Huskies travel hockey gives players the chance to compete at a higher level while continuing to grow as athletes, teammates, and leaders. It’s about more than just hockey—it’s about effort, development, and loving the game. Our teams compete in leagues across the Chicago area, including the Chicago United Hockey League (CUHL) and the Central States Developmental Hockey League (CSDHL). League placement varies by season, based on what’s best for each team.
Tryouts are typically held in late August, with teams announced before Labor Day weekend. The number of teams we field depends on how many players are ready for travel-level competition. The season runs from September through early March and includes league games and a few tournaments, selected by the coach. We focus on building skills, confidence, and hockey IQ through well-run practices filled with drills, edgework, and small-area games. League play and tournaments give players a chance to apply what they’ve learned in real competition.
At Huskies Hockey Club, we’re committed to providing a great experience for every player and their family—on and off the ice.
All travel teams at the Huskies include
PROFESSIONAL COACHING
Coaching is the most important factor in having a positive hockey experience. Led by Hockey Director, Joe Tomasek, the Huskies coaching staff focuses on the development of each and every player in the program. You will see many familiar faces from last season who have a passion for this club and the culture we are building.
Set Practice Schedule
From September through February, players practice twice a week on a consistent weekday schedule—giving families the ability to plan ahead with confidence. Practice times are set for the season, with only rare changes (and plenty of advance notice if adjustments are needed). Practice length and format may vary by age level and whether the team is on shared or full ice.
Weekend Ice Slot for games
All home games are played at Canlan Sports in Romeoville, with teams scheduled for consistent weekend ice times whenever possible. Ice slot lengths follow the requirements set by each league and age level to ensure a proper game experience. We’re also excited to share that more games this season will be played on Rink 2 to give players and families the game day experience possible.
NEW UNIFORMS
All Huskies players will receive new uniforms included in their season fees this season. Players will get both home and away jerseys and socks.
* For more information about our uniforms, please see the uniform section below.
NEW Full Ice Practices for All Teams
Peewees, Bantams, and Midgets will have full-ice practices every session. Mites and Squirts will receive at least one full-ice practice per week. This structure allows coaches to run drills that simulate real game situations and provide players with valuable full-ice skating opportunities essential for their development.
Skills Sessions
Mite, Squirt, Peewee, Bantam, and Midget age levels will rotate participating in extra skill sessions on Monday nights where they can continue to grow and develop.
GOALIE INSTRUCTION
On Monday evenings, expert goalie instruction will be provided by Jim Stanaway from Goalies, Inc. for goalies Squirt and older. Younger goalies may participate with permission from the hockey director.
NEW Special Locker Room Access
The Huskies will have a dedicated special locker room which ALL teams will use on a rotating basis throughout the season. Players will be able to feel like a pro and store their gear in the locker room for the week.
NEW Tournament Entry Fees
All tournament entry fees associated with each team are included in the player's season fees! For those familiar with travel hockey, this means no "slush fund" or team fundraising will be needed.
NEW Huskies Stick and Puck
Each week, the Huskies will have their own stick and puck session which they can attend free of charge! Players can use the time to work on their own individual skills or just have some fun skating with friends.
NEW PRACTICE JERSEYS
All players will be provided with a new reversible practice jersey to be used throughout the season.
OFF-ICE TIER 1 Workout
All players Squirt and older will have off-ice conditioning with Don Lewis from Tier 1. 20 off-ice sessions will coincide with on-ice practice times.
NEW Warm-Ups
All players will receive a custom warm-up sweatshirt and joggers, included in their season fee. This modern, versatile gear is something players can actually use—whether they’re heading to the rink or just representing the club off the ice. Players are expected to wear their warm-ups to both home and away games.
NEW More Ice Time on Rink 2
This season, the Huskies will have more games and practices on Rink 2, the premier sheet at Canlan Sports Romeoville. Rink 2 offers the best viewing experience for families and a top-tier playing environment for athletes. We’ll also continue to use Rink 3 regularly, making it easy for families to move between rinks when attending multiple games or practices.
League and Referee Fees
Mite (8U) teams will play in the CUHL. Squirt (10U), Peewee (12U), Bantam (14U), and Midget (16U/18U) will play in Central States Prospects Divisions. After the seeding round, teams will be placed into the proper divisions to have competitive games throughout the season. Midgets will have three referees per game, while all other levels will have two.
NEW Canlan Camp Discounts
As a Huskies member, you’ll enjoy special savings on camps and programs at Canlan Sport Romeoville—our way of supporting your game-day growth both on and off the ice.
LEAGUE AFFILIATIONS
Central States Developmental Hockey League (CSDHL)
Established in 1999, the Central States Developmental Hockey League (CSDHL) is a competitive league organized for elite Tier II ice hockey teams within Illinois and the Central States region.
CHICAGO UNITED HOCKEY LEAGUE (CUHL)
The Chicago United Hockey League consists of 35 travel organizations throughout the Chicagoland area — including the Huskies Hockey Club. All Mite teams will play their league games in the CUHL. The CUHL is an AAU sanctioned league.