FAQ
How does Colorado High School hockey work?
High school hockey offers two highly competitive seasons of ice hockey. In the fall, high school teams play in the Colorado Prep Hockey League (CPHL). In the winter, there is the Cherry Creek School District sanctioned Colorado High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) season. The “CHSAA Season” is from late November through early March. The CPHL holds a fall season from September through November, and the CHSAA winter season is from November through early March. The purpose of the CPHL and CHSAA leagues are that CHSAA has strict guidelines regarding when the season begins and ends, and there is no Sunday contact between the coaches and the players. By creating the CPHL, Colorado high schools have a means by which their teams can practice and play games beginning in September rather than waiting until November.
Will I play as many games as with Club hockey?
In the 2024/25 season the JV and varsity teams will each play around 20 to 24 games in the fall, and in the winter the varsity will play 19 games and the JV team will play 16 games. You will easily play between 35 to 40 games in a full season.
Will the coaching be as good as club hockey?
High school hockey coaches are managed by highly qualified and educated high school administrators who monitor and partner with the coaching staff about a student athlete's development as a person. You can trust that our coaching staff at the varsity and JV level is concerned with more than just winning because they have to be. Our hockey coaches know the game and have played hockey at a high level. They have been vetted by Grandview High School and the Cherry Creek School district and are committed to developing your hockey player emotionally as well as physically. All four varsity coaches have played junior hockey and Division 1 college hockey and are committed to mentoring our athletes, ensuring they are seen, and helping them navigate the challenging decisions ahead. Our staff sincerely believes high school hockey is all about playing multiple sports, striving for academic success, good attendance at school and hockey activities, always displaying proper behavior, and promoting your school community through sports.
Is it true that AAA hockey is always better for player development than high school hockey?
Not necessarily. While AAA hockey often offers high-level competition and extensive exposure to scouts, high school hockey can also provide excellent development opportunities. High school teams frequently have strong coaching staffs, and players can benefit from the camaraderie and school spirit that come with representing their school. Development depends on various factors, including coaching quality, practice intensity, and the player's commitment. Coach Josh and his staff are also products of high school hockey and also faced the same dilemma of choosing between High School hockey and AAA club hockey. If you are good enough to continue playing after high school and are a well rounded individual playing high school hockey will not prevent you from moving forward.
Where are games and practices?
Practices and home games are all at Big Bear Ice Arena. There may also be times when we play home games at either Family Sports or South Suburban Sports Complex.
What’s the cost of high school hockey at Wolves A.H.C. and Grandview High School hockey?
Fees for the 2024/25 CPHL season will be $2,500 to $3,000 per player and $1,400 to $1,800 for the CHSAA season. Equipment packages will cost $800-$1000 per player. The increased cost from prior seasons is due to rising costs at our home rink however our staff, booster club, parents, and players will work to fundraise as much money as possible to help offset costs for the team. Prices are subject to change based on unforeseen costs.
Are there scholarship opportunities?
There will be opportunities for scholarships to some families. Please contact our staff to inquire about these opportunities.