Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ADHL?

The ADHL is designed for adults new to hockey to gain the skills and confidence required to get started in the sport and move up to higher level leagues.

How does the ADHL work?

The ADHL follows a season format, similar to the other leagues in Austin. Players register for a full season, which is three months long. You will be assigned to a team that you will play with for the entire season. There are two teams each season.

When and where does the ADHL meet?

The ADHL has weekly sessions on Saturday evening. We meet at The Pond Hockey Club (9402 United Drive, Austin, TX 78758). When you enter, go to the rink on the right, which is referred to as the “Pond side”. There is an ADHL sign in the lobby to remind you to head to the right.

The sessions currently begin at 5:15pm, which will change in the fall when youth hockey season resumes.

What does an ADHL session consist of?

The weekly ADHL sessions consist of a 30 minute coached practice followed by a one hour long game.

How will I be taught in the ADHL?

Every ADHL session begins with a 30 minute coaching session, run by a coach who has learned hockey as an adult, so they understand how to teach other adults the game.  Each team also has one or more assigned mentors, who are experienced skaters on the team who are responsible for coaching players both on the ice and on the bench. Often other experienced players are around in the scorer’s booth to provide coaching.  We also strive to allow players to play every position, so they can learn the game from different perspectives.

The league is designed to be fun and a learning experience, so everyone will be supportive and help you learn the game.

What is covered in the coached practice?

Over the course of the season, the practices will include the rules of hockey, skating drills, stick handling, passing, shooting, positional play and simple game scenarios. Everything is designed to get you ready with what you need to know to join a higher level league.

In addition, periodic off-ice chalk talks are scheduled where “Xs and Os” concepts are covered.

How does this differ from other adult beginner classes in Austin?

Learn to Skate and Learn to Play classes are available at some of the rinks in Austin, and provide valuable skills for new players.  You can find links to the other rinks on our resource page. Many of the drills covered in those classes will be the same as those in the ADHL.  We encourage our players to attend those classes.

The ADHL differs in that it’s specifically designed to fill the gap between the Learn to Play class and C2, where players are expected to be familiar with the game. In the ADHL you will be coached and practice real game scenarios, and be much more prepared to contribute immediately in C2.

The ADHL games take place on a “¾ sheet” of ice, which is smaller than a standard rink.  This benefits players as there is more time with the puck for everyone.

Am I skilled enough to play in the ADHL?

If you know the basics of skating, you are ready to come and try the ADHL. We encourage new skaters to focus on learning to stop (for player safety), but with very little experience (probably less than you think) you can be ready for the ADHL.

Am I too skilled for the ADHL?

One of the keys to our success is that we do not allow players in the league who are too skilled / dominant. We want this to be a fun learning league, so players who are too skilled are asked to move up to C2 (or higher). If you are unsure if you’re too good, you are welcome to contact us and arrange a free trial to see if you’re a fit for the league.

Can I try the ADHL out?

Yes!  While registration is for a full season, we invite anyone with interest to come try a session for free! At that time, you can evaluate if the ADHL is right for you, and we’ll ensure that you’re an appropriate fit for the league skill-wise. Contact us to arrange a free trial.

Do you have gear I can borrow?

Yes we do! We have skater gear available for you to borrow. You can also rent skates from the rink, though we advise you to buy skates as one of your first hockey purchases.

Can goalies participate too?

Yes! The Austin hockey community always needs new goalies and we encourage anyone who is curious to come try the position, including current skaters. We have a lot of goalie gear that you can borrow to try the position out, which is often a huge barrier to trying goalie.

In addition our weekly sessions include goalie coaching, which is often hard to find and extremely beneficial.

How do I sign up?

Our seasons take place quarterly (Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep, Oct-Dec). Registration usually opens one month before the season begins, and you can access registration on The Pond’s website. If registration is full, you can contact us as sometimes spots become available and we can allow you to register mid-season.

Can I come watch without trying out to see what it’s like?

Yes you can! Come by any Saturday, say hi to the directors and watch the league so you can understand what we do.

Can I sign up to play one game, drop-in style?

In order to get the benefits of the ADHL, registration for a full season is required. We do invite anyone to come try one session for free, but in order to register you must commit to an entire season.