The hockey season is almost upon us. Time to get out your hockey gear and make sure everything fits. If you have not been on the ice since last season, there are many clinics still going on at area rinks. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions.

For all In-House and Learn to Skate players you can start mailing in registration forms.  (click on "registration forms", you will be brought to a PDF of the forms. Download and fill out, making sure to first register with USA Hockey as a player for the 2010-2011 season)

The second half of payment for all the travel team players is due by September 30th. Jen will be sending out email notices to everyone, letting them know what they owe for those players that they have regsitered.


As of now we will be having two traveling teams at the following levels: Bantams, Peewees and Squirts.

Tryouts for these teams will take place in the beginning of October and games will begin for most teams at the beginning of November.

We will be trying to secure ice in September at an area rink for those of you that would like to get ready for tryouts. The cost will be shared by those that participate.

Again if you have any questions you can call me at 860-435-2299.

Stay cool,
Dean

by posted 08/30/2010
 
Tips to help young players and their parents understand what to expect at tryouts so their young child will have their best chance to make the "A" Team if so inclined.
 
Tryouts to select A and B teams
 
The coaches and selection committee members will evaluate everyone's hockey skills using a number of specific drills and scrimmages over a 3 practice period. Then they will choose which players make each team, so that they are able to have a positive experience playing hockey.
 
Tips for Players trying out for the top Travel Teams
 
If players really want to make the "A" Team this year, they must strive to be in the top 5 forwards, the top 3 defensemen or the best goaltender as the number 11 to 14 picks are sometimes very difficult to make.
 
The best way to make the team is to leave a positive lasting impression on the selection committee members & Head Coach. This impression will be based on your execution of every single skating and skill drill and every scrimmage shift at the tryout camp, so give a 110% effort every time you are on the ice.
 
Also, you must come to tryout camp in excellent shape and demonstrate you can skate hard and fast for a good period of time without tiring. If you have not skated during the spring or summer, there are many clinics still going on. Most “A” level players play during the spring and summer months and these players usually have an advantage over those players that do not. When scrimmaging, get involved in the play and don’t just play on the outside perimeter of the rink where getting hit is rare. Show the evaluators; that you are prepared to go to the net for a rebound, get your nose dirty in front of the net fighting for a loose puck and will be first to go into the corners and come out with the puck. This will definitely impress the evaluators.
 
Win the 1 on 1 battles and finish your check every time the puck is in your area. Show everyone you play like a tiger, not like a teddy bear. Coaches pick players who show a lot of skill and spunk.
 
As well remember; skating speed & agility, puck handling & stick handling, passing & receiving, shooting & scoring and checking – i.e. Forechecking, back checking, stick checking and body checking if allowed, will be highly monitored and desired by the selection committee and coaches.
 
Make them remember your name or jersey number by your fine execution of these hockey skills and extra hard work.
 
Other personal qualities they will be looking for include teamwork, overall hard work at both ends of the ice, leadership, team chemistry, hockey intelligence, a positive winning attitude, motivation & dedication.
 
Tips for Parents of Players trying out for teams
 
The one universal quality parents must supply is encouragement and support for their child no matter what happens as only so many will make the "A" Team. Remember that it is more important for your child to enjoy playing the game of hockey than what team he or she is placed on.  The goal of the evaluators is to place your child on a team that will give him or her the best chance of having success and enjoying the game.
 
Good luck to all players, parents and have a great and
rewarding hockey season.

SYH