New Player's FAQ

Will my level of play mesh with the team's?
Although over the years Flames have played in B1 (intermediate) Division, this year we are playing in B2 (novice/intermediate) Division. The level of skills varies quite a bit from player to player. We have some players who played for years, some who haven’t played in years, and some who just started a year ago. But there is only one sure way to tell whether your level of play will mesh with ours. Come to one of our practices and find out!
Can I join in mid-season?
Yes, you can join in mid-season. We will gladly prorate your fees, too.
How do I get started?
Contact us to make sure that we have spots available. Check our calendar and come to one of our practices. If there is a good fit, then register with USA Hockey and fill out forms. Pay the fees in full or just the first installment. And you are in.
What is expected of team members?
In keeping with Woody Allen's creed that "80% of success is just showing up," we expect that you'll show up to games and practices. Since we don't have a paid team manager, we also expect that you will take on one of the team jobs. It can be as involved as handling team's finances or as simple as being in charge of the water bottles. Please have a look at our team's philosophy here.
Where can I sharpen skates around here?
  • Competitive Edge Hockey Call or email Brett (970-587-EDGE or competitive.edge.hockey@gmail.com). You can also drop off your skates after practice and get them back at the next skate.
  • Hat Trick Sports, Windsor/NoCo location
  • Player's Bench, Denver. Not exactly local, but highly recommended. We make runs there.
Where can I clean my stinky gear?
  • Clean Gear Solutions. Locally owned and operated, will pick up and drop off gear.
  • Player's Bench, Denver. Call to ask about their prices for Sani Sport Equipment Cleaning Service.
I am really new to hockey
So were all of us at some point. It is hard to say sight unseen when you are ready to start playing with us, so just show up to one of our practices and ask a coach to take a look at you. Even if you are not ready to play on the team, practicing with us can speed up your progress.
I need equipment
We have some loaner gear, so just ask. When you decide to buy, check the local Play it Again Sports for bargains on used equipment. If you need advice on selecting gear, read these excellent guides:
I fancy playing goalie
Good for you! We are a good place to start: we have a dedicated goalie coach and, if we may say so ourselves, one of the best goalies in the league. With practice you can become one too!

Here are some thoughts on goaltending by Puckmugger:

I don't like to skate, I just like to hit
no_mouthguard Sorry, this position has been already filled.

Seriously, though, ours is a non-checking league. Occasional accidental contact, however, is unavoidable. So don't get caught off-guard like Captain Slapshot: wear a full-face mask and don't forget your mouthguard!

Where else can I play hockey in Fort Collins area?
    • EPIC. Usually daily, M-F, 11:15-12:45pm. Some evening drop-ins in the summer. To check for cancellations, click here. (EPIC has a gift for hiding cancellations, so scroll all the way down to "Ice Arena Closures" and make sure that this is not an altered schedule week.)
    • NoCo. Usually daily, M-F, 11:45-1:15pm, plus occasional evening drop-in year-round. For this week's schedule, click here.
    • EPIC. During winter season, usually Sat, 2-3pm. During the summer, also W and F nights and Sunday afternoon. To check for cancellations, click here
    • NoCo. During winter season, usually M-F 3-4pm and W-Th 10-11:30am. For this week's schedule, click here.
    • At Greeley Ice Haus, year-round. Saturday afternoons in the summer; Monday nights and some Saturday afternoons during hockey season. Good coaches, individual attention. Perfect for improving during off-season. Highly recommended. To find out this week's time, click here and look in the column on the right.
    • Stay tuned for announcements in late December-early February.
    • Meltdown at the Edge, Littleton, CO. End of July.
    • Mile High Match-Up, Arvada, CO. Labor Day.
    • Avalanche Adult Invitational, Denver, CO. Middle of September.
    • Octoberfest, Breckenridge, CO. Middle of September.
    • Stick and Treat, Eagle, CO. End of October.