Become a Warrior
When is the best time to start learning hockey? Now!
Our Learn to Play program develops skating skills, stick and puck handling, and hockey basics. We follow the American Development Model; a hockey model designed by USA Hockey for successfully developing hockey players.
Cape Fear uses this nationwide model to produce skilled players – our love of the game is a bonus that we pass along as well.
This is the perfect program for new hockey players, or players who have started with a Learn to Skate or Learn to Play programs.
Cape Fear Hockey’s 8U recreational program is designed for players who are new to the game, prefer to play only locally, or are just happy with the recreational level play.
The emphasis in recreational hockey is on skill development, primarily skating skills. Players will improve their skating, learn hockey concepts, learn the rules of the game, and learn how to be a part of a team in a noncompetitive setting.
The goal of the recreational program is to lay foundations for future acquisitions of more advanced skills. The focus is on the fundamentals of basic skating and puck control.
We hope to instill a love for the game in a FUN and challenging environment.
Our 8U Developmental Program, formerly known as Mite Select, differs from 8U Recreational in that it builds on the foundations formed in the 8U House or Recreational team practices.
There are no tryouts for this program, anyone can register, but there are additional practices and opportunities to compete as a team in local Mite Jamborees.
Cape Fear Hockey’s recreational league is designed for players who are new the game, not playing at travel level yet, don't have the time to commit to travel, or are just happy with recreational level play.
Hockey can be an expensive sport, so by removing the traveling and competition fees, it opens opportunities to play hockey on a more friendly budget. Recreational hockey includes two practices a week and house league games on weekends. "Game Days" are internal scrimmages to help teach team concepts and introduce a game environment.
Our coaches will break the players up into equally-skilled teams and have a game rotation on Saturdays. Our "Game Days" typically start a few months into the season once the coaches feel the group is ready, certain skills are established, and knowledge of the rules are understood.
There will be opportunities each season to play friendly games against other house-level programs in the region. Players in these programs should have some skating experience, and full hockey gear is required.
The Cape Fear Warriors are part of the Carolina Hockey League (CHL), and we design these programs to teach and emphasize dedication, teamwork, and accountability. We strive for our players to develop on and off the ice, requiring academic progress report check ins, community service, and in-season evaluations.
Our goal is for players to learn how to be better than the day before, to work as a team, and learn to be held accountable. Our coaches stress that each player brings the best they can to the rink, the classroom, and the community – and leave it all on the ice! Until the last whistle, we’re the warriors!
All travel teams will play a full CHL season as well as exhibition games. Teams will play approximately 30 games per season and are guaranteed two tournament opportunities. Travel locations include teams in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
In addition to games, each team will have two 1.5 hour on-ice practice sessions per week. Teams will also conduct weekly strength, conditioning, and film/chalk talk sessions to prepare for upcoming games.
*Tryouts are in May each year, but due to the transient nature of the military community in which we reside, we allow for players new to the community to be evaluated at later dates.
DEI Statement
The Cape Fear Youth Hockey Association recognizes that all players deserve a respectful community environment where their cultural, racial, and religious backgrounds are valued. Everyone, no matter who you are or where you are from, has a place in hockey. The Cape Fear Youth Hockey Association strives to foster a welcoming community for everyone
by building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive game.
Diversity: We strive to create programs that reflect the diversity of our community. We believe hockey is for everyone in the Sandhills. This belief defines who we are as an organization.
Equality: We work to make hockey available to anyone who has a passion for the game. Every player deserves respect from coaches, teammates, and parents.
Inclusion: The Cape Fear Youth Hockey Association is a hockey community that reflects our military and civilian population. Our hockey community will provide a supportive environment
for every player so they can grow through the game of hockey.
Links and Resources
CFYHA Links
Our organization is not endorsed by the Department of Defense or the United States Army and this is a non-federal entity.
CFYHA is not part of the Department of Defense or any of its components and has no governmental status.