How long is the Hockey Season?

Registrations are generally due in late September to early October.  Regular practices begin in November and final tournaments are generally in late February through mid-March depending on the skater's level.

How do I sign up?

Registrations should be mailed in to PO Box 832, Rapid City, SD 57702.  The registration page has step by step instructions.  Not all steps are required for all levels as more paperwork may be required for the older (particularly high school) skaters.

What do I need for Registration?

New skaters must provide a copy of the skater's birth certificate.  All skaters must register with USA Hockey and provide the receipt of that registration with RHA registration paperwork and fees.

Is Hockey expensive?

Rushmore Hockey does tend to be a slightly higher rate than other leagues in South Dakota.  This is simply because our rink is not subsidized through taxpayer dollars in any way.  Player registration fees can be raised through fundraising efforts and some financial aid is available.  See the registration forms located on the Registration page for more details.

Corporate sponsors are a primary method to keeping player fees low.  For more information on sponsoring Rushmore Hockey, see the Sponsorships page.

What are the fees?

House League players will pay $180 for the season which starts in mid-November and runs through the first weekend in March.  There is a mandatory fundraising fee of $80 for every player as well.  This pre-paid $80 is reimbursed to the skater's family in raffle tickets and season passes that can be sold and the monies kept by the family.

Travel League players (available for ages 9 and up) pay based upon their age.  The mandatory fundraising fee per skater increases to $120.

What age do the kids start at?

Players should be close to 4 years old by July 1 of current registration year. We strongly encourage participation in the City Rink's "Learn to Skate" program prior to hockey to build confidence in your young skater.

What are the levels?

Ages below are based upon a July 1 birthdate.  See the registration forms for exact age guidelines.

• Mini Mites: Boys & Girls 6U - typically 1st year skaters
  

• Mites: Boys & Girls 8U
  

• Squirts: 10U
  

• PeeWee: 12U
  

• Bantam: 14U
  

• JV/Varsity
  

• Girls - While girls can participate in the Squirts through JV/Varsity level, Rushmore Hockey encourages girls to participate with the Girls U12, JV, and Varsity teams.  As our numbers grow in this area, we will continue to see changes in the girls program. 
  

When are practices?

A weekly arena schedule is posted at the arena, and on RHA website for your convenience. http://rushmorethunder.com

How much travel is there?

• There is no travel for the mite age group at this time.
  

• At this time, most Squirts travel although we are building a growing house league for the 9-10 year olds.
  

• Regular travel with the state league begins at the PeeWee level thru Varsity.  Typically between 5-7 weekends of games may be out of town.
  

What is Open Hockey?

Open hockey is a time where ice is available to work on individual skills on your own. It is available throughout the season and is noted on the Arena Schedule for each level. Open hockey is free to attend and is only available for fully registered skaters. You will be required to wear full gear during open hockey.

What is Dry Land Training?

RHA is in the process of building Dry Land Draining to further develop our program. Our training area utilizes specialized hockey equipment and a knowledgeable program staff that enhance the player’s athletic ability.