Regular Season

Welcome to the 2026–2027 OPRF Hockey season! We are excited to begin a new chapter under Hockey Director and Varsity Head Coach Matt Benton and look forward to welcoming both returning and new Huskies families back to the rink this August.

This page contains everything you need to know about registration, conditioning clinics, official tryouts, roster announcements, and Season Kickoff Weekend.

• Registration Opens: Now
• Pre-Tryout Conditioning Clinics: August 2, 4, and 6
• Official Tryouts: August 9, 11, and 13
• Roster Announcements by 8:00 AM on Friday, August 14
• Team Commitment (registration) by 8:00 AM on Saturday, August 15
• Orange & Blue Season Kickoff Weekend: August 15–16

Before participating in any on-ice activities, all players must complete the online registration process, including all documents and waivers.

Players will not be permitted to participate in conditioning clinics or official tryouts until all required registration materials have been received.

Conditioning clinics are included with your tryout registration fee and are highly recommended for all players who are available.

These sessions are designed to:

• Prepare players physically for the upcoming season.
• Regain skating and hockey conditioning after the summer.
• Introduce the coaching staff's expectations, pace, and practice environment.
• Help players enter official tryouts prepared to compete.

While conditioning clinics are not mandatory, players who are in town are expected to attend and are encouraged to take full advantage of this opportunity.

Sunday, August 2 - Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex

• Orange Group: 5:00 - 6:00 PM
• Blue Group: 6:15 - 7:15 PM

Tuesday, August 4 - Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex

• Orange Group: 8:15 - 9:15 PM
• Blue Group: 9:30 - 10:30 PM

Thursday, August 6 - Blackhawks Ice Center

• Orange Group: 6:20 - 7:20 PM
• Blue Group: 7:30 - 8:30 PM

Although OPRF Hockey is a club sport, our preseason schedule is intentionally aligned with the OPRF High School fall athletic calendar, with official tryouts beginning on Sunday, August 9.

Attendance at official tryout sessions is required for players to be considered for a roster position unless prior arrangements have been made with Coach Matt Benton.

Sunday, August 9 - Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex

• Orange Group: 5:00 - 6:00 PM
• Blue Group: 6:15 - 7:15 PM

Tuesday, August 11 - Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex

• Orange Group Callback: 8:15 - 9:15 PM
• Blue Group Callback: 9:30 - 10:30 PM

Thursday, August 13 - Blackhawks Ice Center

• Final Callback Session: 8:20 - 9:20 PM

Group assignments will be communicated prior to the first conditioning clinic.

To efficiently evaluate all players, participants will initially be assigned to either the Orange Group or Blue Group. These groups are used solely for scheduling purposes and are not indicative of ability level, projected team placement, or Varsity/JV status.

Throughout the tryout process, players may be reassigned between groups based on evaluations by the coaching staff. Any changes will be communicated to the players directly following each session.

To provide every player with a fair, objective, and consistent evaluation, the following policies will be observed throughout conditioning clinics and official tryouts.

• Parents and spectators are welcome to observe from the lobby viewing areas but will not be permitted inside the rink during conditioning clinics or official tryout sessions.
• Families are asked not to discuss player evaluations, team placement, or roster decisions with members of the coaching staff until the tryout process has concluded.
• Players may be reassigned between the Orange and Blue Groups throughout the evaluation process as determined by the coaching staff.
• Following tryouts, players can reach out to the coaching staff to discuss team placement and expectations for the upcoming season.

• Roster assignments will be emailed to all participants no later than 8:00 AM on Friday, August 14.
• Players offered a roster position must accept their invitation and complete any remaining registration requirements by 8:00 AM on Saturday, August 15.
• Obtain a 2026–27 USA Hockey Membership.
• All roster players will be required to submit a current IHSA Pre-Participation Examination (IHSA Sports Physical). Once completed, this form should be emailed to registrar@oprfhockey.com
• All 2008 & 2009 birth year players are required to complete USA Hockey SafeSport Training by August 31. This is mandatory before players can participate in games. Players will not be allowed on the ice or in team activities after this date without completed training. Start Early. Access the training here:  USA Hockey SafeSport Portal. Please email proof of completion to: registrar@oprfhockey.com
• Additional information regarding Season Kickoff Weekend will be included with roster assignment emails.

The official start of the 2026–2027 OPRF Hockey season for rostered players and families is August 15–16.

OPRF Hockey Summer Picnic:  Lindberg Park, Oak Park

1:00 - 4:00 PM

Rostered players and their families are invited to celebrate the start of the season, reconnect with teammates, and welcome our newest Huskies families.

Season Kickoff Day: Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex

• Uniform sizing & apparel fitting
• All-Club Parent meeting
• All-Club Player meeting
• Orange & Blue on ice competition

A detailed schedule will be distributed following team selection.

Are the conditioning clinics required?

Conditioning clinics are not mandatory, but they are highly recommended for all players who are available. These sessions are included with your tryout registration and are designed to prepare players physically and mentally for the start of the season while introducing the coaching staff's expectations, pace, and practice environment before official evaluations begin.

Players who are in town are expected to attend. We understand that some families have unavoidable summer vacations or other prior commitments. If your player will miss any portion of the conditioning clinics or official tryouts, please notify Coach Matt Benton at coachbenton@oprfhockey.com as early as possible so appropriate arrangements can be discussed.

What if my player has a vacation or another unavoidable conflict?

We understand that summer vacations and other commitments occasionally create scheduling conflicts. If your player cannot attend any portion of the conditioning clinics or official tryouts, please contact Coach Matt Benton and the Club as early as possible. Early communication allows the coaching staff to make appropriate arrangements whenever possible. Coach Benton can be reached at coachbenton@oprfhockey.com.

When will I know which group my player is in?

Orange and Blue Group assignments will be communicated before the first conditioning clinic.

When will roster assignments be announced?

Roster assignments will be emailed no later than 8:00 AM on Friday, August 14.

When are roster commitments due?

Players offered a roster position must accept their roster offer and complete all required season registration forms by 8:00 AM on Saturday, August 15, to secure their spot on the team.

Who should I contact with questions?

Questions regarding registration & scheduling can be sent to huskies@oprfhockey.com. For unavoidable conflicts, contact Coach Benton at coachbenton@oprfhockey.com.