FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STINGERS

WHAT IS STINGERS? Stingers is a full season of hockey, offered in the greater Chicago area through the Chicago United Hockey League(CUHL). The season begins in September and concludes in March. CUHL is governed by the AAU(Amateur Athletic Union). More information can be found at the CUHL website, www.chicagounitedhockey.com.

WHAT IS THE AGE RANGE FOR STINGERS?  For the 2024-25 Fall Season, players must have been born in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. The stingers level is U6 and U8, referred to as Mite level.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STINGERS AND AN IN-HOUSE PROGRAM?  The Stingers regular season and tournament games are full-ice, and opposing teams are from the greater Chicago area. Stingers players should expect to be on the ice a minimum of 3 times a week throughout the season.

HOW ARE STINGERS AND YELLOWJACKETS ASSOCIATED?  The Crystal Lake Stingers Hockey Club is proud to recognize Yellowjacket Hockey as their original legacy club. Currently, Stingers U6 and U8 full-ice hockey is operated under the leadership of AAU and CUHL, and therefore, Stingers operates independently from Yellowjacket Hockey. 

IS MY PLAYER AT THE APPROPRIATE SKILL LEVEL? The Stingers are prepared to field teams at all 4 skill levels, D1, D2, D3 & House. Team formation is dependent on season registrations. Questions? Contact Hockey Director Steve Martins at 847-558-9199 or steve.martins@stingershockey.com.

HOW MANY GAMES DO STINGERS TEAMS PLAY?  In the 2024-25 fall season, teams will play 6 seeding round games and 18 regular season games(half of these games are home games played at the CIH), plus playoff and championship games for teams that qualify.

WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?  Typically, a Stinger is on the ice for 2 practices and a game each week.  

HOW MANY TOURNAMENTS DO STINGERS PLAY?  As part of the season fees, the Stingers cover the cost of two tournaments. Previous teams have attended one tournament in the Wisconsin Dells and one tournament offered in Rosemont, IL.

WHAT IS THE COST TO PLAY STINGERS? A non-refundable tryout fee of $175 plus approximately $2800 for the season, which can be broken into 6 installment payments.  AAU player membership fees are $22 per year. Uniform costs for NEW players are approximately $250.  Registration typically opens in mid-July for the fall season and early February for the Spring season. Registration links can be found on this website, www.stingershockey.com. 

WHY COMMIT TO STINGERS? Professional coaching, structured practices and small rosters allow for increased repetitions and ice touches, as well as AMAZING MEMORIES and FUN!

DON'T MISS OUT ON YOUR CHANCE TO BE A STINGER!

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