Welcome to Polar Caps hockey! The House "Rink Rats" program is a recreational hockey option for players at the 10U, 12U, and 14U age levels. "Rink Rat" is an endearing term for players who love to be at the rink. We emphasize skill development, fun, and fostering a love of the game.

The House Rink Rats teams have fewer practices and games, less travel, and a slightly shorter season than the Travel teams for Squirts (10U), Pee Wees (12U), and Bantams (14U). This schedule and time commitment allows House players the opportunity to develop and play hockey, while still having time for their other activities during the season. 

We will have three House Rink Rats teams for the 2019-2020 season.

House 14U Rink Rats

The Polar Caps will have a 14U Rink Rat team comprised of primarily Bantam-aged players (2005 & 2006 birth years). This team will typically practice twice per week (sometimes once) and usually have one game on the weekends. Games are full-ice scheduled against other 14U teams and like-skilled Pee Wee 12U teams from nearby hockey associations with most travel within Dane County. Practices will begin in mid-October and games in November and run through early March.

House 12U Rink Rats

The Polar Caps will have a 12U Rink Rat team comprised of primarily Pee Wee-aged players (2007 & 2008 birth years). This team will typically practice twice per week (sometimes only once) and usually have one game on the weekends. Most games will be full-ice against like-skilled Squirt 10U and Pee Wee 12U opponents from nearby hockey associations, with most travel within Dane County. Practices will begin in mid-October and games in November and run through early March.

House 10U Rink Rats

The 10U team is primarily for Squirt-aged players with birthdates in 2009 and 2010, although we have some flexibility for 2008s. Practices will start in mid-October and games in mid-November, wrapping up in early March.

There is typically one practice per week (sometimes twice) and one game per week. Most "league" games are on the Studio rink at Madison Ice Arena on Sunday mornings. Teams play 4v4 with goalies, and coaches serve as referees. Games rotate in a round-robin fashion between the other 10U squads and Squirt guest teams that are invited to play. There is the potential that some Sunday morning slots will be used for practices if an opponent is not available. A few full-ice games may also be played during the season. 

We have some flexibility between the 12U and 10U groups, so feel free to ask if you have questions about the best fit for your player.