Ice Availability
Season Fees are based on ice time costs, which vary from year to year. They are also impacted by the availability of outdoor ice, which is generally available from mid-December until mid-February.
Indoor Ice
Since BBLYHA does not currently have any "home ice" but may use Monticello, Sauk Rapids, St. Cloud, Elk River, Buffalo, St. Michael and Isanti. Squirt level players and above that are considered traveling teams play games in arenas throughtout District 10. Cities included in District 10 are:
- Princeton
- Spring Lake Park
- Anoka
- Elk River
- Cambridge
- Chisago Lakes
- St. Cloud
- Blaine
- Centennial
- East River
- Mora
- Coon Rapids
- Sauk Rapids
- St. Francis
- Champlin Park
- Pine City
While these arenas may be closer to where you live, they do not offer the availability of ice to be able to schedule our needs.
Outdoor Ice
As much as possible, we will use outdoor ice in Becker and Big Lake for practices. The outdoor ice is maintained by the cities of Becker and Big Lake for the Youth Hockey Association and the community residents. There are two (2) rinks at Koplinger Park behind Jubilee Foods in Becker and two (2) rinks behind the City Hall/Police Department building in Big Lake. Use of outdoor ice significantly reduces ice time costs and is much more convenient for parents getting players to practice.
The rule of outdoor ice is if the temperature is below minus 20 degrees wind-chill or minus 10 degrees air temperature, practice will not be held. Coaches may determine that a different set of rules apply, providing that the rules fall within BBLYHA and City of Becker and City of Big Lake guidelines.
Whenever practice is scheduled for outdoor ice, dress accordingly. A hat should always be worn under the helmet as well as other warm clothing under equipment. Some players add the warmth of a sweatshirt or sweater over their practice jersey.
Approximate ice time schedule per team:
| Team |
Shared Practice Hours
|
Alone Practice Hours
|
Number of Home Games Expected
|
Number of Tournaments Expected
|
Total Hours of Ice Time
|
|
Jr. Mites
|
0
|
26
|
10 Instructional
Scrimmages
|
0
|
36+
|
|
Sr. Mites
2 teams
|
35
|
5
|
10
|
1 Jamboree
Tournament
|
50+
|
|
Squirts
B1 & B2
|
35
|
10
|
10
|
3 Tournaments &
District Tournament
|
60+
|
|
PeeWee
B1 & B2
|
35
|
10
|
10
|
4 Tournaments
|
60+
|
|
Bantams
|
35
|
15
|
10
|
4 Tournaments
|
60+
|
|
Becker Big Lake Youth Hockey Association