2025-2026 Season Information
Hello Friends!
It is a wonderful honor to be asked to help lead the Huskies Hockey Club for the 25-26 season! My love for hockey started at a young age, attending Blackhawks games at the old Chicago Stadium. That love blossomed into a full-on relationship when I met my now husband, and we would attend as many games as we could over the years. It got extra serious when I scored standing-room-only tickets to the Stanley Cup run in 2013 – picture me, 8.5 months pregnant, standing at the top of the 300 level, screaming my heart out! Our first hockey-obsessed child was born just a few days later, where I would continue screaming at the Blackhawks vs. Wild broadcast from my hospital bed!
We joined the Huskies in 2022 from the Canlan YHL program and never looked back! In 2023, I assisted our squirt team by taking on manager responsibilities, and in 2024 I was asked to join our board of directors with the role of Fundraising and Events Chair. My role soon evolved into Vice President, helping with all the things, and now I have the pleasure of being your Huskies President.
I am incredibly excited about our new partnership with Canlan Sports. In the last few weeks, we have worked as a team to build a plan for the 2025-26 season that adds more value for our players and their families, while reducing season fees as much as possible.
Some of the things I am most excited about are:
All-in Pricing
No more slush fund, no extra jersey fees, and no added cost for warm-ups—it’s all included this year. One simple season fee gives you full transparency, and we’re thrilled to finally make this happen with the support of Canlan.
Our New Hockey Directors
We’re excited to officially welcome Joe Tomasek and Jeremy Zabrinas into their new roles as Hockey Director and Assistant Director. Many of you already know the energy and care they bring to the club—they lead with integrity, communicate clearly, and always keep what’s best for the players and families in mind.
More on Rink 2!
It might seem like a small thing, but playing and watching games on Rink 2 really elevates the experience. It’s the best sheet at Canlan, and as a parent with two kids on the ice, I love how easy it is to bounce between games or practices.
The New Brand
We know the logo and color debate has been brewing for a while—and we’re excited to finally share our new look. The black and light blue combo honors where we’ve been and where we’re headed. The new uniforms look sharp, and we can’t wait to see our teams hit the ice in them this fall.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a MASSIVE shout-out to all of our board members. This last year was a wild ride, but we are all better for it. We could not have accomplished what we did without the stellar leadership of Angie Sullivan (read Angie's heartfelt letter here). This board truly cares about each and every Huskies family as if they were our own, and we will continue to put the best interests of ALL above anything else.
If you see me at the rink – please say hi! I’ll be the lady running around with my hair in a messy bun, my giant emotional support water bottle, and likely chasing a child. All questions are welcomed, and nothing is a silly question. The goal moving forward is to bring back the feel of community-based hockey, where all our players receive development and skills which will go beyond the ice for years to come.
Cheers to an exciting year ahead!
Jen Keefe
President
jennifer.keefe@huskieshockeyclub.com
Important Upcoming Dates
July 15
Registration Opens
August 3
FREE Huskies Day at Canlan
Come and check out what we are all about. Skate for FREE and meet the coaches.
August 7 – 14
Conditioning Clinics
August 17 – 21
Tryouts
August, 7, 9, 12, 14, 17, 19, and 21
Uniform Fitting
All players must be fitted for uniforms during one of these fitting events which will take place between 6-8pm each day.
August 24
Teams Announced
August 26
Practice Begins
August 30 – September 1
Off for Labor day weekend
All-in Pricing for 2025-2026 Season
This season, Huskies families will get more than ever before. Our all-in pricing for 2025–26 includes everything—new uniforms, tournament entry fees, weekly skills sessions, off-ice training, Stick & Puck ice time, and more. That means no slush fund, no hidden costs, and no mid-season surprises.
We’ve made it easier than ever for families to plan ahead while giving players the structure and support they need to grow. From consistent scheduling to enhanced development opportunities, this season is packed with value—all in a culture rooted in teamwork, progress, and Huskies pride.
Take a look at everything included—and all the new features we’re bringing to the ice this year.
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.
Fall/Winter 2025-2026 All-in Season Fees
The Fall/Winter season fees are an ALL-IN pricing this year. Everything listed above is included in the fee below. Uniforms, warm-ups, practice jerseys, Tier 1 off-ice, goalie instruction, tournament entry fees, etc. are all covered. All Huskies teams will operate with no slush fund!
The tryout fee of $150 with the Huskies is not included in the season dues and will be required by all players in order to tryout with the club.
| Mite (8U) | $3,755 | $1,960 |
| Squirt (10U) | $4,965 | $2,580 |
| Peewee (12U) | $5,685 | $2,950 |
| Bantam (14U) | $5,775 | $2,990 |
| Midget (16U/18U) | $5,845 | $3,030 |
Season Payment Options
After tryouts are complete, your player will be assigned to a specific team for the season. You will receive a new registration link to accept your team placement and set up payment for the full season. Payments will be made through Canlan Sports' DASH online platform. You may choose to a payment plan, pay-in-full with a credit car, or to pay-in-full with a check.
- No credit card transaction fees will be applied.
