San Francisco Youth Hockey Association
SabercatsSan Francisco

About the club

Who We Are

A youth hockey club based out of Yerba Buena Ice Skating Center in downtown San Francisco.

Overview

The Sabercats are dedicated to the development of young athletes through the sport of ice hockey. Our coaches are experienced, USA Hockey certified instructors with a passion for hockey development.

Our goal is to teach young athletes to master the challenge of ice hockey while developing confidence, character and good sportsmanship in a safe and fun environment. The Sabercats program participates in A and B level competition throughout Northern California through the USA Hockey sanctioned Northern California Junior Hockey Association (NorCal).

The club is operated by the San Francisco Youth Hockey Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit run entirely by parent volunteers.

Teams

Every level, from first skate to varsity

The Sabercats field teams across the full range of USA Hockey age groups. Our skating school also provides skating and hockey instruction for players from 3 to 17 years old.

  • 8UMiteIn-house and jamboree teams — no tryouts.
  • 10USquirtTwo to three teams.
  • 12UPeeWeeTwo teams.
  • 14UBantamOne to two teams.
  • 16UMidgetFielded with High School JV-A.
  • HSHigh SchoolVarsity and JV-A.

How it works

Three ways into the game

A & B Travel Hockey

San Francisco travel teams play competitive youth hockey at the A and B levels through the NorCal season, August to March. Teams are coached by experienced coaches and trained in age-appropriate skill development, and families are encouraged to be actively involved in the program.

Program details

  • Tryouts in June
  • Season runs mid-August through mid-March
  • Practice 2–3 times per week
  • Games once or twice a week
  • Tournaments at Yerba Buena Ice Center and other Bay Area rinks
  • USA Hockey certified coaches

In-House Youth Hockey

In-House hockey introduces young players to competitive hockey in a fun, instructive environment. Players graduate from our skating school program into a program built on USA Hockey’s American Development Model, using cross-ice and small-area games to accelerate development.

Program details

  • Practice all year round
  • Open enrolment and drop-in
  • Practices twice a week (weekends)
  • USA Hockey certified coaches
  • USA Hockey ADM instruction

Skating School

ISI group classes emphasise the most important component of hockey — skating. Each participant learns the fundamentals of forward and backward skating, gliding, stopping, edge control and crossovers. Classes are grouped by age and skill level.

Program details

  • Open to skaters aged 3 to 17
  • Grouped by age and skill level
  • A free public session on the day of each class
  • 10% off everything in the Yerba Buena Pro Shop
  • Two free guest passes for friends or family

Before you step on the ice

What every player needs

  • Current USA Hockey membership
  • Copy of US birth certificate or US visa
  • A full set of ice hockey gear — see the equipment guide

Our equipment guide covers the full kit list and how to fit it. For skating school and public session details, visit Yerba Buena Ice Skating Center.

Our mission

Our mission is to provide a safe and fun environment for hockey instruction that emphasizes skill development and promotes valuable life skills including the importance of hard work, dedication to goals, development of self esteem, teamwork and good sportsmanship.

We seek to provide an opportunity for young people of all backgrounds in the San Francisco area to participate in and enjoy the sport of hockey in a positive environment and carry the love of hockey throughout their lives.

Meet the board