Travel Hockey
Squirt, Peewee, Bantam
Travel Hockey (Sq/Pw/Btm)
The Travel Hockey program is for those players looking to play competitive hockey and are dedicated to skill development. The Bluehawks Hockey Organization strives to provide a positive environment that promotes the development of hockey skills, good sportsmanship, competitive play, and fun for all players. Players will be on the ice 4-5 times per week and will be coached by our elite coaching staff. Teams will compete in the Central States Development Hockey League.
To read more about the Bluehawks player development plan click the button below.
Ages
The Bluehawks Travel program is for Squirts, Peewees, and Bantams. Please reference the birth year chart for appropriate ages/levels. For players 8 and under, please refer to the Mite Travel page.
When
Preseason skates begin the week of August 17 followed by tryouts starting the week of August 24. The season runs through the end of February.
Where
Practices and home games are played at the Northbrook Sports Center.
Practices
Each team will have on average 3 practices per week including skill sessions and team practices.
Games
Teams will play approximately 35-50 games including seeding round, regular season, playoffs, and tournaments.
Off-Ice Training
Player development doesn't stop when players leave the ice. Every team will participate in age-appropriate off-ice training that includes:
Conditioning
Squirts/Peewees
- Age-specific athletic development and movement training at the rink.
- At-home assignments to reinforce healthy habits and physical development.
Bantams
- Each team will participate in twice weekly sports performance training at GVN Performance located at the Northshore Ice Arena (included in season fees).
- To learn more about GVN, click the button below.
Skill Development
- Stickhandling and shooting instruction both at the rink and through at-home training plans.
- Opportunities for players to continue improving between practices.
Hockey IQ
Players will continue developing a deeper understanding of the game through:
- Chalk talks
- Video review of your Bluehawks games
- Video examples from higher levels of hockey
- Ongoing teaching and feedback from coaches during practices and games
Our goal is for every player to better understand where to be, what to do, and why.
Tournaments
We anticipate each team participating in 3 tournaments including the Wishbone Tournament over Thanksgiving. Tournaments will be selected by the Hockey Director, Travel Director, and coaching staff. Season fees will include the 1st tournament and Wishbone.
Goalie Instruction
Goalies will attend goalie clinics once a week run by our new goalie coach Adam Johnson!
You can read Adam's bio on our NBHL Staff page.
Volunteer Program
Each family with one or more children in House and/or Travel programs will be required to complete volunteer hours throughout the year. There will also be an “Opt Out” option.
NBHL will utilize the Crossbar system to manage our volunteer opportunities. This program is not intended to be a fundraiser. There is a lot of volunteer work and hours to be completed each year and this program is meant to spread the hours needed among the entire program.
For more information, click here:
Fees
Upon initial registration, you will be charged a tryout fee. Preseason skates and tryouts are included in the tryout fee. Once teams are selected, you will receive an "offer". If accepted, you will then be charged the season fee which can be paid in full or in installments. Please see the attached fee schedule.
Season fees include the first tournament of the season and the Wishbone Tournament. Two tickets to our annual Parent Social will also be included.
Slush Fund
Team managers will collect money at the beginning of the season for a team account or "slush fund". These funds will be used for team expenses such as a 3rd tournament, travel expenses for coaches, and any other special team events. The amounts can vary by team but are anticipated to be around $500.
Team Apparel
Game Jerseys: $230/set (Home/Away)
Game Shell: $40
Game Socks: $25 for each Home/Away.
Practice Jerseys: All new travel players will receive a practice jersey. Returning players will wear the previous season's practice jersey. If needed, an new one can be purchased for $40.
Preseason & Tryouts
Each level will have 4 preseason skates followed by 3 tryouts. These are included in the $325 tryout fee.
USA Hockey
All players require a new USA Hockey number to register for the upcoming season. Click the button below to obtain a new membership number. Membership numbers for the upcoming fall season are available beginning April 1.
Financial Assistance
Limited financial assistance is available. Applications are due no later than August 15. Players must be registered to participate in preseason clinics and payment is required to register.
For more information, please click the button below.
Golf Outing & Sponsorships
Please check out the NBHL Golf Outing and Sponsorship Opportunities!
NBHL Golf Outing: September 18, 2026. Check out the details and register here!
Sponsorships: Sponsorship opportunities are available to help reduce your season fees! Details can be found here!
Fall 2026-2027
Levels & Birth Years
Squirt: 2016-2017
Peewee: 2014-2015
Bantam: 2012-2013
Tryout Fee: $325
Season Fee:
Squirt Skater/Goalie: $4,925/$2,925
Peewee Skater/Goalie: $5,325/$3,050
Bantam Skater/Goalie: $6,050/$3,650
*Tryout fees are non-refundable and will not be prorated. Tryout fees are charged at the time of registration. Season fees are billed after tryouts when the offer to join a team is accepted. An installment plan is available for season fees.
Head Coaching Slate
Squirt 1: Matt Rotman
Squirt 2: Bob Anderson/Eric Anderson
Peewee 1: Tom Gullen
Peewee 2: Woody Steinken
Bantam 1: Jim Xintaris
Bantam 2: Matt Rotman/Mike Brezlin
Goalie Coach: Adam Johnson
*Coaching slate subject to change based on team count with the potential to add a third Squirt and/or Peewee team.
Register