Travel Hockey Program

WORK HARD. HAVE FUN. BE A GOOD TEAMMATE!

Smoky Mountain Wild Travel Hockey offers players the opportunity to compete at a higher level while continuing to grow as athletes, teammates, and leaders. It’s about more than just hockey, it’s about effort, development, and a true love for the game.

At Smoky Mountain Wild, we provide a competitive and supportive environment that challenges players while keeping the experience fun and rewarding. Our program focuses on developing a strong work ethic, solid character, and fundamental hockey skills – all while promoting teamwork and good sportsmanship.

We emphasize building skills, confidence, and hockey IQ through well-structured practices that include targeted drills, edgework, and small-area games designed to maximize player development.

Our goal is to create a positive, high-energy team atmosphere that leaves a lasting impact on every player both on and off the ice.

Our Travel Teams

• Compete in a highly structured league environment (SYTHL or SESCL)
• Participate in non-league games against other USA Hockey–sanctioned teams
• Travel to tournaments across the Eastern half of the country
• 10U teams: Mandatory leveling tournament, August 22–23 in Huntsville, AL

AA (Upper Team) Level

• Elite competition targeting SESCL or SYTHL upper division titles, playoffs, and tournaments.
• Rosters are composed of the top available players within each age group
• Playing time is earned and based on performance, attendance, and discipline (equal playing time is not guaranteed)
• Players are expected to demonstrate a high level of commitment to all team activities
• Strong attitude, work ethic, and team-first mentality are essential
• Final designation for the upper 10U team will be determined at the mandatory leveling tournament in Huntsville, AL (August 22–23).  

A (Lower Team) Level

• Teams compete at the SYTHL lower division appropriate to their overall skill and experience.
• Equal playing time is prioritized, with adjustments made at the coach’s discretion based on attendance, discipline, and game situations
• Focus on fundamentals, game rules, and developing team play concepts
• Final designation for the lower 10U team will be determined at the mandatory leveling tournament in Huntsville, AL (August 22–23).  
• Requires mandatory House/Rec League participation.

It is the intention of KAHA Travel Hockey Program to ice travel teams at each age group (10U - 14U) and a single team at 16U & 18U.

Final determination on the number of teams will be made based on the volume and talent of players at tryouts.

Players are selected through a structured tryout process, and attendance at all scheduled tryout sessions is strongly encouraged.

If a player cannot attend tryouts, they must:

• Notify the KAHA Hockey Director and KAHA Travel Coordinator in writing
• Provide an explanation and express their intent to play for the club
• Request an evaluation by the Team Head Coach when possible

Final team selections are made by the KAHA Selection Committee, Roster spots are not guaranteed, and all roster changes will adhere to the KAHA Travel Program Bylaws.

Cool Sports, is a sports facility that offers a wide range of amenities for both athletes and spectators alike. Its premier attraction is the Icearium, a premier ice rink.

Most all practices and games are held at Cool Sports located at 110 S Watt Rd, Knoxville, TN 37934

• Southeastern Showcase League (SESCL) - Visit SESCL's website to learn more
• Southern Youth Travel Hockey League (SYTHL) - Visit SYTHL's website to learn more

Experienced Coaching – Led by Hockey Director Tim Sinasac, our coaching is the cornerstone of a positive hockey experience. The SMW Coaching Staff is dedicated to developing every player in the program while fostering a strong, positive team culture.

Set Practice Schedule – The typical season runs from August through early March with National-bound teams playing into April. Practices days and times are set for consistency giving families the ability to plan ahead with confidence. Rarely practice schedules change but if changes are needed, as much advanced notice as possible will be given. Practice length and format may vary by age level and whether the team is on shared or full ice.

Weekend Games – All home games are played at Cool Sports.

Practices & Skills Sessions – Age-specific skill development sessions for Squirt (10U) through Midget (16/18U) are available throughout the season allowing players to grow and develop outside the team setting.

Goalie Instruction – Provided by Corson Cramer for 10U and older

Travel hockey costs are dependent on team size and skill level. Smaller or higher-level teams typically have higher expenses due to shared costs, travel, tournaments, and specialized coaching. Our pricing is all-inclusive with no hidden fees. For more details, please see the SMW handbook.

All uniforms and team apparel for the 2026–2027 season will be ordered through Pure Hockey. Families will receive access to a dedicated team ordering portal where players can purchase their required uniforms and approved team apparel. ** These costs are not included in the team fees and must be paid by each family upon ordering.**

• Helmet: Dark/Forest Green, consistent stickers for all players (purchased independently)
• Hockey Shell, Gloves, Bags: Custom Smoky Mountain Wild branded (ordered through KAHA)

Players seeking to play at a higher age level must submit a play-up form to the KAHA Travel Coordinator before taking the ice. (See KAHA Travel By-Laws for Criteria)

We’re not sure if our player is good enough to play travel, should we bother?

YES! You can’t be selected if you don’t tryout. Tryouts are also a growth experience for players and we encourage everyone to give it a try.

What are the determining factors on how many travel teams we will have next season and what division they’ll play in?

The determination will be made based on the volume and talent of the players who attend tryouts. Our goal is to have enough players at each age level to field two travel teams, but if tryouts determine otherwise, only a single team will be formed at the highest appropriate level. The divisions (AA, A, B) each team plays at will ultimately be determined by the overall talent of the team.

What do the B, A, and AA, levels mean?

B, A, and AA, are designations of skill level with B being the lowest. USAH defines these as Tier 1: The highest level of competition, also called "AAA". Tier 2: Called "AA" or "A". Tier 3: Called "Select" or "B"

My kid has been cut three years in a row. What’s the point in trying out again?

Anytime a family makes a decision to enter into a “tryout” situation, we must all recognize that being disappointed or not selected is a potential outcome. If this scenario isn’t something your family is comfortable subjecting your child to, KAHA offers a wonderful House/Rec League program that does not involve “cuts.”

The evaluation process for each player includes a five person committee formed by KAHA who rate each player over the two-day tryout and confer with the head coach before making final decisions. Wayne Gretzky said, “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” and while no one can guarantee your player will make a travel team based simply on showing up, you can be assured they will have the same fair opportunity as everyone else.

Is all this money due up front?

No. A $500 deposit is required through the Crossbar platform when you accept a roster spot. After that, each team has monthly payment dates throughout the season that spreads out the total amount due.

I really want my player to play travel hockey and we think they’re good enough to, but it’s so expensive. What can we do?

KAHA offer excellent fundraising options that we call FRC’s. Any registered family can earn credits toward hockey expenses through various volunteer opportunities. Contact KAHA President (kahapresident@gmail.com) for more details.