This clinic is for the player that will be graduating out of St. Jude's Little Knights Learn to Play program and is ready to progress to team-play in the spring season.  Spring league (Southwest Spring League (SWSL))  will play full-ice at all levels in Spring 2017.  This clinic will prepare players for elements of full-ice play such as off-sides, line-ups, shift changes, rules, etc... while also building their endurance and stamina.

• 4 full-ice skates
• for birth year 2007 through 2010 players who have never played on an organized team
• The class will meet on the following nights

Cost is $50 per player. 

Spring League teams provide an opportunity for players to continue to play team-based hockey during the spring season.  St. Jude spring teams will participate in the Southwest Spring Hockey League (SWSL). 

All players, regardless of level, skill or regular season club must attend spring tryouts to be placed on a spring league or tournament team. 

• Co-Ed 8U through 14U and Girls Only 10U, 12U and 14U levels.  Spring begins the new age divisions so the levels will be defined as:
  • 8U:  2009 & 2010 birth years
  • 10U:  2007 & 2008 birth years
  • 12U:  2005 & 2006 birth years
  • 14U: 2003 & 2004 birth years
• Each team will play approximately 9 games (6 regular season plus round-robin/playoffs)
• Each team will have approximately 8 practices
• Jersey fee of $30 for those needing a St. Jude reversible jersey  (current St. Jude players can use their 2016-17 reversible jersey if it fits and is in good condition.  Note:  St. Jude may be getting new reversible jerseys in the fall 2017 season so if your player is able to utilize their current jersey for spring, we recommend doing so and not purchasing a new reversible at this time.)

A limited number of spots will be available for these teams.  All St. Jude spring league teams are selected on a tryout basis with teams tiered by abilities and not balanced abilities; these are tryouts, not placements. 

Team practices will begin in late March.

Cost is $425 per player, $250 per goalie, including tryouts.

Players registering by February 28th will be charged $50 at time of registration and then automatically charged $360 for skaters and $185 for goalies on April 1st if the player is placed on a team.  This is a $15 early bird discount.

Players registering March 1st or later will be charged $50 at the time of registration and then automatically charged $375 for skaters and $200 for goalies on April 1st if the player is placed on a team. 

Information on the spring travel league can be found at the following link:

Southwest Spring Hockey League (SWSL)

• April 5th - SWSL Game Scheduling
• April 8th - SWSL Spring Play Begins
• May 21st - SWSL Spring Play Concludes
• June 3rd & 4th - SWSL Round Robin Tournament
• June 10th - SWSL Championship

Illinois hockey associations require a minimum of two hours of checking clinics for all SKATERS AND GOALIES, BOYS AND GIRLS, before they are able to play at the 14U level.  For Spring 2017, this means that all 2003 & 2004 players new to the 14U level and those who have not previously completed their 2 hour requirement,  must complete these checking clinic requirements before participating in a spring league game.   12U players are also welcome to participate.

Checking Clinics will be run by St. Jude Assistant Hockey Director AJ Hernacki along with additional St. Jude instructors.

Checking Clinics will feature the following concepts:

• Proper balance and stance in order to receive a check and give a check.
• Using the boards to brace yourself when being checked.
• Proper angles to use when checking.
• Proper technique to give and receive a check:
  • Hands and sticks down!
  • Keeping head up and not ducking or leaning into the boards.

Players will be paired up by size when checking.

Cost of the clinic is $50 per player, $25 to repeat clinic if a player previously completed a St. Jude checking clinic.

Registration fee covers participation in any and all clinics offered; players must participate in at least two hours.  Players should indicate which clinics they will attend when registering to give us an estimate of numbers but may switch dates or attend more if desired.

St. Jude will be offering a spring Little Knights Learn to Play session.

• 14 fun skates
• Designed for players born in 2008 or younger who have basic skating experience.
• ADM (American Development Model) skill and techniques integrated into the program.
• All players must have full hockey gear.
• Program will meet typically 3 days per week, Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays in April and May, excluding Easter and Memorial Day weekends.  Exact schedule to be available soon.

For additional information and the calendar of skates, please visit St. Jude's Learn to Play page.

Cost is $280 per player.  Early Bird Special is $250 for those registering by March 30th.

Space is limited.

The Spring Little Knights Assessment is scheduled for Sunday, March 19th at 1:30pm - 2:40pm at Southwest Ice Arena (SIA).  ALL PLAYERS looking to participate in the Spring Little Knights program should attend the assessment.  There is NO cost for this assessment but we do ask you to register at the following link.

St. Jude will offer a spring Learn to Skate session in April through May.

• 7 engaging sessions
• Effective skating skills infused in the program to develop future hockey players
• Designed for players aged 3-8.  (all players must be 3 years old

Cost is $105 per player.  Early Bird Special is $95 for those registering by March 30th.

Space is limited.

• To obtain USA Hockey insurance go to www.usahockey.com
• Click on Membership at the top of the page,
• Choose Register Online from the pull down screen,
• Choose – Ice Players & Coaches,