The very best first stop resource for information, is our WHA handbook.
Where are practices & games in Watertown?
Prairie Lakes Ice Arena - located at 1st Ave & 31st Street NE
How much does it cost?
You will need to register with USA Hockey to get a registration number first - this is required for all league play and is an independent charge. Click here for USA Hockey Registration. After register, your USA Hockey Number will be e-mailed to you and you can register for your Laker team!
The Lakers Hockey registration fee varies based on the level you are registering for.
2025-2026 Registration Fees:
| Boys Varsity/JV: (DOB:2007-2010) | $660* |
| Girls Varsity/JV: (DOB: 2007-2010) | $660* |
| 14U (Bantam): (DOB: 2011-2012) | $535* |
| 14U Girls: (DOB: 2011-2014) | $535* |
| 12U (Peewee): (DOB: 2013-2014) | $475* |
| 10U (Squirt): (DOB: 2015-2016) |
$365* |
|
8U Travel (Mite): (DOB: 2017-2018)
|
$150* |
Each family is also required to purchase an entrance pass ($60 family / $30 single)
There are also a few times that kids will be asked for a few extra dollars as their team puts together raffle baskets for various events or tournaments or for coaches gifts or Secret Santas.
What is the time commitment?
Coaches want to train the kids to the best of the kids' abilities, this requires multiple practice sessions. The availability of ice time may mean your child could have 2 practices in one day: early in the morning and later in the afternoon. If your child is unable to drive, then you'll need to provide them transport. Practices are usually 3 days per week. Games are usually on the weekends - so Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Mites (8u): ice time 3 practice times/week
Squirts (10u) & above: ice time 3-4 practices times/week
What kind of travel is involved?
Travel Mites (8u) - most travel is within 2 hours with at least one jamboree at home
Squirts (10u) - games & tournaments in less than 500 mile radius
PeeWees, Bantams/14u, JV, & Varsity boys & girls - about a 500 mile radius for games, tournaments & state tournaments
Our teams play in Watertown, Aberdeen, Brandon Valley, Huron, Sioux Falls, Sioux Center, Yankton, Mitchell, Pierre, Spearfish, and Rapid City.
Tournaments are typically played in neighboring states, with occasional travel to Wisconsin or Kansas for the Varsity levels.
How old does my child need to be to play hockey?
We offer programs for the littles of wee wobblers (4 years old) through seniors in high school! Levels are determined by player's age by December 31st of the registration year.
Wee Wobblers: 4-6 years old, boys & girls
In-House Mites Hockey: 8U (no travel), boys & girls
Travel Mites : 8 years old & under
Squirts: 10 years old & under
PeeWee: 12 years old & under
Girls 14u: Girls 14 years old & under
Bantam: 14 years old & under
Boys JV & Varsity: 15 years old & up
Girls JV & Varsity: 15 years old & up
What equipment does my child need?
A full set of hockey gear is required, and new for this season is slash proof neck guards.
Hockey bag, skates, black helmet (cannot be expired), shoulder pads, elbow pads, black gloves, black breezers, shin pads,, practice socks, stick, jock (for boys), jill (girls), & water bottle.
Can I rent hockey equipment?
Equipment is available to rent for the lower age divisions on a limited basis. (Mouthguards, jocks, and jills are not provided or rentable)
$0 for skates
$50 gear
Are there scholarships?
Yes! We want hockey to be affordable and available to everyone! Visit www.watertownlakerfoundation.com for more information on scholarship opportunities.
Do I have to volunteer?
Yes, WHA is a volunteer run program - without you, we cannot make it work. There are many different ways for the players and parents to earn points throughout the year. We need help with every game and tournament keep the action going.
There are many ways that you can help: admissions, clock/scoreboard, scorebook, penalty boxes, video production, and more!
There is an opt-out for $1500 if you would rather not fill these positions.
How long does the season run?
Dryland usually starts around September and we try to get on the ice in October. First games of the season are usually in November and the season runs until each division's state tournament. After the boy's varsity state tournament, we round out the year with 4x4's - for ages 14u & up to scrimmage for fun.
How does WHA & coaches communicate with parents?
May be via Facebook, text, apps, e-mails, website, handouts, etc. but the primary method is via TeamSnap which can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play. There will also be meetings at the beginning of the season where important information will be relayed.
Are there extra things expected? Raffle Tickets & Golf Tournament
In the summer, each JV & Varsity player will help to obtain sponsorships and help with setup & tear down of our golf tournament that we host.
Every year, WHA has a winter raffle. Each family is required to sell raffle tickets depending on the player's level. $20 per ticket.
23-24 Season:
Mites (8u): 20 tickets ($400)
1 league player: 35 tickets ($700)
2+ league players: 50 tickets ($1000)
When are board meetings?
Typically the 2nd Monday or Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm.