FAQ
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Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about our programs, tryouts, schedules, or teams? We've compiled the most common inquiries to help you get quick answers. If you don’t find what you're looking for, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help!
How many teams will the Jr Cyclones have?
The Jr Cyclones will field teams at every age and Tier 2 competition level that registrations will allow.
Do the Jr Cyclones only have AA/AAA teams?
No. The Jr Cyclones do not offer AAA teams. The Jr Cyclones are currently a Tier 2 organization and will offer teams at all ages and Tier 2 skill levels based on registrations. Tier 2 includes all skill levels AA and below. Everyone that wants to join the Jr Cyclones Hockey Family will be welcomed with open arms.
How will players be evaluated and placed on teams?
The selection process will be conducted by a tryout evaluation committee with more than 100 years of combined playing and coaching experience at various levels. Final team decisions will be made by the committee — the head coach for each team will be part of this group but not the sole decision maker. Players will be evaluated based on their performance during tryouts, though our experienced committee will also consider context to ensure each player is placed at the appropriate level. Committee members will document detailed feedback for each player, available to players or parents upon request.
What is the difference between a Birth Year team and a National Bound Team?
Birth Year team are typically teams rostered with a single birth year of player to compete at the highest level for our organization – AA. National Bound teams are specific birth years within the category – U14 / U16 / Varsity / Girls U14 / Girls U16 / Girls U19. National Bound teams are under the guidance of MIDAM Hockey’s Rules and Regulations
• Rule C. Tier II Teams (Youth) Teams registered as Tier II will be allowed to participate in the Tier II State (Youth) tournaments leading to Tier II National Championships. Mid Am recognizes Tier II hockey as “community based” hockey, meaning that teams
registered as Tier II shall be composed of players from a maximum
60-mile geographical distance from the home address of the
player (determined by the address filed on the family’s current
Federal Income Tax Return), to the team’s “home ice” arena. Tier II teams cannot have billeted players. The onus is on the rostering organization to identify all potential players and their home resident (determined by the address filed on the family’s current Federal Income Tax Return). The Mid Am Board shall have discretion in determining if a team appropriately fits the definition of Tier II and will address any appeals filed with the Mid Am President.
What is the difference between the U16 and high school teams?
The U16 team will consist of only 2011 and 2010 birth year players. The high school team will consist of players with birth years ranging from 2008 to 2011. Typically, a U16 team plays higher level competition than a high school team and travels greater distances, more often for games.
How many games does each team play? How many per week?
The number of games teams play will vary by age group and competition level. More competitive and older teams will play more games throughout the season. We will follow USA Hockey's American Development Model as closely as possible. Please review the 2026-2027 prospectus for more details.
How much will the season cost?
Costs for the 2026-2027 season can be found in the 2026-2027 prospectus.
Why are Goalies being given a 50% discount?
Goalies are currently in short supply locally and nationally. Fees have been reduced to attract and retain goalies and encourage more young players to try the position. Goaltending is a specialized role that also comes with higher equipment costs for families, and this adjustment is intended to help offset that burden. While teams can operate with fewer skaters, a game cannot be played without a goalie.
How much travel? How far?
Travel will depend on the level of competition the team needs for proper development. Some younger teams will play the majority of games in-house at Queen City Sportsplex. The next level up will participate in our Buckeye League, our local district league. Teams needing higher-level competition will participate in the Detroit Little Caesars League, entailing 4 travel weekends to Detroit with one overnight stay, or similar surrounding leagues. Teams playing independently for proper development may travel as far as Chicago, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Detroit, St. Louis, Indianapolis, or Columbus. All Jr Cyclones teams will be limited to locations within 8 hours of driving unless qualifying for Nationals or with extended travel approved by the Hockey Director.
How long does the season run?
The season runs from late September to March.
What happens after LTP/LTS?
After passing and graduating from Learn to Skate, players will move on to our Learn to Play Hockey program. After completing Learn to Play, players will graduate to our Mites program and begin playing games in our house league at Queen City Sportsplex. There will be opportunities for more travel for Mite players who desire it. Older players will be placed on an appropriate team and level within their age group.
Is there a house league?
Mites will have the opportunity to play an in-house league where all games and practices will be held at Queen City Sportsplex. As we grow our community, the Jr Cyclones hope to offer in-house leagues for older players as well.
Do you have girls teams?
We are very excited to continue to grow and offer girls teams for the 2026-2027 season! More information can be found on our website.
Can my daughter play on a boys team?
The Jr Cyclones offer co-ed and girls teams. Girls are welcome to play on a co-ed team, an all-girls team, or both if they wish.
What equipment is required?
Full equipment is required for all ages and levels of play. This includes skates, shin guards, pants, jock/jill protector, shoulder pads, elbow pads, neck guard, mouth guard, and a hockey-specific helmet with cage or full clear face shield. Brand new equipment is provided for all LTPH participants courtesy of our Cincinnati Cyclones Foundation. After completing and graduating from our LTPH program, players keep all their provided equipment free of charge.
How many practices? How often?
Our goal will be to follow USA Hockey's American Development Model for every Jr Cyclones player in our program. Please see the 2026-2027 prospectus for more details by age and level.
Do you need prior playing experience?
No! Anyone who wants to become a member of the Jr Cyclones community is welcome. The Jr Cyclones will accommodate every age and level of experience.
Does my player have to attend all games and practices?
Once committed, players are expected to attend all team functions, including practices and games. We encourage players to participate in other sports, and exceptions will be made for fall sport overlap. We ask that players make at least one practice per week until their fall sport concludes. Special circumstances will be handled on a case-by-case basis by the head coach.
What programs do we offer?
The Jr Cyclones offer a wide range of programming for the Greater Cincinnati area, including Learn to Skate, Learn to Play, and all levels of competitive hockey for players of all abilities, including female players. Cincinnati Ice Breakers Sled Hockey is also run out of our facility — an Adaptive Hockey program for people with physical impairments that prevent them from skating in standing positions, for males and females of all ages.
Are there fundraising activities?
Yes. The Jr Cyclones participate in both club-level and team fundraising opportunities to help offset the high costs of youth hockey. We have partnered with Vertical Raise to give our families the best fundraising benefits. There will be opportunities to participate individually and as a team, and every parent and grandparent will have access to a Vertical Raise representative for guidance and support.
Is financial assistance available?
Financial assistance is available to qualified families through the Cincinnati Cyclones Foundation. The Cincinnati Cyclones Foundation Financial Assistance Application and Policy can be found on our website.
Is there a need for volunteers?
YES! We are always in need of on and off-ice volunteers to help our operations run smoothly. Without our dedicated volunteers, we could not provide the level of development and experience the Cincinnati Hockey Community deserves. We are a Hockey Family! Please contact Info@jrcyclones.com for more information.
Is there a need for coaches?
YES! The Jr Cyclones are always interested in having new coaches join our community. Apply to become a Jr Cyclones Coach on our website.
Is goalie equipment provided?
We only provide goalie equipment for the Learn to Play and Mite programs.
Do we have to buy team jerseys and apparel?
All players and goalies are required to purchase both home and away jerseys. Mites will play with a reversible jersey that must also be purchased. We strongly encourage players to purchase a track suit to serve as their pre-game and warm-up attire. All other team apparel will be available on our Jr Cyclones store.
What information and materials are required for registration?
Players are required to register their membership with USA Hockey. To complete your registration for the 2026-2027 season, please visit our website and click the registration link.
How do I determine what level my player should register for?
Players will register by the year they were born and provide their level of experience in the included survey. Coaches and Evaluators will then appropriately place them during the tryout process.