Free Agents
Are you looking for a team to play on?
Individuals without teams who are looking to play are welcome to join our free agent list. Skill levels range from pure beginner in our Division 9 levels all the way up to our elite Division 1 level. Prior to joining the beginner league, players should complete at least one level of adult hockey lessons. Schedule averages one game per week.
All Registration is done online via our online free agent registration link. Please read through the information below as well as the FAQ section that will answer all your questions on how to joining a league
Information that will be requested:
- Desired level of play (see below)
- Hockey Experience/Skill Level
- Contact information: full name, e-mail, phone number
- Position played
- Important notes
- Valid and current USA Hockey Number
This information will then be displayed for our captains to see via our secure on-line system. Captains will have access to your contact information and experience level. They will contact you directly to determine if you will be able to join their team. In general please allow 1-2 weeks for this process. The beginnings of the seasons are the best time to find a team.
Basic Season Information For Free Agents:
Winter season: September through April (24 games + playoffs) cost: $625 (approximately)
Summer season: Late April through August (18 games + playoffs) approximately $500 (approximately)
*Individual player costs are set by teams as teams pay a team fee. Your captain will inform you what your individual fee will be.
You will need to register with USA Hockey at www.usahockey.com to both register as a free agent and then once you find a team, you must then provide your USA Hockey number to your captain, as well as complete the online. Sharks Ice Waiver (available on link section below).
Goalies
Please note that finding a full-time spot for goalies is extremely limited. If you are looking to be a goalie sub in the list as well, please email scorekeeper supervisor Morgan Stace
Division Level Break Down (approximately):
- Division 1: Elite
- Division 2 & 3: Upper Advanced
- Division 4: Advanced
- Division 5: Intermediate
- Division 6: Lower Intermediate/ High Beginner
- Division 7 & 8: Beginners
- Division 9: Pure Beginners
If you are unsure which level you should be playing in, our league highly recommends watching some games to get a feel for the level of play. View a current schedule.
You may also consider attending Drop-In or Gretzky Hour (open stick time) to get a feel for levels and meet other players who might have openings on their teams. A current schedule can be found under the Adult Hockey Tab.
Over 35 League
If you are over the age of 35, you may consider our Over-35 League. The Over-35 league plays all of its games on Tuesday nights. You are placed on a team by the League. Skill levels generally range from Lower Advanced to Lower Intermediate.
Frequently Asked Questions for Free Agents
Will the League place me on a team?
No, when you are placed on the Free Agent list, Captains from various teams in the league will contact you if they need players. You will deal directly with team captains.
I am a goalie looking to play. How do I join a team?
Use the same Free Agent forms that players use, except list that you are a goalie. Finding spots for goalies can be difficult, however you can also ask to be placed on a Goalie Sub list. This list is available to all SIAHL team captains. To be placed on the Goalie Sub list, please contact Scorekeeper Supervisor Morgan Stace with your contact information and ability level.
How much does it cost to play?
The league charges each team a league fee. Each captain sets the amount they charge per player based on the amount of players they have and if they have part-time or full-time spots. Costs for the summer season average $500 and the winter season $625, however each team amounts will be different as captains divide their amounts based on number of the players they have.
Is there any refund if I am unable to complete a season?
No, we do not refund any league dues. Once you commit to a team and make a payment it is considered final.
How do I pay?
Once a team has confirmed that they want you on their roster, the captain will direct you to an online payment system that we have set up for their team.
What else do I need?
You will need USA Hockey insurance and a signed waiver before you play your first game. A waiver link and a link to USA Hockey Registration can be found on the USA Hockey website. Your USA Hockey number must be emailed to your captain to be placed on the roster, and the Waiver must be turned in to the scorekeeper at your first game.
How many games do we play?
18 in the summer, 24 in the winter with the addition of playoffs if your team qualifies. These numbers include two preseason games.
What levels do you have available?
- Division 1: Elite
- Division 2 & 3: Upper Advanced
- Division 4: Advanced
- Division 5: Intermediate
- Division 6: Lower Intermediate/ High Beginner
- Division 7 & 8: Beginners
- Division 9: Pure Beginners
How do I determine what level I should play?
On the free agent list it has recommended levels for all players. Some players who have played their whole lives are E level players, and some who have just started to play are C level players. It is best to come to the rink and watch a few games. The SCHEDULE is available online with dates/times/levels. It is also highly recommended that you attend an open stick time (Gretzky Hour) or Drop-In Hockey. You can talk to people there who are in the league and get a feel for what level you might belong. You also may find a team like this! Gretzky Hour and Drop-In slots are available under the Adult Hockey Tab.
What nights of the week will I play? What are the time slots?
