FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How do I join a team?

A: Before each season we have at least four free Evaluation Skates. Come to one Evaluation Skate and you will get rated for which divisions are suitable for your skill level. You will get drafted by a team captain right there or occasionally the commissioner will place you on a team shortly after. 

Q: Do I have to register before I come to the Evaluation Skate?

A: No, but certain captains may draft a player that has paid his registration already versus one that has not registered. After the Evaluation Skate, you must register before being placed on a team though.

Q: What is USA Hockey and why do I have to register with them?

A: USA Hockey is the governing body for amateur hockey in the United States. They supply the basic rules, format, and supplemental insurance for rinks, players, and referees. This also helps us keep costs lower by not having to track down everyone's insurance cards and all the rinks require USA Hockey membership for their liability as well.

Q: What if I want to join mid season?

A: Feel free to contact the league.  Players can get placed onto teams before Dec.1 for Winter season and before July 1 for Summer. A league official will decide which level and team to place you. If it is after those roster deadlines, we will place you on a contact list for next seasons Evaluation Skates and help you get on for the following season.

Q: I have never played before. Can I still learn to play hockey?

A: Yes. We have a relationship with HES (Hockey Educational Systems) that has an "Adult Learn to Play Hockey Class." This class has been really great for teaching beginners everything from learning to skate to playing hockey.   We will place all players from the class onto GSHL teams.

Q: How much does it cost?

A:  The price varies a bit from season to season mainly depending on what we get charged for ice. The individual price for winter 10 is $598.60 per player. Winter season is 22 regular season games and at least 2 playoff games (double elimination playoffs). The price for Summer 10 was $298.60. Summer season is 12 games with at least 1 playoff.  Sometimes existing teams will work it out to pay more or less per player by having a larger or smaller roster and having the captains collect the payments.

Q: What nights are the games?

A: The games are Sunday through Thursday nights. Usually divisions 6, 7, & 8 play the Sunday night games and 1-5 play Monday through Thursday. 

Q: What rinks does GSHL play at? 

A: The GSHL plays at Olympic View, Lynnwood Ice Center, Castle Ice, Kent Valley, Kingsgate Arena, and  Everett Events Center.

Q: Is there any choice about nights and rinks?

Q: Can I move up or down a level?

A: Yes. You can either come out for an Evaluation Skate to get rated and placed, or occasionally a player knows a captain that will take a player up or down to their team. As players get older, some move to the over 40 league. Some beginners move up a division a year as their skating and skills improve.

Q: What is the 40+ league?

A: The 40+ league is for players over 40. The pool of over 40 players is redrafted into teams every season. The skills of the players may vary, but the teams are drafted in a way  to create parity. Each player is rated 1-10 and all the 1's get drafted first, etc. until all the players are drafted. A player new to 40+ should come to an Evaluation Skate and get rated. Existing players will pretty much keep their old rating. The captains will meet before each season, draft players, and notify their teams.

Q: Is there checking?

A: No. Hockey is still a contact sport though so there will still be some contact as well as a risk of injury.