Ice Dogs CSDHL Travel Hockey

The Ice Dogs Hockey Association is a Tier II youth hockey club based out of Glacier Ice Arena in Vernon Hills, Illinois. We welcome new and returning families to the 2026-27 Fall Travel Hockey season as we continue our commitment to providing a complete youth hockey experience built on healthy development, competition, and a culture players and their families genuinely enjoy being part of.

We’re proud to offer a premium youth hockey program that combines:

• High-level coaching that supports both individual and team success
• Small roster sizes that maximize development opportunities
• Competitive team experiences
• Athletic development beyond hockey
• A positive, player-first mindset that values character growth

Our philosophy is simple: Develop the player. Strengthen the teammate. Build the person.

At the Ice Dogs, we believe youth hockey should develop more than just strong players and teammates. It should build confidence, character, resilience, and a lifelong love of the game. Our goal is to give players lessons and experiences that benefit them far beyond the rink.

That’s the Ice Dogs Way.

June 7 Early Registration Closes

End of August Fall Tryouts and Team Selection

August 22 Ice Dogs Kick-Off BBQ

First Week of September Team Practices Begin

September 18 CSDHL Regular Season Begins

September 18 Ice Dogs Golf Outing

November 14 Big Dog Bash

CSDHL DIVISIONS

The Central States Developmental Hockey League (CSDHL) organizes teams into three divisions:

• Major Division: Typically consists of older players within a level (e.g., squirt, pewee, etc.)
• Minor Division: Typically consists of younger players within a level
• Prospects Division: All other teams within a level that are not in the Major/Minor Division

CSDHL TEAM PLACEMENT PROCESS

Minor and Major Divisions: CSDHL currently requires an application process for placement of any team into major/minor CSDHL divisions. This process happens in the spring prior to the upcoming fall hockey season. 

Prospects Divisions and Tiers: All other teams not competing in the CSDHL Minor/Major Division compete in the CSDHL Prospects Division. Within the Prospects Division there are three separate levels (RED, WHITE, and BLUE) with each level contains three possible tiers (Tier 1, 2, and 3). 

The IDHA Board and Glacier Hockey Office submit a recommended placement for each IDHA team’s prospect level placement (e.g., IDHA Squirt AA will compete in Prospects RED Division, Tier 1). These recommendations determine the Division and Tier each of our IDHA teams will compete at during the 8 game seeding round. At the conclusion of the seeding games, CSDHL will make necessary adjustments for the most competitive seasons as possible within the various Prospects Divisions and Tiers.

Our coaches take a team-based approach to tryouts to ensure that player selection is thoughtful, well-rounded, and based on a wide range of insight and experience. At the Ice Dogs, our goal is to place every player in an environment where they can thrive alongside their teammates.

PRE-SEASON CLINICS Dates will be announced soon

TRYOUTS $350 Dates will be announced soon



PAYMENT PLANS

At registration, a non-refundable tryout fee and season deposit will be charged upfront.

If you select a payment plan, the remaining balance will be divided into equal payments scheduled for:

September 1, October 1, November 1, December 1, and January 1.

If you'd like to begin making payments prior to September 1, please contact our Treasurer to adjust your plan.

Please note:

• Late payments, declined credit/debit card charges, or unpaid balances may result in the player being suspended from the ice, as well as a $15 return fee charged by Crossbar.
• Under AHAI regulations (Illinois' governing body for amateur hockey), the Ice Dogs Hockey Association may file for Financial Suspension, which would prevent participation in any AHAI-sanctioned club until resolved.

If you are experiencing any issues or need assistance with your account, we're here to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL OBLIGATION

In addition to season fees and any replacement uniform items, families should expect to contribute to their player’s team slush fund at the start of the season. This amount varies by team and is managed by the team manager.

IDHA is committed to remaining competitively priced with neighboring programs. For any questions, please reach out to a member of the IDHA Board.

REFUND POLICY

The full registration fee is due upfront. If your player is not selected for a team, you will receive a refund minus a $100 tryout fee. However, if your player is selected and you choose to decline, no refund will be issued.

The Ice Dogs uniform package includes premium custom gear designed to inspire pride throughout the club:

• Home and Away sublimated game jerseys
• Game socks
• Warm-up jacket and pants
• Hockey bag
• Shells

All new players are required to purchase a custom Ice Dogs uniform kit. Returning players may purchase replacement items, as needed.

Coaching matters. Not just what is taught, but how it’s taught. Our dedicated Ice Dogs coaching staff creates an environment where players are challenged, supported, and encouraged to grow both on and off the ice.

Our coaching lineup for the 2026-27 Fall Travel Hockey season will be announced soon.

Building off the momentum of our successful spring season, the Ice Dogs continue to offer a year-round development approach that balances competition, skill development, and long-term athletic growth.

FALL SEASON | TEAM DEVELOPMENT & COMPETITION

The fall season is centered around building competitive teams without sacrificing individual player development. Players learn how to compete together, handle adversity, and prepare for competitive situations throughout the season. Key focus areas include:

• Team identity and shared success
• Accountability and leadership
• Competitive league and tournament play
• Continued skill development

SPRING SEASON | SKILL DEVELOPMENT & CONFIDENCE

Our spring approach is multi-sport friendly and primarily focused on individual skill growth and confidence-building. Players receive focused skill instruction within a team environment. Key focus areas include:

• Specialized skill sessions
• Creativity and confidence
• Select tournament participation
• Athletic balance and multi-sport participation

SUMMER DEVELOPMENT | ATHLETIC GROWTH & PREPARATION

Summer programming through Ice Dogs and Glacier helps players continue building a healthy athletic foundation. Players are also encouraged to use the offseason for rest, family time, and participation in other sports. Key focus areas include:

• On-ice skill, speed, and agility training
• Age-appropriate off-ice training
• Injury prevention and strong athletic foundation
• Continued support for multi-sport participation

Our year-round development cycle is designed to help players improve continuously while maintaining a healthy, sustainable relationship with the game. By balancing competition, skill development, and recovery throughout the year, players enter each new season more confident, capable, and better prepared for the next stage of their hockey journey.