- Checks can be made payable to "Canlan Sports" and paid at the front desk of the rink.
- For returning families, there are no multi-player or pay-in-full discounts this season.
Travel Program Tryouts
The Huskies Hockey Club’s travel program gives your player the opportunity to take the next step in their development. We’re committed to creating an environment that challenges athletes while supporting their growth both on and off the ice. Each player will participate in three tryout sessions, with 60 minutes of on-ice evaluation at each, giving our coaching staff the chance to place them on the team that best fits their skill level and long-term development. Dates and times for each level, based on birth year, are listed below.
Tryout Fee: $150.00
If you have any hockey-related questions about these sessions, please contact our Hockey Director, Joe Tomasek at 630-390-5259 (jmtomasek@gmail.com)
Mite (8U)
2017 / 2018 / 2019 *
Sun., August 17
10:20 amTues., August 19
5 pmThurs., August 21
5 pm* 2020 and 2021 birth years need permission from the hockey director.
Squirt (10U)
2015 / 2016
Sun., August 17
11:30 amTues., August 19
5:50 pmThurs., August 21
5:50 pmPeewee (12U)
2013 / 2014
Sun., August 17
12:40 pmTues., August 19
7 pmThurs., August 21
7 pmBantams (14U)
2011 / 2012
Sun., August 17
1:50 pmTues., August 19
8:10 pmThurs., August 21
8:10 pm
Lil Huskies Evaluation
Our Lil Huskies program is back this Fall with two ice touches a week to teach players the fundamentals of hockey and prepare them for a transition into youth travel hockey down the road! The goal of the Lil Huskies evaluation is to assess each player’s basic skating abilities to ensure this program is the right fit. Players should be able to move around the ice independently and stand up on their own without assistance. This helps create a safe and productive learning environment for all participants.
Evaluation: August 17 at 9:10 a.m.
Evaluation Fee: $35
If you have any hockey-related questions about these sessions, please contact our Hockey Director, Joe Tomasek at 630-390-5259 (jmtomasek@gmail.com)
Tryout Handbook
The tryout process is one of the most challenging and stressful times during the hockey season—especially for parents! Research has shown that kids, in many cases, handle the pressure of tryouts better than parents, making this time of the season a particularly nerve-wracking and potentially upsetting experience for all! This handbook attempts to explain the Huskies Hockey Club tryout process and answer questions, especially for those parents who have not been through this process before.
USA Hockey Registration (All Players)
Before registering with the Huskies Hockey Club for any activity (including camps, clinics, or tryouts), you must have a 2025-2026 USA Hockey Registration. Any member who registered with USA Hockey on or after April 1, 2025, is eligible for participation from that date through August 31, 2026. Last year’s USA Hockey number will not work. To register for this season, go to www.usahockeyregistration.com, click "Register Now," and complete the form.
The fee to USA Hockey is dependent on your birth year:
- 2019 & Younger $17.00
- 2018-2017 $56.00
- 2016-2013 $69.00
- 2012-2007 $79.00
- 2006 & Older $52.00
An additional AHAI (Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois) Affiliate fee of $25 is added to your USA Hockey fee.
At the end of the process, you will be given a USA Hockey confirmation number consisting of 9 digits and 5 letters. This number is required to register for the fall season with the Huskies Hockey Club. It will also be used to announce team placement after tryouts. Please keep this number handy, as you will be using it often.
Mite AAU Registration (mites Only)
USA Hockey does not sanction full-ice hockey for Mites. To play full-ice hockey at the Mite level, players must register with AAU to be eligible. The CUHL is an AAU league, and therefore, players 8U and younger need to be registered with both USA Hockey and AAU.
- The cost is $22 to register.
- Do not register with AAU until after September 1st, 2025 (You do not need to be registered with AAU for tryouts).
- AAU Memberships run from September 1st through August 31st.
- Please print the confirmation page and keep a copy for your records.
Coaching Directors
Questions?
Please contact: Joe Tomasek (Hockey Director) at 630-390-5259 or jmtomasek@gmail.com.
Uniform Fittings & Equipment Guidelines
All players are required to attend one of the mandatory uniform fittings at Canlan and submit their sizing information through our Google form.
Uniform Fitting Dates:
August 7: 6-8pm
August 9: 6-8pm
August 12: 6-8pm
August 14: 6-8pm
August 17: 6-8pm
August 19: 6-8pm
August 21: 6-8pm
Players are responsible for providing their own protective equipment. Helmets must be black for all new players (navy helmets are permitted for returning players). Gloves should be all black or match the current Huskies color palette. Custom Huskies gloves from previous seasons are also acceptable.
Primary Uniforms
Squirt, Peewee, Bantam, and Midget players will wear our primary Huskies uniforms, featuring the bold Huskies shield logo on the chest—a design that reflects our club’s pride, unity, and tradition.
Mite Uniforms
Mite players will wear uniforms similar to our primary jerseys, but with a unique twist—the Huskies script logo will be featured prominently on the chest, giving our youngest players a distinct look while still representing the club’s core identity.