In general, the A level will play Wednesday/Thursday, B and C level will play Thursday through Saturday, and D level and below will play Saturday through Tuesday with the majority on Sunday nights. Games can start from 6:45pm-11:15pm on weekdays and from 9am-11:30pm on weekend nights. Game slots are 1 hour and 15 minutes. The schedule link above is a good way to view a team's current schedule and get a feel for the season. The summer season tends to have earlier start times than the winter season.
How will I know my season schedule?
The season schedule is posted and is updated as games are scheduled. View Schedule
Does the league keep track of stats?
Yes, the schedule and stats are on the same link. By clicking on a game you can see what stats were recorded for each game.
When do the seasons start?
Summer season starts in late April and goes until early September. Winter season begins in September and concludes in April.
When can I register as a free agent? How long does it take to find a team?
You can start entering your free agent information one month prior to the start of a season. Depending on the level, it could take 2-3 weeks to find a team. Since this depends on teams and team captain needs, it can vary widely.
If I have never played hockey before, how do I start?
If you are new to the sport, before joining an adult league team, it is very highly recommended that you take one of our hockey classes before attempting to play. We have beginning hockey classes on Saturday morning. For more information please visit our Adult Hockey page.
What is the Over-35 League?
The Over-35 League is designed for players over the age of 35 that wish to play in a non-competitive hockey game once a week. Teams are determined by the league (rather than by team captains) and all games are on Tuesday nights. The league follows the 24 game winter and 18 game summer schedule of the other leagues. All registration is done online and more information can be found on our Over-35 League page.
Is there any open ice available to practice?
Yes, we have open puck and shoot times called Gretzky Hour as well as Adult Drop-in pick up games open to all levels. In general we have Drop-In Monday through Friday from 12:00pm-1:30pm and in the summer we have occasional night time Drop-In available. You must always preregister by calling 408.279.6000.
Is there checking allowed?
No checking is allowed at any level.
Is fighting allowed?
No. Fighting is not tolerated and will result in suspensions.
Are there payment plans?
No, there are no payment plans. All payments must be made in full as directed by your team captain.
What are the league rules?
The league rules are available on the adult hockey main page. It is the responsibility of all players to know and abide by the rules.
What gear do I need to play?
Click HERE to view our chart of required gear.
Can I rent gear?
We do not rent any gear. You can purchase all gear at our Pro Shop. All league participants receive 10% off at the Pro Shop.
How do I determine what level I should play?
On the free agent list it has recommended levels for all players. Some players who have played their whole lives are Novice level players, and some who have just started to play are Intermediate level players. It is best to come to the rink and watch a few games. The SCHEDULE is available online with dates/times/levels. It is also highly recommended that you attend an open stick time (Gretzky Hour) or Drop-In Hockey. You can talk to people there who are in the league and get a feel for what level you might belong. You also may find a team like this! Gretzky Hour and Drop-In slots are available under the Adult Hockey Tab.
What nights of the week will I play? What are the time slots?
The Intermediate level plays Tuesday/Wednesday and Novice plays Sunday/Monday.
How will I know my season schedule?
The season schedule is posted in the documents and link section below and is updated as games are scheduled
Does the league keep track of stats?
Yes, the schedule and stats are on the same link. By clicking on a game you can see what stats were recorded for each game.
When do the seasons start?
Summer season starts in late April and goes until early September. Winter season begins in September and concludes in April.
When can I register as a free agent? How long does it take to find a team?
You can start entering your free agent information one month prior to the start of a season. Depending on the level, it could take 2-3 weeks to find a team. Since this depends on teams and team captain needs, it can vary widely.
If I have never played hockey before, how do I start?
If you are new to the sport, before joining an adult league team, it is very highly recommended that you take one of our hockey classes before attempting to play. We have beginning hockey classes on Saturday morning. For more information please visit the Adult Hockey page.
What is the Over 35 League?
The Over 35 League is only available in San Jose and designed for players over the age of 35 that wish to play in a non-competitive hockey game once a week. Teams are determined by the league (rather than by team captains) and all games are on Tuesday nights. The league follows the 24 game winter and 18 game summer schedule of the other leagues.
Is there any open ice available to practice?
Yes, we have open puck and shoot times called Gretzky Hour as well as Adult Drop-in pick up games open to all levels.In general we have drop-in Monday through Friday from 12pm-1:30pm and in the summer we have occasional night time drop in available.
Is there checking allowed?
No checking is allowed at any level.
Is fighting allowed?
No. Fighting is not tolerated and will result in suspensions.
Are there payment plans?
No, there are no payment plans. All payments must be made in full as directed by your team captain.
What are the league rules?
The league rules are available on the adult hockey main page. It is the responsibility of all players to know and abide by the rules.
What gear do I need to play?
Please take a look at the equipment requirements in the box below.
Can I rent gear?
We do not rent any gear. You can purchase all gear at our Pro Shop. All league participants receive 10% off at the Pro Shop.