Travel Hockey (Sq/Pw/Btm)
The Travel Hockey program is for those players looking to play competitive hockey and are dedicated to skill development. 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 Northern Illinois Hockey League (NIHL).
Ages
The Bluehawks Travel program is for Squirts to Bantams. Please reference the birth year chart for appropriate ages/levels.
When
Preseason skates begin August 18 followed by tryouts starting August 28. The season runs through the end of February.
Where
Practices are held at the Northbrook Sports Center or Jet Ice.
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.
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. First tournaments are listed below.
Irish South Bend Cup Tournament Series
- Friday, October 6-8, 2023, South Bend, IN
- Teams: Squirt 1, Peewee 1, Bantam 1
FlatWater, Big Bear Tournaments
- Friday, October 6-8, 2023, Ann Arbor, MI
- Teams: Squirt 2, Squirt 3, Peewee 2, Bantam 2, Bantam 3
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 around $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.
Preseason & Tryouts
Each level will have 6 preseason skates followed by 3 tryouts.
USA Hockey
All players require a USA Hockey number to register. 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 questions about financial assistance, please contact:
Fall 2023-2024
Levels & Birth Years
Squirt: 2013-2014
Peewee: 2011-2012
Bantam: 2009-2010
Tryout Fee: $325
Season Fee:
Squirt Skater/Goalie: $4,275/$2,225
Peewee Skater/Goalie: $4,575/$2,350
Bantam Skater/Goalie: $4,875/$2,525
*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.
Coaching Slate
Squirt 1: Matt Rotman/Tom Pappas
Squirt 2: Bob Anderson/Eric Anderson
Squirt 3: Cody Murphy/Joe Connolly
Peewee 1: Cody Murphy/Kip Poncher
Peewee 2: Woody Steinken/Arman Kapoor
Bantam 1: John Murphy/Matt Lanzillotti
Bantam 2: Allan Hirsch/John Kazarian
Bantam 3: Woody Steinken/Antonio Salazar