FAQ

League Basics & Registration


Why would I want to play in the SDHL?

You would likely want to play in the SDHL if:

  • You like playing in close, evenly matched hockey games

  • Playing in Everett on Tuesday or Thursday evenings is convenient for you 

  • You value safety and sportsmanship over winning


    • You may wish to read the About the SDHL page for more details.

    If you are interested in the league but can't play on Tuesday or Thursdays in Everett, drop us a note to let us know your skill level and which nights and locations interest you.  We will reach out if we are able to offer a more suitable experence in the future.


    Who can play in the SDHL? 

    All SDHL participants must be reviewed by league organizers for sportsmanship and skill level fit before registering.  Basic requirements to play in the league are:


    • Age 18+

    • Play at a division 6 / D skill level (Many players on division 5 and 7 teams play within the division 6 skill range)

    • Play safe, sportsmanlike hockey


    How do I register?

    Check out the registration page to add yourself to the waitlist for future seasons.

    How much does it cost?

    Pricing varies by season.

    What do I get for my money?

    You get the right to play in your team's games:


    • All games but the last are round robin among the four teams.

    • The final game is a playoff round, 1st vs 2nd for the championship, 3rd vs 4th for pride.


    All games include referees and scorekeeper and will have stats posted online.


    You also get the use of a league-owned team jersey for the duration of the season.  The jersey must be returned; the alternative is paying a $30 replacement fee. 


    When and where are the games?

    All games are at the Angel of the Winds arena in Everett.  September - April games are usually on the Main Ice, where the Silvertips play.  May - August games are on the Community Ice.  

    It should go without saying, but the 'Tuesday' division plays on Tuesdays and the 'Thursday' division plays Thursdays.  Exact times vary week to week based on ice availability. 

    Do I need to be registered with USA Hockey to play?

    No, SDHL is not affiliated with USA Hockey.  USA Hockey registration is not required to participate.

    SDHL maintains general liability and secondary medical insurance covering all participants, including officials.  This insurance is not through USA Hockey.

    Can you put me on the same team as my friend?

    Contact the league at StackedDeckSports@gmail.com if you wish to play on the same team as one other individual.  If both of you make the request, we will do our best to honor it.

    What happens if a game is cancelled? 

    Games will inevitably be cancelled from time to time due to weather making travel to the rink unsafe, rink equipment mechanical failures, or some other reason.

    If games are cancelled the players will receive a credit for the following season, or will receive a refund if not playing the following season.

    Will seasons always be the same number of games? 

    No, seasons will not always be the same number of games due to ice availability.  From Season 8 forward, we plan to run 3 seasons each year:  Jan - Apr, May-Aug, and Sept-Dec.  

    Teams


    How many players per team?

    Each team has 15 skaters and a goalie.  

    Who are the captains?
























     Team - Tuesdays  Captain
     Aces  Jeff Bathke
     Kings  Jolene Aguirre
     Queens  Dustin Swisstack
     Jacks  Jonathan Mitchell























     Team - Thursdays  Captain
     Clubs  Owen Carlson
     Diamonds  Todd Gesinger
     Hearts  Darryl Peterson
     Spades  Jason Jamora



    Captains will by default stay the same from season to season.

    What do the captains do? 

     Captains' primary responsibilities are:


    • Lead their teams in the locker room and on the ice

    • Set lines for each game

    • Manage their team's jerseys

    • Consult on disciplinary decisions

    • Evaluate player skill levels to help build even teams

    • Pass on feedback from team members to league organizers, as appropriate

    • Monitor team members for possible concussions and remove potentially concussed players from play 


    How are the teams set?

    Teams are set fresh each season through a method that combines randomness with skill level balance.  The precise method may be altered over time by league organizers but the goal will remain to ensure well balanced teams.  In cases of extreme team skill imbalance players may be traded between teams midseason, but this action will not be taken lightly. 

    When and how do I find out which team I am on?

    League organizers will contact you via email prior to your first game with your team assignment. 

    Will teams have substitute skaters?

    We do not intend to have substitute skaters in most cases.  

    In the event a team will have 9 or fewer skaters for a game, the league may decide to assign substitute skaters.  All subs will be selected and assigned by the league.  If subs are needed, they will probably come from other SDHL teams.

    If there are fewer than 13 skaters expected to play in a 3rd vs 4th place playoff game, we may assign subs to play in the game to evaluate skill level for the following season.

    How are substitute goalies determined?

    Sub goalies will be sourced and assigned by the league.  If you are interested in being a sub goalie for the league, please contact us at StackedDeckSports@gmail.com .  Sub goalies play for free!

    What jersey should I wear? 

    Wear your league-provided team jersey, of course! 

    At the Rink

    Can I possess or consume alcohol or marijuana at the rink?

    Follow rink rules regarding prohibited substances.  Due to their liquor license, Everett does not allow alcohol or marijuana on the premises. If rink staff become aware that you are violating this rule your ability to participate in the SDHL may be impacted.

