fun, fair, and highly engaging, no matter your experience level.
All players are evaluated and drafted to ensure teams are as even as possible, creating a competitive but fun experience.
Most of our tournaments are in Edmonton, but we also run out-of-town events. Check the tournament page for details.
✔ A guaranteed number of games
✔ Balanced draft-style teams
✔ A tournament jersey (for some events)
✔ A fun, competitive atmosphere
Game length varies by tournament, but most follow a structured format with referees and timekeepers to ensure organized, competitive play.
While hockey is the focus, we also raise funds for charities at each event. Past tournaments have supported causes like the Food Bank and wildfire relief efforts.
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