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Frequently Asked QuestionsINTRODUCTION TO HOCKEY What programs are offered?
Youth Hockey
Learn to Skate
Adult Hockey What levels of youth hockey does NCYH offer?
8 and Under
CCYHL & DNHL
Girls What are the acronyms used to describe the levels of youth hockey?
8 and Under
U-10
U-12
U-14
U-16
U-18 YOUTH HOCKEY -- ON ICE What are the basic skills that will be taught at the U-8 level? At the 8 and Under level we are dedicated to and focused on fundamental skill development. The coaching staff at NCYH is very aware of the importance of skating and pays close attention to the development of each player’s skating ability. In addition to skating we focus on passing and shooting. Does my child have to know how to ice skate to play hockey? Your child should have a basic level of skating before entering into the 8 and Under program. We may take your son or daughter if they do not have any skating experience, but for the sake of his/her enjoyment of the game it is strongly encouraged they have a beginner level of skating. What is "Cross Ice Hockey?" NCYH follows the American Development Model (ADM) which places a large emphasis on skill development. One of the big components to the ADM is cross ice hockey or small area hockey. By making the ice smaller and playing cross ice we are able to give the kids an age appropriate surface upon which to play. Cross ice hockey is only played in the 8 and Under hockey program. To learn more about the American Development Model from USA Hockey click here. At what age do players start body checking? At the PeeWee level (U-12) players are exposed to checking within practices and games. There is currently a discussion to change this to the Bantam level (U-14). A decision will be made by USA Hockey in June 2011 – more information can be found by visiting the USA Hockey website and clicking on Rule Proposals. PRACTICES / GAMES How long does the season run?
8 and Under
CCYHL, DNHL, & MSGHL (Girls) CCYHL & DNHL Players in the Squirt level (U-10) begin tryouts in early October. The regular season begins immediately thereafter and runs through mid-March. Where are games/practices held? Games and practices for the 8 and Under program are all be played at NoCo Ice Center. All CCYHL, DNHL, and MSGHL home games and practices are held at NoCo Ice Center or occasionally at EPIC in Fort Collins. CCYHL away games are played throughout the entire front range of Colorado including Denver and surrounding areas and as far south as Colorado Springs. DNHL away games are played in Windsor, Greeley, Fort Collins, Boulder, Westminster, Arvada, and Summit County (a maximum of once a season at Summit). MSGHL has new teams and associations joining every season so the league’s geographic locations change from season to season. How often does the team practice/have games?
8 and Under
CCYHL
DNHL & MSGHL (Girls) YOUTH HOCKEY -- OFF ICE Are there fundraising activities? With an association of over 600 members we are always organizing or hosting events that take many man hours to organize. We encourage our membership to volunteer when they can to help make NCYH the premier association in Northern Colorado. NCYH holds an association wide annual fundraiser that requires all members to participate. The proceeds of the fundraiser go to the association’s capital fund that is used to scholarship families in need of financial aid for their son or daughter to play the great game of hockey. Individual members may also participate in Scrips Cards and King Soopers Cards with proceeds benefitting their player’s account. More information can be found in the Fundraising section. Teams at all programs and levels may also conduct various types of fundraising. These funds are intended to go towards team costs like team functions, tournaments, or other special events. The amount varies with each team and the activity they chose to participate. Is there a need for volunteers? Volunteers are a very important part of NCYH and are always welcome! Visit the NCYH Volunteers page to review the Volunteer form and learn of the various ways parents may help the association. YOUTH HOCKEY -- OFF SEASON Are there programs offered outside the regular hockey season? The NCYH hockey office in conjunction with the Colorado Eagles organization offers numerous summer camps for all ages and abilities. Our summer camp schedule is typically released each February and can be found on our website under the Camps page. The Hockey Director and Goalie Director also offer private lessons to work with your son or daughter in a one-on-one or small group environment. HOCKEY EQUIPMENT What kind of equipment is my child required to wear? Required equipment for a hockey skater include: helmet with face guard, elbow pads, shin guards, breezers, shoulder pads, cup for boys/pelvic protector for girls, hockey gloves, hockey skates, hockey stick, mouth guard, and neck guard. What about goalie equipment? Required equipment for a hockey goalie include: goalie mask, chest protector, pads, blocker, catcher, and goalie stick. NCYH does have a few sets of goalie gear that can be lent out to players interested in trying out for goaltending. Most of the gear is for 8 and Under players but we do have a few larger sets that can be borrowed. What about team jerseys and other apparel? Every player EXCEPT for the 8 and Under players is