The cost of putting children in organized sports in Ontario can seem daunting on top of life’s rising daily costs. There is the perception that registering your child in minor hockey means enrolling them in the most expensive sport. But how true is this? Let’s take a look together.

If you compare the cost to register your child in hockey against other popular organized sports in Ontario, you may notice that the base hockey registration fee can seem quite high, in some cases a few hundred dollars more than other sports programs. However, if you break down what is included in the programs and their fees, hockey is relatively equal in cost to other sports.

To start, we recognize that costs do go up as soon as you move indoors. Playing outdoors on a field will generally be less expensive than an activity inside a gymnasium or rink.

Certainly, ice rental is the most significant cost associated with our game but there are a number of other variables to consider when looking at the overall cost and value of participating in minor hockey, most notably the length of the season and the volume of games and practices.

Compared to most other sports, hockey seasons are generally longer with more overall activity than other sports.

For example, a recreational soccer club may offer a 10-week season which includes a game or combined game/practice per week. Your local minor hockey association could offer a similar recreational program that runs over 24 weeks and includes a game and a practice per week.

So, how is this reflected in the fee you pay?

Below are real examples from different sport associations and their house league registration fees along with the estimated cost per session for each program. These fees can include common items such as a picture day, team uniforms and an end-of-season event.  (Credit: Ontario Minor Hockey Association)

 

Registration is now open!  Have you registered for your Dragon’s spot yet?

We here at the Heartland Dragons want everyone to have an opportunity to play Hockey.  Our goal is to deliver a successful year of grass-roots minor hockey focused on fitness, fun and friendship without the distractions of politics, economics and other issues that take away from the enjoyment that we know the game can and should provide.  We also recognize the high cost of hockey and we strive to return great value to our players and families.

Our organization offers better value through a full range of hockey opportunities:

Registration Fees

We have succeeded in keeping our registration fees close to last season by absorbing the increased costs we incurred whenever and wherever possible.  Your Registration fee includes:

  • Ice time for regular practices and games.
  • Hockey jersey and socks.
  • Individual and team pictures.
  • End of year event.
  • All MHL and Hockey Canada administration fees.
  • All MHL gate fees.
  • Officiating Staff fees.

Click here to see our Registration Fees for the current season.