WHAM

Here’s how to get started in WHAM…

Any level of skater is welcome to join WHAM. There are seven levels of teams (C3, C2, C1, B2, B1, A2, A1) that range from Olympic-caliber athletes (A1) to true beginners (C3), just learning to skate. Coaches and managers are welcome also. Be assured that wherever you are in your hockey career, there's a place for you in WHAM!

Here are the steps (in order) for joining WHAM:

1. ASSESS

The first step is to figure out which division you'll play in. Skills assessments ensure that new players to WHAM are placed in the proper division. This is not a try-out! You do not need to have a minimum skill level to play; the assessment is strictly to make sure you play at the correct level. If you are new to WHAM and have no previous, organized hockey experience (e.g. high school, college) you will need to attend a skills assessment to determine which division is appropriate for your skill level. Alternatively, if you meet the previous experience requirements (e.g. high school or college experience), you may be able to register without assessing but please refer to the WHAM League Handbook (Forms tab of the website) for specific details about who must assess and who can waive this requirement. Check out the Assess tab for more details about the assessment process, including who is required to attend a skills assessment and dates, times and locations of assessment sessions.

2. FIND A TEAM

Once you're clear on what division you need to play in, the next step is to find a team to play on. You CANNOT register in WHAM unless you're rostering for a specific team. WHAM does not place players on to teams but there are several ways to find a team to play on:

a)    Check out the WHAM Classifieds and look for Teams Looking for Players.

b)    Place an ad yourself as a Player Looking for a Team.

c)    Email team managers within your division (contact info on website) and ask if they're looking for players

d)    Contact WHAM's New Player Coordinator at newplayer@whamhockey.org for further assistance.

Once you've found a team, you're ready to register!

3. REGISTER

Registration will open September 11th and remain open through December 20th. To play in WHAM you must register and pay fees for USA Hockey, Minnesota Hockey and WHAM. This is all done online and complete details about registering online can be found on the Register tab. When your registration is complete, you'll receive a confirmatory email from both USA Hockey and WHAM verifying that all fees have been paid and registration is complete. At this point, however, you are still not quite ready to hit the ice!  

4. ROSTER/CREDENTIAL

Hang in there; we’re almost done! New for the 2010-11 season, once you have completed the online registration for USA Hockey and WHAM, you will be officially rostered on your team.

A1 level teams will need to credential before they will be officially rostered. A1 players will be responsible for collecting a copy of your birth certificate, military ID or passport to submit to the registrar. Once your identification is verified, the registrar will sign off on your team's roster and as soon as your name appears on the team's official signed roster, you're set to play! Playing with the team prior to your name appearing on the signed roster can subject your team to fines and forfeits so don't do it!!

This is a brief summary of the steps required to start playing in WHAM, not the complete details. Please check the website and league handbook for complete information. Your team manager will also be helpful in coaching you through this process. You can also email your Division Commissioner or the New Player Coordinator with questions.

Thank you for your interest in WHAM. We can't wait to see you on the ice!!