    Why was my locker room locked when I arrived at the rink?

    Standard procedure at Everett is to require a player to sign out the locker room key in order to gain access to the locker room. If you run into this problem, please go to the front desk to sign out the key, lock the room while playing, then return the key after the game after unlocking the door.

    What safety gear is required? 

    Standard hockey equipment is required for your safety, including:


    •  Helmet with eye coverage, either half-shield or cage.

    •  Elbow pads

    •  Padded hockey pants

    •  Cup/Jock or Jill, as appropriate

    •  Shin guards

    •  Hockey gloves 

    •  Skates


    Shoulder pads are highly recommended but optional. 


    Discipline


     What happens if I get a major penalty or game misconduct?

    If you're asking this question, maybe this isn't the league for you?  We expect these types of penalties to be extremely rare.

    Major penalty or game misconduct will result in ejection from the game.  League organizers will consult with team captains and/or referees, as appropriate, to determine any additional discipline.  Video and audio recordings will also be reviewed if available and prior behavior/discipline will be taken into account.  Additional consequences beyond explusion from the game are not guaranteed but also not limited; consequences may include but are not limited to suspension for one or multiple games or expulsion from the league. Review our Discipline Principles for more information.

    Are there any standards or guidelines for disciplinary action?

    Yes:    League organizers have complete discretion to take disciplinary action as they see fit, in consultation with captains and/or officials as appropriate. Review our Discipline Principles and Code of Conduct for more information.

    What should I do if I feel a player is behaving inappropriately?

    If you feel a player is behaving inappropriately please share your concerns either with your captain or directly with the league organizers in person or via email to StackedDecksports@gmail.com . 

    Will I get a refund if I am booted from the league for disciplinary reasons?

    Maybe.  League organizers may at their discretion opt to issue you a partial season refund, but it is not promised.

    Will I get a refund if I am booted from the league due to a skill level mismatch? 

    Yes, any skater or goalie removed from the league due to skill level mismatch will be issued a pro-rated refund for any remaining games they have paid for that have not been played.  The refund will be calculated as the season price multiplied by games remaining divided by total season games.  Up to $30 of the refund may be withheld until the player's league jersey is returned undamaged.  

    Other


    Where can I find the league rules?

    League rules will be posted on the league website rules page.   

    Why do I have to sign a waiver and a release to play?

    The waiver and release are required by the league's general liability policy as well as the contract with the rink for the ice rental. 

    What's up with the 3 stars of the game?

    Selecting the three stars of the game is intended to add a distinctive fun element to the league.  Star awards are included in the online boxscores and stats. 

    Is the SDHL non-profit?

    The SDHL is owned and operated by Stacked Deck Sports, LLC, a Washington State for-profit corporation.  It is not a non-profit enterprise. 

    Does the SDHL have any relation to the Stacked Deck Hockey Tournament?

    Steve Day also founded the Stacked Deck Hockey Tournament.  However, at this time it is not formally related to the SDHL.  The SDHL may take over the operation of the Stacked Deck Hockey Tournament in the future.  If so, the tournament will continue to be run as a breakeven endeavor, maintaining the original spirit of the event.


    What is your privacy policy?

    Stacked Deck Sports, LLC does not share your personal information with others except as necessary to operate the hockey league and deliver you the service and experience for which you have paid.  Your contact information may be shared with team captains so they can facilitate team activity and communicate with you as necessary.  

    Please see the privacy policy on the website footer for treatment of any data collected by or about you by this website.

    The content of any emails you send to StackedDeckSports@gmail.com is accessible to Google; please see their privacy policy for details of their use. 

    What happens if I lose or damage my league jersey?

    Players are expected to return their league jersey undamaged to their captain at the end of each season.  The alternative is to pay a $30 replacement fee.

    What do I do if I get injured during a SDHL activity?

    Please report any injuries ASAP to Steve Day or Sarah Boston, either in person or via email at StackedDeckSports@gmail.com .

    SDHL maintains secondary medical insurance coverage for participants that is intended to supplement your own primary medical coverage.  If you have reason to make a claim, contact the league as per above for more details. 

    Will the league run year-round? 

    The Tuesday and Thursday divisions currently run year-round.  As always, the availability of the ice is subject to change.

    What is up with the option on my player card to pay for SMS updates or player card updates? 

    These features and the options to pay for them are managed by our website and software provider, mystatsonline.com.  We have not tested these features and can not vouch for them; use them at your own risk.  We do not receive any money if you purchase these services.

    We are able to edit your player card for free.  If you need a change made, just let us know. 

    If I take a season off, will you save me a spot for the next season?

    We don't save spots, top priority will always go to players who have played the immediately previous season.  But next priority goes to returning players who have played before, and so far we have always had a spot for every returning player who has wanted one. 

    How can I get an answer to a question not listed here?

     

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