Northbrook Bluehawks
Mite Travel
The Mite Travel program is for those players looking to play more competitive hockey. Players will continue to build on the foundations they learned in house league hockey and develop the skills needed to become the best hockey players they can be, on and off the ice. All teams will compete in the Chicago United Hockey League (CUHL).
Ages
Players 8 and under.
When
Preseason skates begin August 18 and tryouts August 26. The season runs through early March.
Where
Practices will take place at the Northbrook Sports Center and Jet Ice. Home games will be played at the Northbrook Sports Center.
Practices
Teams will practice 3 times per week on average.
Games
Teams will play 30-40 games throughout the season including seeding round, regular season, playoffs and tournaments.
Tournaments
We anticipate each team participating in 2-3 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.
Goalies
The Northbrook Bluehawks are pleased to announce our partnership with Good as Gould Goalie School for the 2023-2024 season. With over 30 years of experience, we are excited to have them on board and working with our goalies on a weekly basis.
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
Fees have remained relatively stable for the past few years. However, due to an increase in ice cost this year, we have raised fees to better align with our cost structure so we may continue to provide our players and families with the best possible hockey experience. Fees have historically covered the Wishbone Tournament and will also include the first tournament of the season this year allowing for the collection of a smaller slush fund.
This year, we will be utilizing Crossbar's Offer System. Upon initial registration, you will be charged a 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.
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, coaches travel expenses, and any other special team events. The amounts can vary but are anticipated to be $300-$400. This should be lower than previous years as the first tournament fee is now included in the season fee.
Jerseys
Game Jerseys: $250/set
Game Socks: $25/pair
Practice jerseys will be given out at the start of tryouts.
AAU Membership
Each player is required to obtain an AAU membership before the start of the season. Memberships for the upcoming season can be purchased starting August 15 (please do not purchase before that date!).
Fall 2023-2024
Birth Years: 2015-2017
Fee:
Tryout Fee: $250
Season Fee Skater/Goalie: $3,875/$800
*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 the season fees for skaters.
Coaching Slate
Mite 1: Ken Johnson/Matt Walker
Mite 2: Ken Johnson/Mike Noonan
Preseason Skates
8/18 5:20pm-6:20pm NBSC Rink B
8/20 11:40am-12:40pm NBSC Rink B
8/22 5:50pm-6:50pm NBSC Rink B
8/23 5:00pm-6:00pm NBSC Rink B
8/24 4:10pm-5:10pm NBSC Rink A
Tryouts:
8/26 11:40am-12:40pm NBSC Rink B
8/27 9:20am-10:20am NBSC Rink B
*Times subject to change