Q: Why was SRYHA created?

A: SRYHA was created to address the need for an affordable local competition option in the sport of youth hockey in the Eastern Idaho region. Other sports such as football and soccer provide multiple options for participation while hockey has very limited options. We strive to address many of the weaknesses that we have observed in other youth sports programs such as high cost of participation, limited coaching for players not on a travel team, lack of transparency in business operations, lack of participation by membership, and unconstrained growth of costs.

Q: What are the values of SRYHA?

A: SRYHA was founded to provide a cost-effective option for all players to participate in the sport of ice hockey in Eastern Idaho. We are dedicated to the principles of open and transparent management as a non-profit organization. We strive to provide a youth hockey association that is based on the principles of conducting itself in an open and transparent manner. We intend to provide a safe and fair environment where kids can learn and grow in the sport of ice hockey. Our emphasis will be on supporting the growth of players at all skill levels, and we encourage member participation in all levels of the business. We hold our members and ourselves to the highest standards of conduct and ethics.

Q: Is SRYHA affiliated with USA Hockey?

A: No, SRYHA is not affiliated with USA Hockey, and we do not intend to affiliate with USA Hockey in the future. SRYHA has affiliated with the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) as the first AAU affiliated youth hockey program in the State of Idaho.

Q: Why AAU?

A: SRYHA believes that the introduction of AAU hockey into the State of Idaho will improve hockey participation throughout the region by introducing new ideas and breaking down artificial barriers created by the current monopoly in this State. Additionally, AAU provides benefits that affiliation with other governing bodies does not. For example:

• AAU encourages a focus on local competition which aligns well with our values and purpose. 
• AAU provides SRYHA with the ability to instruct players in the full game of ice hockey with no artificial limitations on what our coaches can teach. 
• AAU allows our coaches to better prepare our players for higher level competition by teaching safe and effective ways to play the sport such as how to safely handle player to player contact.
• AAU provides superior insurance benefits to our participants as compared to other governing bodies.
• AAU membership costs are lower than other governing bodies.
• AAU encourages competition and does not place artificial limitations on who SRYHA can compete against.

Q: Can I volunteer?

A: Yes, we would love to have as much help as you are willing to provide. Please email us at SRYHA.Yetis@gmail.com and let us know how you would be interested in helping.

Q: Why a Yeti as a mascot?

A: Because our Yeti is awesome! 😊

Q: What will the cost be?

A: SRYHA is dedicated to keeping costs as low as possible to ensure that all kids who want to play hockey have access. Our registration costs for the 2025-2026 season will remain flat at $450 for players 9 and older, and $350 for players 8 and younger.

Q: How do SRYHA costs compare to other programs in the area?

A: Our registration fees will be substantially lower than other area programs, comparable programs are charging upward of $650 for registration with additional costs for travel. We encourage you to research other program costs, but be sure to ask about hidden costs for uniforms, travel teams, volunteer hours, equipment checkout, etc.

Q: Will there be additional costs for equipment?

A: No, SRYHA was fortunate to receive several grants which have allowed us to build a substantial inventory of player equipment that we will loan to our players free of charge. As long as the equipment is returned in good condition at the end of the season there will be no charge to our players.

Q: Are SRYHA coaches certified?

A: Yes, all SRYHA coaches will be certified to meet AAU standards. SRYHA intends to continue to maintain a high coach to player ratio to ensure that each player gets plenty of development time.

Q: Are coaches, parents, and other adults who interact with the players screened through a background check and abuse prevention training?

A: Yes, AAU requires that all SRYHA coaches, parents, and adults who interact with players be registered and complete background checks and training. Prior to interacting with players, all adults will have to demonstrate that they have completed the required training and background checks.

Q: How will coaches be selected?

A: Coaches will be volunteers who are interested in helping with youth hockey development. SRYHA is not only interested in the growth of hockey players, but also in the development of strong coaches. Coaches will be selected by skill level and will be asked to participate in coaching clinics to help grow their skills.

Q: Other programs advertise house league is that the same as local hockey competition?

A: No, house league is a program offered by organizations focused primarily on travel hockey. House league players tend to get less ice time and less coaching attention in these organizations because coaches focus primarily on travel players. The Yetis offer true local hockey competition where all players practice and compete together in the local area. This ensures that our players all get equal access to practice, coaching, and competition without having to commit to expensive travel programs.

Q: Is on-ice safety enforced, and what rules are applicable to SRYHA?

A: SRYHA will follow the on-ice safety and rules established by AAU.

Q: Does my child need to know how to skate or have prior hockey experience to participate?

A: No, definitely not. First time skaters and those who are new to hockey are encouraged; we have registered a new skating coach who will focus on teaching new players to skate.

Q: What age groups will be allowed to participate in SRYHA?

A: SRYHA allows participants from ages 3-18. Players will be divided up by skill level and coaches will focus on developing players such that they advance through skill levels throughout the season.

Q: Will SRYHA participate in travel hockey?

A: Yes, SRYHA will offer several opportunities for players who are interested in participating in travel hockey. Travel hockey is not the primary focus of SRYHA, but we recognize that some players are interested in that experience. Travel hockey participation will be optional and at additional cost. All Snake River Showdown practices, camps, and competitions will be conducted in the Eastern Idaho area.

Q: What are the future plans for SRYHA?

A: SRYHA is excited to introduce the first local ice hockey competition program in Eastern Idaho with the start of the 2025-2026 season. We are bringing the Snake River Showdown Championship Series to the region. Local teams will compete throughout the season and the top teams will advance to a round-robin style tournament in March to crown the Yetis Cup champions at each level.