Why BU?

Why Play High School Hockey?

 

We know you have options where you can play during your high school years.  Players in the Birmingham Unified system get the best of both worlds: highly competitive travel type hockey playing against some of the strongest teams in Michigan, being part of a Varsity team within their own high schools, playing in front of large crowds and energetic student sections, being part of the community, and making individual and family friendships that last a lifetime.

 

Birmingham Unified Kings Hockey Program

Formed in 1992, the Birmingham Unified Kings hockey team is for the Birmingham high school district. We have full Varsity and JV programs that are made up of students from Groves, Seaholm and International Academy high schools.  Hockey events and operations are assisted by parent volunteers and an active Booster Board.

 

Our program is run out of Groves and we play in the Oakland Activities Association.

 

Coaching

Our coaches are non-parents who have strong hockey backgrounds. As of May 2020, we have a new varsity head coach, Zack Warson.  Zack, a graduate from Oakland University, played multiple levels of junior hockey, NCAA, and ACHA.  His coaching background includes ACHA, Tier One AAA, and Tier Two with the 2005 Birmingham Rangers. As an Associate Head Coach with Oakland University his teams made five straight National Tournament appearances which included winning the ACHA Division 3 National Championship in 2016.

 

Typical Season

As a high school hockey player, we can offer you unique opportunities:

  • We are planning to play two games in the Chelsea Showcase in early February
  • Summer camp, conditioning skates and scrimmage games & Fall conditioning skates and scrimmage games
  • In-season we have four Varsity and three JV practices per week at the Birmingham Ice Arena that includes professional skills development coaches for skaters and goalies
  • Typically average 2 games per week for both Varsity and JV
  • Weekly off ice training
  • Video recording of games posted on Youtube and regular video sessions with the coaches
  • Fees that are competitive with travel hockey and are paid in installments throughout the season
  • Numerous Saturday night back to back games featuring JV and Varsity that allow you to play in front of your fellow students, friends and family at the Birmingham Ice Arena
  • Custom BU gear and swag to show your BU pride
  • BU team locker room
  • Each year, BU raises funds for a charity in our local community. Last season, we raised more than $5,600 for the Paul Apap foundation to help fight ALS
  • Opportunities to mentor and assist in coaching skills to youth hockey players in the Birmingham Hockey Association
  • We emphasize scholarship and sportsmanship
  • All of our players adhere to a rigorous player code of conduct
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