Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the advantages of High School hockey compared to Travel and House leagues?
A. All three programs have their strengths and place in hockey, but High School hockey offers unique opportunities including: (1) the chance to represent your school and be recognized as a High School athlete (including that all-important Varsity jacket); (2) the chance to play with the same group of school friends from 8th to 12th grade; (3) the opportunity to participate in important team traditions (big rivalry games – Plano West versus Plano Senior, Senior Night, Future Wolves Night, end of season awards banquet and the annual Plano West – Plano Senior alumni game); (4) the opportunity to play well and move up to a higher level team; (5) no travel (except state finals); (6) security and medical staff at all games; (7) concussion baseline testing for all players; (8) lower cost than travel (but more than house league); (9) opportunity to participate in High School All-Star Game; and (10) the chance for city-wide recognition with the AT&T Player of the Month award.
Q: How many teams does PWHC field?
A: High School hockey clubs in the AT&T Metroplex High School Hockey League may field as many teams as they please. Over the last few years, PWHC has fielded three teams, but the number will vary from year to year depending on the number of players attending tryouts. The level at which the teams compete is determined after tryouts and the annual leveling tournament primarily by the coaches, with input from the Board and the League.
Q: When are tryouts held for the fall / winter regular season?
A: Tryouts for PWHC teams are held in mid-August, typically the weekend before PISD starts school. Tryout dates and location will be posted on the PWHC website well in advance.
Q: Does PWHC have teams participating in a summer league?
A: PWHC has fielded teams in both the AT&T Metroplex High School Hockey Summer League as well as the ITC High School Summer League in the past. This season runs from mid-May through mid-August. Summer league information will be posted on the PWHC website well in advance. Teams at the JV and Varsity level will be fielded based on demand. There are also summer High School elite programs. The summer program is a great opportunity for players who are new to High School hockey to get their feet wet and get to know their new teammates.
Q: I've heard 8th graders are allowed to play High School hockey – is that true?
A: Yes, 8th graders may try out and play for a Junior Varsity team during the summer prior to their 8th grade year. Junior Varsity teams may be comprised of 8th through 12th graders and Varsity teams may be comprised of 9th through 12th graders.
Q: Can my son play for a Travel or House team in addition to PWHC?
A: Absolutely – PWHC has many players who play Travel or House hockey in addition to playing for PWHC.
Q: How many times per week will my son be on the ice?
A: There is usually one game and one practice per week during the winter season. On occasion, teams will practice twice per week. All practices are held on a full sheet of ice.
Q: How many games and practices are there during the season?
A: There are approximately 22 games during the regular season and additional games if the team makes the playoffs. Teams also participate in a preseason tournament in September before the start of the regular season. There are approximately 25 practices throughout the season.
Q: Which rink does PWHC utilize for practices?
A: Most PWHC practices are held at the Dr. Pepper StarCenter – Frisco.
Q: How much travel is involved with High School hockey?
A: There is no out-of-town travel for regular season games – all games are played in the DFW Metroplex with regular season Varsity games played on Thursday nights and Junior Varsity games played on Sunday afternoons and evenings. In the event a team qualifies for state playoffs, travel has been required of PWHC teams.
Q: Is PWHC a developmental program, or is it play for performance?
A: PWHC believes in developing players. At the Junior Varsity level, coaches are encouraged to evenly allocate ice time for players. At the Varsity level, PWHC strives for a balance of evenly allocating ice time for players with competing for championships.
Q: What is the cost to play for PWHC?
A: The annual fee is considerably less than Travel hockey clubs but more than House hockey and varies from year to year.
Still not convinced?? Please feel free to contact a PWHC board member or coach.
