What We Offer

  INFORMATION FOR NEW SKATERS

Are you considering having your child or children play hockey or you've already made the decision to play? We are sure you have many questions! A few things about BRAJHA and the Ice Dogs:

• When you or your skater signs up to play hockey for the Ice Dogs, you become a Member of BRAJHA. BRAJHA is a non-profit organization that services the youth and adult amateur hockey players in West Michigan.
• BRAJHA runs all House & Travel programs out of Ferris State University's Ewigleben Ice Arena facility located at 210 Sports Drive, Big Rapids, MI. .
• BRAJHA is happy to provide individual fund-raising opportunities that will help offset the cost of the program.  
• BRAJHA is an all-volunteer organization. We operate on revenue received from player fees, sponsorships, and fund raising activities. We ask our members to participate in volunteer activities (running the clock during games, keeping score, serving as team managers & board members and filling our coaching staff).
• BRAJHA offers beginner through advanced levels of hockey. If you are new to hockey or your child wants to start playing hockey, sign up for our incredible LEARN TO PLAY program. We also offer Learn to Skate programs for those new to skates.

WHAT THE ICE DOGS OFFER

BRAJHA, in partnership with the FSU Ice Arena, provides ice hockey opportunities for both boy and girl players at all skill levels. We offer several different Initiation Programs (IP). "Learn to Skate" (LTS), "Learn to Play" (LTP) and Mini-Mites. BRAJHA also offers a variety of HOUSE hockey programs at the Mite, Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam & JV levels of play. Our Squirt, Pee Wee and Bantam teams compete in both MAHA and ADRAY leagues as well as various tournaments throughout the hockey season. 

While BRAJHA does not yet have girls-exclusive hockey teams, girls are welcome on all our teams. Separate locker room facilities are available.

WHERE IT ALL BEGINS

Is your family is new to the sport of Ice Hockey? Is the little one driving you nuts at the rink while you're waiting for big bro/sis to finish practice? If so, then FSU Ice Arena - BRAJHA's Initiation Program (IP) " Learn To Skate" or "Learn to Play/Cross-Ice" may be your answer.

This IP program, is a learn-to-skate/play hockey program distributed by USA Hockey. It is designed to help players of any age learn the basic fundamentals of ice-skating and hockey. The FSU Ice Arena/BRAJHA have 3 levels in the IP Program, which progresses as follows: Learn To Skate (LTS), Learn To Play (LTP) , Mini-Mite or BRAJHA Team Play. 

PART 1: LEARN TO SKATE PROGRAM

While working within a small group your player will learn the fundamentals of skating, stopping and basic stick/puck handling. All skaters start out in this level. This level is designed to help the skater become more comfortable on the ice, with an emphasis on balance, coordination, body movement and gross motor skills. The goal of Learn to Skate is to prepare your player for the Mite level of play.  

New players interested in hockey but who are too old to be a Mite are still encouraged to enroll in Learn to Skate.  It is possible to transition an older player from Learn to Skate to the Squirt level of play. Girls are welcome to enroll as well.

Contact the ice arena office to find out the sessions and cost. 

* The Learn to Skate program runs 4 sessions that are 6 weeks in length each skating season! 

PART 2: LEARN TO PLAY

For any first time skater, any age! So your child has the fundamentals of skating down and now wants to play hockey? The Learn to Play Program builds upon the fundamental skills learned in Learn to Skate. Skating technique is emphasized, along with individual hockey skills.  Through a variety of drills and three on three scrimmages your player will gain confidence in stick/puck handling, shooting and basic hockey plays. Your player will also learn the values of hard work and teamwork. Helmet w/mask, gloves, knee & elbow pads are required for this level of play. Players may be enrolled in both LTS and LTP at the same time.  Learn to Play is the "gateway" to the next division of hockey, Mites, however it is not required prior to enrolling your player as a Mite. 

PART 3: MINI-MITE

Approximate age is 5-8 years. This is for the 2nd or 3rd year skater who has progressed through both LTS and LTP, or has shown equivalent ability. Mini-mite is an age specific team level, with skaters playing cross-ice games at the Mini-Mite or Mite level (6U or 8U). Full equipment is required for this level. Skating technique, individual puck skills, as well as rules and game play are all emphasized at this level. Two skating sessions per week. "Active Start" & "FUNdamentals" - ADM Model. October through February. 

PART 4: REGISTER FOR HOUSE TEAM

Now that your child is ready for the next step, we encourage you to register them in a House program that is appropriate for their age.