The most competitive division at LYHA. A full game schedule, the longest season in the program, and regular travel across the region. U16 is for kids who are serious about the game.
Three things to think through before reaching out about U16.
U16 covers ages fifteen and sixteen at the start of the season. Eligibility follows USA Hockey birth-year classifications. Contact us if you're unsure whether your child qualifies for this season or for Bantams.
Ages 13 to 14 belong in Bantams.
U16 has tryouts. We hold them in mid-late April. Reach out in the spring to get on the list. Players coming from Bantams at LYHA and from other programs are both welcome to try out.
Coaches evaluate skating, skill, hockey sense, and competitive instinct. We give families direct feedback on placement decisions.
Two to three practices a week, a full schedule of games, and overnight travel throughout the fall and winter. This is the top of the LYHA program and the schedule reflects it.
If you want a clearer picture of what a full season looks like, email us before tryouts. We'll walk you through it.
U16 is the longest, most demanding season in the program. Here are the numbers.
Games are spread across PVAHA, which covers Virginia and neighboring states. Most away games are weekend day trips. Several each season require an overnight stay. Tournament play, if the team qualifies, can mean two to three days away. The full schedule is set before the season opens. Families at this level should plan for a demanding six-month commitment.
U16 players typically have their own gear. Here's where to replace or upgrade it.
We have limited used equipment available for new players coming into the program. Ask when you reach out about tryouts. Stock at the older age groups is limited, so earlier is better.
The Roanoke store carries used youth and adult hockey gear. Good for replacing a broken piece mid-season without paying full retail.
The closest store for brand-new hockey equipment. At U16, players are ready for adult-sized gear in most categories. Pure Hockey staff can help with sizing.
U16 tuition covers ice time, coaching, and USA Hockey and PVAHA registration. Travel costs, including transportation and hotels for overnight trips, are paid by families separately. Current pricing is included in the registration link we send after tryouts. Financial aid is available. Ask any board member.
Meet the 2026-27 U16 coaching staff.
U16 has tryouts. The process is the same as Bantams. Here's how it works.
Email us early in the year. Tell us your child's age and background. We'll add you to the tryout list and send dates once they're confirmed.
Held at LaHaye in mid-late April. Coaches evaluate skating, puck skill, hockey sense, and competitive drive. We send placement decisions quickly after the final session.
Once placed, we send you the SportsEngine link. Fill out the player form and pay tuition. Your child's first practice is September at LaHaye.
Specific to this division. The general FAQ covers broader hockey questions.
Tryouts are held at LaHaye in mid-late April over two sessions. Coaches evaluate skating speed and edge control, puck handling, positional play, and how your child handles competition. Players wear numbers so coaches evaluate without knowing names. Placement decisions come out within a few days of the final session.
Yes. U16 is the top of the program. Kids who age out of U16 typically move on to high school programs, junior leagues, or other competitive paths. If you want to talk about what comes after, reach out. We're happy to point families toward the right next step.
More than at Bantams. A typical U16 season includes five or more overnight trips, plus any tournament weekends the team qualifies for. The schedule is published before the season begins. Families at this level should build travel into their calendar from September through March.
Some kids do. The schedules can conflict, and U16 has a heavy travel load on weekends. Talk to both your school coach and us before committing. We'd rather you know the full picture before tryouts than have schedule conflicts mid-season.
Yes. Players coming from other clubs, other states, or other programs are welcome to try out. Bring their USA Hockey registration number if they have one. Prior LYHA history isn't a requirement.
If you're thinking about U16 for your child, reach out. We'll tell you what to expect and whether the timing is right.