Northbrook Bluehawks

The Northbrook Bluehawks are proud to call the Northbrook Park District's Sports Center at West Park its home!  The Sports Center is one of the finest ice rink facilities in Illinois, featuring two NHL-sized rinks, spacious and clean locker rooms and a full service pro shop.

Click here for a map to the Sports Center.

The Northbrook Bluehawks also skate out of the Twin Rinks facility in Buffalo Grove.

Click here for a map to the Twin Rink

1. The best place to start is with Northbrook Park District "learn to skate" programs. They usually have separate tracks for the figure skaters and for the hockey players. The hockey track is called Little Blues, and frequently one of the Northbrook Bluehawks coaches teaches the class. The classes are called Little Blues I, Little Blues II, etc. The child must have passed one or two of these classes (or have equivalent skating ability) to be able to play team hockey. 

2. If your child likes it, also go to public skates with him (get on the ice yourself too).  Also roller blade and play street hockey in the driveway (players of all abilities do this) . . . there's all sorts of outdoor sticks, pucks and nets.

3. Sign up for House League hockey around August. The season runs from September to January, and consists of two one-hour skates a week on weekends (practices and games). There's an evaluation to place the players on evenly balanced teams when we have multiple teams for an age group, and we accept frinedship requests.  House League hockey is "no-cut."  We also offer complimentary "power skating" clases at various times throughout the season.

4. After the conclusion of the Fall/Winter season next year, play Spring Hockey. It runs from late February through late May.  It's all one thing, no distinction between House and Travel, but there are multiple levels of ability. There may be cuts depending on the number of players seeking to play and the availability if ice to accommodate that number of players.  Many players who might not make a Travel team in the Fall are selected to play in the Spring.  

5. Go to a "power skating" clinics or camps (don't be put off by the term "power").  Improving your skating is the best way to become a better hockey player. 

6. House League is fun, not as costly as Travel hockey, and not as time demanding on the player and parents as Travel is.  It might take a year or two of House League (and a lot of extra effort) even for a good athlete to develop the ability to play Travel hockey. Travel hockey coaches look for fast skaters, kids who can catch and pass a puck and make quick decisions, but by no means are all travel players super athletes.

7. Pro Shops like Ron's at the Northbrook rink carry a wide range of new equipment as well as some used skates.

8. For additional info on the hockey culture read the newspaper HockeyStop, available free at the Northbrook SPorts Center rink, published about twice a month (read the Musings column and Hockey Mom).   

What equipment does my child need in order to play hockey?

Selection of hockey equipment is a key issue for players, parents and coaches. When purchasing and fitting hockey equipment, remember two important factors: 1) make certain the player is adequately protected and 2) be sure the fitting allows freedom of movement so the player can properly perform the necessary skills. By carefully considering these two factors, your child will be more comfortable and will better enjoy their participation.

A complete set of hockey equipment can be purchased for a relatively reasonable cost. Shop around for the best values and remember that you need not buy the most expensive equipment. Inquire about local equipment swaps and team discounts, but keep in mind the equipment must fit properly to provide maximum protection. USA Hockey members receive special discounts on equipment purchased through Play It Again Sports retailers nationwide.

Skates — Purchase skates that will fit your child today, with no more than 1/2" allowed for growth. Seek adequate protection in the ankle, toe and instep areas. Improperly fitted skates will hamper your child's ability to skate. Brand new skates have to be sharpened before use.   

Shin Pads — Check for proper length so they protect the knee and shin completely.

Pants — Held in proper position by suspenders. Pants provide protection for the lower spine, hips and thighs.

Helmet — Must be of a design and construction approved by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC). Must be sized at the time of purchase to fit properly. The chin strap must always be fastened. All helmets are adjustable for a proper fit. 

Facemask — Must also be of a design and construction approved by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC).

Mouthpiece — Required for players in the PeeWee level and above. USA Hockey encourages players of all ages and ability levels to use a mouthpiece.

Neck Guard — Recommended by the Northbrook Hockey League at all levels.

Gloves — Check for proper fit, with good finger and hand mobility.

Elbow Pads — Properly fitted so they do not slide.

Shoulder Pads — Adjust to fit the individual at the time of purchase. A fiber cap is extremely important in preventing shoulder separations and should extend to the tip of the shoulder.

Supporter and Cup — Essential protective equipment.

Stick — Length should generally extend from the ice to the player's chin (with skates on), or from the floor to the player's nose (with shoes on). Quality and price differ greatly, so the choice is yours. Most players have two sticks in case one breaks during a game or practice.

Practice Jersey — sometimes the whole team buys the same reversible jerseys, but usually each player has his own plain or fancy practice jersey, at times a jersey provided by the operator of a skating clinic.

Game jersey and socks — provided by the team, cost included in the registration fee.        

In many areas the equipment overlaps to reduce exposed skin and bones such as: tongue of skate and shin guard, shin guard and pants, glove and elbow pad, elbow pad and shoulder pad. Some shoulder pads extend down as low as the pants.     

For goaltenders special equipment is necessary such as: gloves (catching and blocker), goalie stick, chest and arm protector, leg pads, and, as players get older and stronger, special goalie helmets, goalie cup and goalie skates (with a protective shell). The goaltender's equipment is especially important, so seek advice from a knowledgeable source. The Northbrook Hockey Leagues has some loaner equipment available to goalies just starting out or interested in learning to play goalie.