Ten Ways to Make or Save More Money with Hockey
By Charles Kirchner
- Youth recreation leagues
Youth recreation leagues are entry-level, non-contact programs where fun and instruction are the two essential parts. I feel this league is the key to a successful hockey program because it has the potential to reach children as young as three years old. I recommend including as much information into your promotional brochures as possible.
- Skills, drills and play
Our Premier Development Recreation League is designed to teach young boys and girls how to play roller hockey. Each session is eight weeks in length and includes instruction and scrimmage each week. Instruction includes how to skate, how to hold a hockey stick, where to stand, and how to hit the ball/puck. This program is also a great way to introduce area youth to hockey, as well as getting the parents and kids comfortable in your facility. Both factors are important for repeat business.
- Adult and high school leagues
These programs are a great avenue for income. Adult leagues usually consist of four or six teams and players typically pay $150 for a 10 game session. Practices are scheduled in the evening hours when there are no other activities planned at the rink. Our practices are scheduled for 9:15. 10:15, and 11:15 p.m. I also have several middle schools involved in leagues. They are set up like the regular youth hockey league and I have found that we have several players that participate in both leagues. Finally with high school leagues, I try to get teams from schools within the same district so they can compete against each other. There is a maximum of 12 teams with the cost similar to the adult league and a minimum requirement of 10 players.
- Hockey club
After a player is involved in league play for two to three years, I’ve found that you need to keep challenging them. A hockey club is a good route to take. However, because it involves a lot of time, I recommend hiring a staff member to run the club. A hockey club is a valuable asset because it keeps skaters in your facility where they will spend money. USA Roller Sports is a great resource for information and guidance in forming a club.
- Skaters, wheels and hockey sales
As your hockey program develops, consider selling hockey skates, wheels and accessories. Hockey tape alone is a big selling item! You already have the players in your facility, so it makes sense to sell the equipment they need. It creates another monetary avenue for you, while also providing a valuable service to them.
- Sunday morning tournaments
We stated the East Coast Hockey League. The cost is $175 a team and the leagues compete with each other at your facility. The skating center owner wins because he is making money through the snack bar and entry fees. The hockey club wins because usually they run the snack bar for a small percentage of the profits. Plus, since you are hosting the meet, there is no travel involved. The coaches win because they continue to learn and grow in their position. Finally, the players win because all they want to do is play and this gives them another opportunity.
- Weekend invitational
I admit that these invitational are a lot of work. The invitational is a week-long event in which we charge $400 per team. Each team, however, is guaranteed that they will play in three games. All games are sanctioned by USARS. We promote these invitational two months in advance and make contact with coaches so they are aware of when the invitational are scheduled.
- Summer hockey camps
If you are looking for a way to make money in the summer, this program works! Plus, parents seem to always be on the lookout for constructive summer activities for their children. I suggest finding someone in your skating center to be your hockey director and put him/her in charge of the summer program. USARS has the capability to train hockey directors.
- Pointstreak software
This is the answer to your software needs for a hockey program. A few of the advantages to the software include the elimination of paper games sheets, wireless connection to the Internet, and statistical information that is updated in true “real time”. In addition, if you are a member of USARS, the software does not cost anything and you receive league set-up, a training manual and 24-hour technical support. For more information about the software, visit www.pointstreak.com or contact USARS at 402-483-7551.
- Long term relationships to birthdays and school skates
When you expose youth to your skating center through a hockey program, chances are they will be more likely to book a birthday party with you. By developing a relationship with schools through a hockey program, you are opening the door to school skates and fundraisers.
Charles Kirchner is owner and operator of Deptford Skating Center in Westville, N.J. and ISC of Mt. Laurel in Mt. Laurel, N.J. He operates a successful hockey program and would be happy to answer questions or share more information. He can be contacted via phone at 856-845-7353 or via e-mail at RollDSC@hotmail,com Or contact USARS at 402-483-7551 or www.usarollersports.org.
Download Roller Hockey Flyer
