HOUSE MONEY Why House-
League Hockey is a Sure Bet
by Jordan Mann O
N JAN. 1, 2018, the New York Rangers celebrated the new year by edging out the Buffalo Sabres 3-2
in overtime. Tis was the 10th annual Winter Classic, and it was another high- profile, outdoor hockey event that did not leave any NHL fans disappointed.
Due in part to outreach efforts like the Winter Classic, ice hockey is now more prominent in the American sports landscape than ever before. Te sport has always been popular in parts of the United States, but recently the number of players in non-traditional markets has exploded. As hockey reaches a greater number of families in more areas of the country, the demand for a wide range of hockey programming is skyrocketing.
Like most youth sports, hockey is frequently a race to the finish line. The market is dominated by travel hockey programs offering families elite experiences, with games played in high- level leagues and promises of player development and upward mobility — all for alot of money! An elitist mentality
pervades, and travel clubs get preoccupied with building championship teams.
Kids are finding it increasingly difficult to just get out on the ice and play for fun. Te void in the recreational sector of the sport is noticeable, and many managers are starting to tap into that market. Developing and administering a successful in-house hockey program is akin to stacking the deck in your arena’s favor!
ISI House-League Hockey
House-league hockey programs are a perfect extension of the ISI’s “participation, not elimination” mantra.
While accommodating players, evening out teams and registering participants can be a challenging task, ISI offers a simple registration process for house- league teams. (Please see “ISI’s Hockey Team Registration Process — It’s a Snap!” on page 25.)
ISI Administrative members (facilities and teams) can register their league teams by jerseys rather than individual players.
ISI Administrative members (facilities and teams) can register their league teams by jerseys rather than individual players. This allows hockey directors the flexibility to add, remove or adjust players as needed during the season.
24 SPRING 2018
Tis allows hockey directors the flexibility to add, remove or adjust players as needed during the season. Tis practice goes a long way toward ensuring that the arena’s on-ice product is flawless and that customers leave satisfied and excited to re-enroll. Also, the cost is exceptionally low (based on the number of players), and the insurance coverage is equally as comprehensive. For instance, adult teams start as low as $425, for an average cost of $28.33 per player.
“House league provides an opportunity for all levels of hockey players to learn the game,” says Sean Flynn, facility manager of Centennial Ice Arena in Wilmette, Ill. Flynn, an ISI University Certified Arena Executive, should know. After playing at the professional level during his hockey career, he now coaches his son’s house league team. “You cannot just jump into travel hockey. It is important to start somewhere, and a well-run house program can often rival a travel program,” he says.
ISI Treasurer Kevin McCormack agrees. As vice president of operations at Floyd Hall Arena in Little Falls, N.J., McCormack, an ISI University Certified Arena Operator (CAO), administers one of the largest ISI house-league programs in the country. “Te cost [of a house-league program] is obviously less which can be a big selling point considering the costs of other parts of hockey like equipment,
Playing with
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