required to purchase a set of jerseys. The CCYHL jersey package costs approximately $175 and includes both home and away jerseys as well as socks. The DNHL and MSGHL jersey packages cost approximately $65 and include both home and away jerseys. CCYHL players are also required to purchase an NCYH warm up suit. In addition, NCYH players can purchase other Junior Eagles apparel at Hat Trick Sports located in NoCo Ice center. NCYH BOARD, STAFF AND COACHES Who is on the NCYH Board? NCYH is governed by the Board of Directors. Positions include President, Vice President, and Treasurer. For a current list of Board members, visit the NCYH Board page. The NCYH Board of Directors meets once a quarter. NCYH also has an Advisory Committee that provides input to and decisions about the youth hockey program. Members of the Board of Directors are also members of the Advisory Committee. Positions include Age Level Representatives for Mite, Squirt, PeeWee, Bantam, Midget, and Recreational At Large Representatives. The Advisory Committee meets once a month from August to March. Who runs the association? NCYH hockey programs are run by the Hockey Director and the Assistant Hockey Director. The directors work in conjunction with the Board of Directors to keep them aware of and to approve any big changes. Day to day program operations are performed by the NCYH hockey office staff. How are coaches selected by NCYH? How do I apply to be a coach? Coaches for all leagues must complete a coaching application which can be found under the Coach's Corner page. Once applications are submitted, they are reviewed by both hockey directors. A face-to-face meeting and interview is often conducted to get to know the candidate on a more personal level. Once a final decision has been made, the hockey directors will place a coach with a team they feel best fits with the candidate. How does NCYH assist its coaches in enhancing their abilities? NCYH holds USA Hockey coaching certification clinics in order to ensure all coaches are certified. We also hold coaching camps/clinics to work with coaches on practice techniques and preparation. In addition, NCYH has pre-season meetings with all coaching staffs to highlight season expectations. GETTING STARTED AT NCYH When is registration? Registration runs through December 31st of the calendar year with the season beginning between September-October depending on the level. However, it is strongly encouraged that players sign up prior to the beginning of the season. An early bird discount is offered for any players that register before July 1, 2011 for the upcoming season (exception: 8 and Under program). How do I register? For the 2011-2012 season, registration will be online through our website, however hard copies may be available at NoCo Ice Center. For a registration to be considered complete, we require the USA hockey player registration receipt (register at www.usahockey.com) as well as registration fees and payment plan forms filled out and signed. What materials need to be submitted to register? Players must submit a full registration packet that includes the following forms: contact information, code of conduct, jersey selection, and payment information. In addition players need to visit www.usahockey.com to receive their player registration number for the upcoming season. How do I determine what level my child should play at (house or travel)? Determining what level your child should play in comes down to the level of commitment for both your child and family. At the DNHL level, players have one or two ice times per week and at the CCYHL level players could have up to six ice times per week. In addition, the CCYHL level offers three different teams for each age level allowing for competitive hockey to a wide variety of skill levels (i.e. AA, A and B). What does it cost to play? Costs for the season will change from year to year depending on operating costs. For the DNHL families can expect the season to cost in the range of $790 per player per season. For the CCYHL the season can cost in the range of $1400-2400 depending on the level. The MSGHL league is approximately $1000 for the season. And lastly, the 8 and Under program costs $200 for each session, $400 for both sessions combined and the 8 and Under Travel team costs $295 (requires registration in both winter/spring session to participate). |
TopicsINTRODUCTION TO HOCKEY What levels of youth hockey does NCYH Offer? What are the acronyms used to describe the levels of youth hockey? YOUTH HOCKEY – ON ICE What are the basic skills that will be taught at the U-8 level? Does my child have to know how to ice skate to play ice hockey? At what age do players start body checking? PRACTICES/GAMES Where are games/practices held? How often does the team practice/have games? YOUTH HOCKEY – OFF ICE Are there fundraising activities? Is there a need for volunteers? YOUTH HOCKEY – OFF SEASON Are there programs offered outside the regular hockey season? HOCKEY EQUIPMENT What kind of equipment is my child required to wear? What about team jerseys and other apparel? NCYH BOARD, STAFF, AND COACHES How are coaches selected by NCYH? How do I apply to be a coach? How does NCYH assist its coaches in enhancing their abilities? GETTING STARTED AT NCYH What materials need to be submitted to register? How do I determine what level my child should play at (house or travel)? |
