Intro to LAHA Transition Page

We’re excited to welcome your family into the world of hockey! If your player has completed the Rink Exchange’s Introduction to Hockey class and wants to continue to grow as a player, consider joining the Jr. Generals. The Jr. Generals league teams provide a structured, competitive experience with regular practices, games, and tournaments. Parents can expect 2-3 practices per week, with games both locally and at nearby rinks. We focus on skill development, teamwork, and making hockey an enjoyable experience for every player!

What to Expect:

• The Jr. Generals fosters a supportive community, welcoming all players and families. All players play, and we develop the whole team!
• Players move from learning the basics in the Intro class to honing their skills in the league. Older players learn “hockey IQ” and gameenship
• Owning personal gear is essential for youth league play, but we’re here to help with recommendations (see below)
• As a youth league participant, expect more frequent practices and competitive games, often 2-4 games per month

Whether your child is taking their first strides or competing in a game, we’re here to make the experience fun, exciting, and rewarding. Let’s get skating!

Registration Information:

Registration is based on birth year. Please visit the LAHA registration page for details and fees, and practice schedule.

Common Questions (and Answers!):

• Are LAHA, Eugene Jr. Generals and the Rink Exchange the same thing?

The Rink Exchange manages the ice rink as a whole, as well as the Intro to Hockey program your child has just completed. 

Lane Amateur Hockey Association (LAHA) is a non profit organization that runs the Eugene Jr. Generals youth hockey teams. 

While LAHA and The Rink Exchange are two separate entities, they work closely together to help bring a great hockey experience to our local community.

• Does my player need their own gear?

Yes, as you move to the Jr. Generals, players usually begin to purchase their own gear. 

• The Jr. Generals season has already started – can I still join?

Generally, yes. 6u and 8u teams have two sessions (Fall and Winter) and you can  register for one or both of these. It’s common, for example, for players to transition from Intro in the Fall and join Jr. Generals in the second half of the season for the Winter session.

Older players can usually still join the team, if prior to December 31st. Fees at the 10U - 18U divisions may be prorated, depending upon when you join.

• When do you practice?

Practice and game times are set by which division you play in and  can be found on our website, under practice and game times.

• What’s included in the registration fee?

​Player registration fees include:

• 2-3 practices per week
• 1-4 games per month
• Tournament entry fees
• Coaches education
• Coaching & training equipment
• Program development
• Operational expenses

Player registration fees do not include:

• Hockey Gear
• Lodging and travel expenses for away-games
• Team celebrations or gifts

• Does the team travel?

The Jr. Generals host home games at the Rink Exchange and also travel to other ice hockey associations for games. The team travels to Portland/Vancouver, Medford, Klamath Falls, and Bend. There may be out of state travel for older teams. Games are announced well in advance and travel is not mandatory. This is discussed with the team coaches. Some families will coordinate together to carpool and/or with share lodging. 

• My player plays other sports, too. Is that a problem?

It is not uncommon for players to be involved in other sports, especially in Fall where many players are also part of soccer or football teams. As players age into the older divisions, the competition also rises and most players concentrate their time and effort on one sport. If a player cannot make a game or practice, communicate with the coaches directly.

• Are teams co-ed?

Yes, boys and girls play on the same team. There is an all-female team based in Portland, the Rose City Hockey Club

• Who are the coaches?

Jr. General coaches are certified by USA Hockey [link], the nationwide youth hockey organization, and use the American Development Model for coaching. Coaches must complete a background check and be SafeSport certified. Coaches are volunteers.

• I still have questions. Who can I talk to?

Reach out to the New Player and Parent Coordinator with your questions.