4 on 4 Preseason Development
4 on 4 Preseason Development – Join Us This Summer!
Get ready for the 2025–26 season with our high-tempo, 4-on-4 Preseason Development program. Designed for travel hockey players, this fast-paced format promotes creativity, confidence, and competition. Athletes will sharpen their skills in an environment that blends fun with opportunities to learn from mistakes and develop — the perfect way to ramp up before the season begins.
Why 4 on 4?
The 4 on 4 format provides more open ice, increased puck touches, and greater opportunities for creativity, making it an ideal structure for player development. With fewer players on the ice, players are encouraged to enhance their skating, puck control, decision-making, and offensive instincts, all while competing against high-level opponents.
Who: Travel Hockey Players
Cost: Full Season: $2,400 per team (DFW Teams)
Half Season Option: $1,200 per team (For Non-DFW Teams ONLY – one weekend, 4 games)
Register Today: Please contact commissioner@texashockeyleague.com to register your team.
Spots are limited, and team leaders are strongly encouraged to register early. We pride ourselves on clear communication and efficient planning—late registrations will not be accepted once the program is full.
Program Details
8 full ice games supervised and managed by THL coaches
2 x 32-minute run-time periods
Equal playtime for all participants
Teams, recommended 8–10 skaters plus a goalie
Dates/Days: July 11th to August 10th on Weekends Only (Fri–Sun)
The schedule for high school hockey-eligible birth years will not interfere with summer high school hockey.
All ice times will be held at Valley Ranch, located at 211 Cowboys Parkway, Irving, Texas.
Age Group Availability
10U (2016 & 2015) - 12 Teams
12U (2014 & 2013) - 12 Teams
14U (2012 & 2011) - 12 Teams
16U (2010 & 2009) - 12 Teams
18U (2008 & 2007) - 6 Teams
The THL 4-on-4 Preseason Development Difference
What sets the THL Summer 4-on-4 apart is our commitment to organization, communication, and player experience. Our program is led by experienced staff who are dedicated to delivering a well-run, development-focused summer platform for our league members. We understand how chaotic spring and summer hockey can be, and we take pride in providing clear communication and timely scheduling to make life easier for families.
Games will be supervised and scheduled to ensure competitive balance — no one benefits from lopsided matchups. Most importantly, player safety is a top priority. This is a non-checking program, and THL representatives will be present at sessions to ensure a fun, creative, and respectful environment that mirrors the spirit of true pond hockey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can players from outside of Dallas participate?
A: Yes! Teams and players across all THL member clubs are welcome. We are proud to support a growing and inclusive hockey community and will work to accommodate teams and players traveling from outside the Dallas area.
Q: What does the schedule look like for a non-DFW team participating in the program?
A: We will schedule four games per weekend (2 Sat, 2 Sun). Non-DFW teams can choose between a half-season option (four games over one weekend) or a full-season option (eight games over two weekends). We are committed to providing out-of-town teams with an ideal schedule, but early registration is essential to make that possible. Please register as soon as possible so we can accommodate your needs effectively.
Q: Will there be body checking at the 2012 birth year division and older?
A: No. This is a non-checking program. We aim to foster a fast-paced and creative environment that is safe for all players. This policy will be strictly enforced by the professional coaches managing each session.
Q: Who will supervise these sessions?
A: We will have experienced professional coaches present during every session. These coaches will promote player safety, equal playtime, and competitive balance between teams.
Q: How is the schedule organized?
A: The program runs for five consecutive weekends (Friday through Sunday), from July 11 to August 10. We utilize a scheduling process that takes into account team availability and travel constraints to ensure a well-organized experience for all participants.
Q: What are the benefits of 4 on 4 hockey?
A: 4-on-4 hockey encourages faster decision-making, more puck touches, improved skating, and creative offensive play. The open-ice format is ideal for skill development and keeps the game fun, fast, and competitive.
Q: How many players are on each team?
A: To maximize ice time and puck touches, teams are recommended to be kept small, 8 - 10 skaters and 1 goalie.
Q: Where are games played?
A: Games will be hosted at the StarCenter Valley Ranch, with scheduling designed to minimize conflicts and travel when possible.
Q: Can team leaders fill in for other players if someone is absent due to vacation?
A: Yes. We understand that players may miss time due to summer plans. Team leaders—whether a coach, manager, or designated parent—can submit requests for substitute players to the commissioner for approval. Each team leader will also be responsible for managing overall team costs and distributing them fairly among the participating players.