FAQ

These are some commonly asked questions when people are joining our programming. The site contains much of these details as well as others related to specfic programming and functions of the board so please refer to the About, Programs, Teams, Schedule and Resources sections for additional answers.

When does the season start?

This varies by program:

Icers

• Tryouts are in April; we take everyone we can and there is rolling enrollment
• Practices start in late August and run through March

Saber Cats (Spring)

• Signups are in January; there are no tryouts and we take everyone we can
• Season runs mid April through beginning of June

Keystone Wild

• Tryouts are in April and teams are highly selective; cut aggressiveness is age- and enrollment-dependent
• Season begins practice mid June and goes until mid August
• Games occur regularly throughout the season

How many teams do you have?

It depends on the age and year but generally:

• 8U - 2-3 teams
• 10U - 2-3 teams
• 12U - 2-3 teams
• 14U - 1-3 teams
• 16U/18U - 1-2 teams

How big are teams?

It depends on the age and enrollments but these are our general targets:

• 8U - 8-10 skaters; everyone tries goalie
• 10U - 10-11 skaters; many try goalie
• 12U - 12-14 skaters and 1-2 goalies, usually split or dedicated to position
• 14U - 12-15 skaters and 2 goalies dedicated to position
• 18U/16U - 15-18 skaters and 2 goalies dedicated to position

How much does it cost?

As a non-profit, costs are relative to our fundraising efforts, the team you are playing for, and number of players in the association. For 10U-18U Icers, the 2025-2026 season cost is $1,600. For 8U, the 2025-2026 season cost is $975.

Who do you play?

• Icers play in PAHL and typically play teams in the greater Pittsburgh area as far West as Youngstown Ohio and as far South as Wheeling West Virginia. State College is the furthest East team. Divisional opponents vary based on skill alignment year to year.
• Saber Cats (Spring) participate in tournaments and have variable opponents as a result
• Keystone Wild participate in tournaments and have variable opponents as a result

How much travel is involved?

• Icers 8U participate in 8-10 jamborees throughout their season where many opponents come together. Expect 6-8 "away games" where multiple opponents come together for an hour of smaller, cross ice games. Some away games are as close as Altoona; all are within 3-3.5 hours of State College.
• Icers 10U participate in 6 preseason games in October, then 14 regular season games. All teams make the playoffs (Called ODSETS) which takes place in March and has multiple games that weekend. Anticipate 10 away games + ODSETS
• Icers 12U-18U teams play 22-26 games; 2-4 preseason, 20 regular season, and playoffs for teams that earn a spot. Anticipate 12 away games + potentially playoffs.
• Saber Cats teams participate in 1 to 2 tournaments which are usually a Friday - Sunday event within a 4 hour drive
• Wild teams participate in a variety of tournaments and exhibition games. Check with your coach about time requirements.

Where is the home rink?

Pegula Ice Arena is located on Penn State's University Park campus

Can I register midway through the season?

We have open enrollment in most programs. Reach out to a board member and they can let you know what programming is available for your child.

Can I skate seven days a week?

Just like any athletic activity, having 1-2 rest days per week is important for recovery and building strength.

Can I skate year round?

Absolutely! We encourage it.

Should I play other sports?

Absolutely! We encourage that too. Most elite athletes play at a high level in multiple sports.

How often should I have my skates sharpened?

This depends on factors such as age, personal preference, and how often you skate. Older, higher-level players often sharpen their skates every time before a practice or game. In contrast, six year olds just learning to skate may wait until their blades are dull or nicked to have them sharpened. Most players fall somewhere in the middle. A general rule of thumb is to have the blades sharpened at least once for every 10-20 hours of recreational ice time or every 5-10 hours of intense/advanced training.