League FAQ
Find out more about this girl's ice hockey league.
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If you are a woman over 17 years old who knows ice hockey, we also need volunteers to be bench coaches/referees! Please complete our form if you are interested!
General Questions
What inspired this league?
Our goal is to create a developmental pathway for middle school aged girl players in Virginia, bridging the gap between recreational leagues and elite travel teams, especially for those players who are not rostered on an all-girls team. This pickup league provides an alternative all-girls ice hockey experience.
Northern Virginia clubs such as Loudoun Knights, Piedmont Predators, Potomac Lady Patriots, Reston Raiders, The St. James, etc typically field just one competitive team per age group (if at all)—most often at the elite A or AA levels — limiting opportunities for house and developmental players.
Why do girls stop playing hockey?
Players often exit due to a shortage of female-only squads, discomfort in mixed-gender environments, or fear of body checking. Our program is tailored to mitigate these issues, fostering a supportive space where athletes feel safe to grow and remain committed to the sport.
Is this a checking league?
Full-contact body checks are prohibited to prioritize safety. However, competitive contact is allowed to maintain the spirit of the game while keeping everyone safe on the ice.
Will there be coaches?
It is our intention to have 4 volunteer bench coaches to help with team management during pickup games (2 per team).
We will make every attempt to have volunteer female bench coaches. But, if none available, a volunteer dad can be a bench coach.
Are games officiated by referees?
Yes, we plan to have all pickup games officiated mainly by volunteer referees. This ensures a structured experience where rules are followed, safety is maintained, and sportsmanship is prioritized. USA Hockey rules will be followed.
What are the games like?
We aim to create as authentic experience as possible to an actual ice hockey game complete with score keeping, referees, and coaches.
When is the season?
At this time, we plan to offer pickup games only during the Spring and Summer seasons (April - August). Pickup games will be grouped into 4-6 sessions (5-10 games per session). Players can pre-pay for a session for guaranteed play... or be dropin only (pay per game) if vacant spots available.
Please note that drop-in fees will be more expensive per game compared to paying for a session. More info on drop-ins below.
Will score and individual stats be recorded?
Team goals will be recorded during a single game. However, as this is a pickup league, overall game stats and individual stats will not be recorded. This will maintain the spirit that this is just for fun and to minimize outcome-oriented pressure on the players.
What acronym are you using?
We are considering GIHPL (pronounced gipple) for Girls Ice Hockey Pickup League. Or, just "Girls Pickup."
What should a player do if missing hockey equipment?
Haymarket Iceplex has a large storage of used equipment that a player can borrow for free. However, selection may be limited and it is encouarged all players purchase their own equipment whether new or used (Play-It-Again Sports, Pure Hockey, Ebay, etc).
How long are the games?
Games are regulation duration of 1 hour and 20 minutes long. There will be 3 periods, each being 15 minutes long.
Is full equipment required?
YES! That includes neckguards and mouthguards just as required with any USA Hockey sanctioned league game. Helmets with full face and chin protection also required.
What if my daughter is anxious or apprehensive about joining?
Ideally, a player should join the league with a friend. However, if that is not the case, it is a bit scary for anybody at any age to walk into a room (or locker in this case) full of strangers... Â As such, we do offer a peer support program where a volunteer experienced player gets paired with an inexperienced player to provide peer support for those who want it.Â
Eligibility
Can club players participate?
Girls who already belong to an ice hockey team that competes in the CBHL can ALSO participate in this league. However, it is the parent's responsibility to get permission from their club ice hockey head coach before participating.
We anticipate team composition will be roughly 20% beginner, 55% intermediate, and 25% advanced. The majority of players will likely also play for a club ice hockey team.
We have players from Reston Raiders, The St. James, Piedmont Predators, Nova Ice Dogs, MYHA, and Loudoun Knights as well as other more distant hockey clubs participating in the league.
Who is eligible to participate?
We welcome 6th through 9th-grade girls looking for an all-girls ice hockey experience. We are looking to potentially expand the age range if large enough signups occur to allow for "lower" and "upper" level pickup games. Active USA Hockey membership is recommended.Â
Is prior experience needed?
A minimum of one year in recreational hockey is required. This foundation ensures that all participants possess the fundamental skating and puck skills necessary for safe play as well as familiarity of playing on a team.
We anticipate that team composition will be roughly 20% beginner, 55% intermediate, and 25% advanced.
Can a 9 or 15 years old player join this league?
Yes with permission from league organizers depending on the roster situation. The 9 years old player needs to be skilled enough to have played competitively at the 12U level. The 15 years old player can only have played at a beginner or not more than intermediate levels.
Cost
What is the cost?
Cost will depend on number of registratants, number of games per session, time of year, and day of the week. That said, at least for the summer session, it will be $75 for a 5 game session or $25 dropin per game. All payments are handled thru Haymarket Iceplex Dash account.
At this time, goalies play for FREE!
If a player has paid for a session, but misses 1 or more games, the cost will NOT be pro-rated. Refunds will ONLY be allowed if session has not started.
Do I have to pre-pay for games?
No! You can be a drop-in player. Drop-in players pay only for those games they can attend assuming there is a player vacancy. With any player vacancy (such as when players who have pre-paid for a session is unable to make a game), drop-ins are allowed. So, even if you are not able to make all the games in a session, still sign-up and get on the drop-in list!
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Drop-in players STILL need to register to get on BenchApp to see if any vacancies are present for any games.
Are drop-ins allowed? What is the downside to drop-ins?
Yes! Drop-ins are allowed. However, you still need to register to be put on the drop-in list on BenchApp which is the program we use for attendance. Also, drop-ins will only be allowed if there is a vacancy for a scheduled game. Drop-ins also will cost about $10 more per game then if an entire session is paid for. Click here to see how dropins request joining a game.
Volunteering
To volunteer as a bench coach or referee, do I need to be certified?
USA Hockey certification would be great, but not absolutely necessary.Â
Do I need a referee shirt (black and white stripes)?
If you volunteer to be a referee, it is not necessary to wear the black and white striped shirt. BUT, if you happen to own one, that would be great! What you DO need to own and bring is your own whistle!
Can dads volunteer?
Yes! But only if there is a vacancy due to lack of a female volunteer.