Adult recreational ice hockey club

Adult players, from beginners to experienced, who want a regular organized game. Some local businesses may sponsor teams or jerseys.

Season or monthly membership fees per player, plus drop-in fees for pickup games. Fees need to cover ice rental, referees, insurance and jerseys with something left over.

• Organizing schedules and people
• Knowing the game and the local hockey scene
• Friendly, fair communication with players
• Basic budgeting

• Ice rental is often a fixed cost you owe even if fewer players show up, so check contract terms
• General liability and player accident insurance, ask whether affiliating with USA Hockey or a local league helps cover this
• Signed waivers for every player, since hockey carries a real injury risk; check with a local attorney
• Check whether your city, county or state requires a business license or sales tax registration for membership fees
• Rinks may have their own rules on outside clubs, referees and equipment, so confirm before promising anything

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on ice time commitments, insurance, equipment such as nets and pinnies, and marketing. You rent ice from an existing rink rather than owning one.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on player numbers, season fees and any sponsorships. Ice rental is often a fixed cost even if fewer players show up.

Things to check: ice rental contract terms, general liability and player accident insurance, signed waivers for every player (ask a local attorney), business license or sales tax rules for fees, and the rink's rules on outside clubs.