FAQ's

When does registration open?

2026 Registration is from May31st - July 31st and will be available through the Cardston Minor Hockey website

What is the $100.00 Fundraising Fee? How does it work?

Cardston Minor Hockey charges this fee initially to help cover essential costs like tournament fees, hockey socks, and jersey updates which are all additional fees that accrue for each team. We collect a $100 fundraising fee at the time of registration. This fee is redeemable if parents choose to gain it back.

How to get your money back:

• Each player will receive 10 raffle tickets (valued at $10 each).
• By selling these tickets, you keep the cash to reimburse yourself for the initial $100 fee.
• Selling tickets is a great way to advocate for Cardston Minor Hockey while giving buyers a chance to win big prizes!

Is financial assistance available?

Thanks to provincial funding initiatives like the KidsSport program, eligible families can receive up to $350 per child, per calendar year to help cover registration fees. The grant money is sent directly to the sports organization (like Cardston minor hockey association) on your child’s behalf, rather than as a reimbursement cheque to you.

Navigating the application process involves the following key steps:

1. Check your Eligibility

KidSport is designed to support families facing financial barriers. You are generally considered eligible if you are currently receiving provincial income support (such as AISH) or fit into a specific low-income bracket based on your household size.

When you apply, you will need to provide official proof of financial status. You can use:

• Your most recent Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Notice (pages 1 and 2).
• Your most recent CRA Notice of Assessment for all working adults in the household.
• Three consecutive, recent pay stubs for all working adults.
• An Endorsement Letter from a professional (like a school principal, social worker, or leader within a Métis Settlement or First Nation Band) who can verify the financial barrier.

2. Register with Cardston Minor Hockey First

• The Payment Step: When you get to the checkout page on the registration portal, look for a payment option that says "Offline Payment." This allows you to submit the registration to hold your child's spot without charging your credit card upfront.

I applied for KidsSport, now what?

Once submitted, KidSport typically reviews applications within 30 days.

1. Approval Email: You and Cardston Minor Hockey Association will both receive an automated email confirming whether the grant has been approved.
2. League Notification: If you receive an Application ID number during the process, send an email to Aaron Kennard @ registration@cardstonhockey.com
3. Payment Disbursal: KidSport will mail the funds directly to the sports club.

I am new to hockey, what is Spordle?

Spordle is the official online management software used by Hockey Canada and Hockey Alberta. It hosts the Hockey Canada Registry (HCR).

Think of Spordle as your central hockey dashboard. Instead of local leagues keeping their own separate spreadsheets, every single sanctioned hockey player, coach, and parent volunteer in Canada has a profile inside Spordle.

Your child cannot get an HCR number without a parent's Spordle account to house it.

What is an HCR#?

If your child is a new player, and you have not yet registered an HCR# (Hockey Canada Registry) for them, this needs to be completed first.

The link below gives you a step by step instruction:

Canada Registry - Create HCR

What equipment is required?

• Helmet preferably with a full cage and a mandatory neck guard
• Shoulder pads, elbow pads, and shin pads
• Hockey pants and a jock (for boys) or jill (for girls)
• Skates (make sure they are sharpened)
• A hockey stick
• A hockey bag and a water bottle
• A Practice Jersey of your choice

More info: Required Hockey Gear

Are neck guards required?

Yes, neck guards are mandatory under Hockey Canada regulations.

How are coaches selected?
Coaches apply and are selected by the board based on experience, certifications, and team needs.

What certification do coaches need?
All coaches must complete Hockey Canada certification requirements and a criminal record check.

Can parents volunteer?
Yes. Volunteers are essential for coaching, managing teams, fundraising, and events.

When does the season start and end?
The season typically runs from October through March, with playoffs extending into March or April.

How often are practices and games?
This depends on the age group, generally 2 ice times per week, with games on weekends.

Are there tournaments?
Yes, many teams participate in tournaments throughout the season. Tournaments will be setup my team managers at the start of the season.