Program Description
Newport County Youth Hockey Programs & Descriptions
Learn to Skate:
(1st session Thurs 6:30PM, 2nd session Sun 11:15AM)
Learn to Skate ages 3 1/2 and up ($120 per session – there are 2 sessions offered each season)
Newport Youth Hockey Association Learn to Skate Program will begin in October. The Learn to Skate program is for boys and girls age 4 and up who would like to learn the fundamentals of ice skating. The LTS program is designed to develop strong basic skating skills (balance, stride, edges and stopping) as an introductory program for children interested in both hockey and figure skating. No previous skating experience is necessary.
The children will be divided each session according to ability. During the sessions the groups will be working on developing various skills as they work their way through the curriculum. As skills are mastered the children will continually move through the curriculum.
The Learn to Skate program is an introductory program that will give the children the skills necessary to move forward through Newport Youth Hockey system, eventually transitioning from LTS to House League and ultimately into the Travel Program.
Logistics
The Program is broken up into two 10 week sessions with separate registrations for each. In addition, participants choose to attend on either Thursdays 6:30 - 7:20 pm or on Sundays 11:15-12:05 (or register for both). The first session begins the week of October 15th.
On-Ice Groups
Three Groups:
“Crate Crew” – This group will be formed at the end of the ice closest to the entrance. This will consist of children with little or no experience on skates, that are challenged simply to stand. The objective in this group is to learn balance, recovery, and introduction to stride. We will allow skating aids such as milk crates, but the idea behind use of these is to aid in balance, and learning the basic skating stride. Once these are mastered, we want to remove the crates. We will introduce activities to keep the children engaged and happy.
“Pilot Whales” – This group will consist of children that can stand on their own, but need to continue to work on balance and strides. We will work in both a large group as well as in a station setting, where we will work on specific skills. Coaches will typically be working in pairs at the stations, with the children rotating from station to station in groups.
“Orca Whales” – This group will be made up of children that have begun to master basic skating skills, and will be working to develop more advanced skills. We will be introducing different skills during the program such as stopping, agility, and edges. We will work in both a large group as well as in a station setting, where we will work on specific skills. Coaches will typically be working in pairs at the stations, with the children rotating from station to station in groups.
House League:
(Sat/Sun morning from 0730-1200. An ice time lasts 50 minutes)
House League fee for all ages ($350)
The NCYHA House League Hockey Program is intended for the beginner and intermediate player to enjoy the sport of hockey in a controlled, competitive, fun environment, while improving the players' individual and team skills through practice and games. Emphasis is on players' skills, sportsmanship and love of the game. Teams are divided fairly by way of player evaluations at the beginning of the season to keep the competition equal. Teams will skate twice per week, Saturday & Sunday. Saturdays will be dedicated to practices, and games will be played on Sundays. All players will be given equal playing time during games, regardless of game situations. Coaches will referee all games. Full equipment is required including a USA Hockey approved helmet. Players are encouraged to try different positions, and at the Mite level, all are encouraged to try goalie. Sat/Sun morning from 0730-1200. Squirt, Peewee, and Bant/Midget house league programs are planned for 60 minute blocks of ice for every 30 participants approximately. Mite level house league with 3 on 3 play is 60 minutes for approximately each 35-40 participants due to the cross ice format allowing 4 teams to play games.
Starting this year, NCYHA is offering players on travel teams an opportunity to join house league for just an additional $100 above their travel registration fee. Those who have added house league to their travel hockey in the past have enjoyed playing with friends they wouldn’t normally see at the rink, playing different positions, and simply playing more hockey in a fun environment. While this is a great opportunity for travel players, it is also meant to provide a boost to the house league program and add to the fun for those playing house league only. To keep the level of play within reach for everyone, travel players will be placed in house league levels based not only on age, but on ability as well. In return for the reduced fee, the league asks only that they make an effort to attend house league as much as is practical given their travel team’s schedule.
Registration for Mite C Travel includes house league.
Travel Hockey Program (2009/2010 season prices):
Travel player fees:
Mite C – ($645)
Mite – Peewee ($795)
Travel Bantam season 1 – ($365)
Travel Bantam season 2 – ($450)
Midget season (season 1 only) – ($365)
Goalies for all travel teams are ½ price.
The NCYHA Travel Program offers the highest level of competition available to our players. Players will improve their individual and team skills with high intensity practice and advanced competition. The Whalers Travel program competes in the Rhode Island Youth Hockey League, comprised of teams across RI and SE Massachusetts. The commitment to travel hockey should be made by the player that is interested in higher competition and increased ice time. Teams will compete in league play and various tournaments that are available for teams. Weekly ice time, including games, is a minimum of 3-4 times. Full equipment is required including a USA Hockey approved helmet.
Teams will be selected through a series of fair player evaluations prior to the season.
Coaches will follow these guidelines pertaining to player ice time:
Players will compete and train for fair ice time.
Coaches will play to win when they are in a situation to win.
When teams have a chance to win, coaches are able to make line-up changes accordingly to give the team the opportunity to win.
Ice time is earned, not given.
The highest team in each age level will demand the most commitment from the players.
Age Groups:
Learn to Skate - age 4 and older
Mites - age 8 & Under
Squirts - ages 9 & 10
PeeWees - ages 11 & 12
Bantams - ages 13 & 14
Midgets - ages 15 - 18
