Q: How do I join?
Come and watch a practice, then talk to one of our board members or players, we’ll help you determine what to do next, where to get gear and when to start. There’s always someone around to help.
Q: Do I need to know how to ice skate to join the team?
Yes, but our team is filled with all levels of skaters. If you do not know how to skate, we can point you in the right direction to quick-start your skills so you’ll be ready for practice in no time. You will be impressed with yourself!
Q: What if I don’t know if I’ll like hockey?
No worries, no expense. Come and watch a practice. If you can already skate, we can lend you all the gear you need and let you skate with us once for free.
Q: How hard do I have to work?
Our practices are designed to challenge you as much or as little as you prefer. We only ask that you let others work as hard (or not) as they wish as well. Feel free to ask the coaches to help you reach your next goal, or to let you work at your own pace.
Q: What level am I?
Novice: Can skate forwards with some proficiency; can stop; can perhaps skate backwards; may have difficulty skating crossovers or shooting; may or may not understand rules and positions.
Intermediate-Advanced: Can skate fairly well with puck control and speed; can stop in all directions; can do crossovers; can shoot and pass on target; understands the game but not all the subtleties.
Q: Where do I get my equipment?
Locally, the Sports Outlet, near Home Depot in Wenatchee, sells both new and used hockey gear. There are also lots of places to order it from the Internet. There is always someone willing to help you find the right gear and a source. Click here for a list of links to purchase gear.
Q: Do you play the rough hockey that is seen on TV?
Women's hockey is non-contact hockey. We may run into each other trying to stop sometimes but there is no body checking in our division. Most of the women we play against have jobs to go back to after the weekend just like we do so they're just out to have fun. Also, if you are worried that you are too old to start another sport, you're never too old. Our players range in age from 16-60+, and at least half of our players are over 35 years of age.
Q: What are my obligations to the team?
One great thing about our team is there are no obligations. Our players show up as much as their schedules allow. Everyone has her own priorities and hockey may not be one of them. Some of our players show up just for a good workout and socializing. Others attend nearly every practice and travel to many tournaments because they have the time and love hockey. Our team is accommodating to both kinds of lifestyles.
Q: How much does it cost to play?
Aside from the cost of the equipment the only expenses are for your ice time, your yearly USA Hockey membership and the yearly Banshees membership dues. You can pay per practice ("Drop in") or you can pay a seasonal rate in advance. All fees are due BEFORE skating on the ice and are nonrefundable.
Q: When are the practice times?
Usually we hold practices on Sunday evening and every other Friday morning. Practices are one hour each, we try to include a monthly scrimmage. See the calendar link under schedules for the current practice times.
Q: When and where are the games?
We do not have league games. We participate in two tournaments in Wenatchee and approximately 3 away tournaments each season, depending on interest. The away tourneys are usually to places such as Tri Cities, Yakima, Spokane, Seattle and Montana. We carpool and share hotel rooms to save on costs.
Q: Can men play?
No. Banshees ice times are restricted to Banshees members.
