At OAYHA, programming is grouped into 3 categories:

1. Getting Started
2. Travel Hockey
3. Youth League (no travel)

OAYHA offers a variety of programs because hockey is for EVERYONE. OAYHA programming is flexible in order to serve kids of all starting spots and hockey goals.

Getting Started is a collection of program offerings that are perfect for kids starting their hockey journey. No matter their goals, this is where most families should start.

Travel Hockey is the traditional set of competitive programming as laid out by USA Hockey and includes travel. Most of the hockey players in Wisconsin play Travel Hockey. 

Youth League is a travel free, low time commitment program geared towards hockey players who aren't interested in committing to Travel Hockey. These are often kids who engage in a variety of winter sports or kids who want to play hockey in a more recreational way.

Oshkosh Area Youth Hockey Association believes that hockey is for everyone! We strive to reduce barriers that keep children out of hockey. Financial assistance is available - the application can be found HERE.

Equipment is provided for many of our programs!

We have created a high level plan with the goal of maximizing development and creating passion while preventing burnout. This plan was created out of necessity, rarely do good things happen by accident. We encourage parents to review our Hockey Program so they are aware of not only what we are doing, but why it is the best for their child.

You can review our OAYHA Hockey Program  structure HERE. 

In Wisconsin, you sign up for hockey based on your birth year, not necessarily age. For example, for this upcoming season a child born in 2012 would sign up for Bantams, a child born in 2015 would sign up for U10 Squirts. Please use this reference when registering your child. 

2025-2026 Season

• Introduction to Termites - beginner skaters (4-8)
• U6 Termites - ages 4-6 (2019, 2020, 2021)
• U8 Mites - ages 7-8 (2017, 2018)
• U10 Squirts - ages 9 - 10 (2015, 2016)
• U12 Pee Wees - ages 11 - 12 (2013, 2014)
• U14 Bantam - ages 13 - 14 (2011, 2012)

What is it about hockey anyway? Why do we love it so much? 

Hockey develops skills on the ice that build a foundation for a lifetime. In addition to athletic prowess, hockey promotes confidence, pride, focus and responsibility. With an emphasis on fun, hockey is a game to be played and enjoyed for life.

Life-long Friendships
Starting with the bonds created in the locker room to the relationships formed on ice, hockey creates life-long friendships. This camaraderie shared on and off the ice encourages teamwork and the natural development of leadership skills.

Set Up for Success
From learning to balance school, responsibilities at home, time at the rink and playing with friends, hockey encourages kids to learn time management skills that will later serve them in all facets of life. Hockey’s unique source of physical fitness promotes healthy living.

Hockey is Fun
The thrill of carrying the puck up the ice on a breakaway, the exhilaration of scoring your first goal or making that amazing save is possible due to the encouraging environment hockey provides to try new things and grow as a hockey player and person.

1. Hockey Builds Confidence - Hockey helps develop a positive attitude, self-image and self-esteem. There's nothing like ice to teach kids about standing on their own two feet.
2. Hockey Teaches Kids to Fly - Nothing compares to the feeling of gliding on ice. It's like flying with your feet on the ground
3. Hockey Builds Mental Agility - Decision-making, strategy, concentration — hockey teaches kids a lot more than how to skate.
4. Rinks are warmer than you think! - Nothing forges new friendships faster than youth hockey. Not only will your child make new friends, you will, too! Make that two hot chocolates, please. 
5. Hockey Teaches Persistence - Everyone stumbles on occasion, but hockey players always get back on their feet.
6. Hockey is for Everyone! - You don't have to be especially tall or especially large to excel. Boys, girls, tall, short, big, small — hockey players come in all shapes, sizes, colors and creeds. 
7. Hockey Develops Social Skills - It takes cooperation, teamwork and respect to succeed on and off the ice. Hockey teaches those skills, while also creating new friendships. 
8. Screening the goalie is better than screen time. - Hockey gives children an engaging, fast-paced, healthy alternative to sedentary recreation.
9. Increased Physical Literacy - Nothing tops skating for the development of two fundamental skills: balance and the ability to glide.
10. You can play for a lifetime! - Skating is low-impact and adult hockey participation is on the rise.