Essex Vermont Youth Hockey

The EYHA House Program is a skill development program designed to teach the fundamentals of ice skating and the game of hockey in a fun and supportive environment.  

Our 2011-12 program will run on weekend mornings at the Essex HS rink from  October 22nd through February.  Registration fee has been set at $195.  Registration is completed online through the Player Registration page.  Children 7+ will also be required to submit a $34 USA Hockey registration fee. 

While the primary focus is on practice and skill development, there is also an opportunity to learn and play the game of hockey through intra-organization scrimmages as well as a limited number of games against other local organizations. 

Skaters are organized into teams based on age and ability.  Each player is expected to have their own hockey equipment.  Essex Sting jerseys are provided to each player and is theirs to keep.  Goalie equipment is loaned to those wishing to try the goalie position.  The list below provides a general outline of the various age levels.

House Mites:  Mites are typically 6-8 years of age (birth years 2003-2005).  This group is primarily focused on skating and hockey instruction.  They will play a limited number of games against other Mite organizations.

Power House Mites: Brand new for 2011-12, this is an introductory program offered by EYHA targeted at Mite level hockey enthusiasts ages 7 and 8 (birth years 2003-2004).  The program is intended to give mite players an economical non-travel option that enhances the house offering.  Power House includes the complete house mite schedule with the addition of 6 skill development sessions combined with the X-Ice mite players.  3 of the sessions will be scheduled mid week evenings and 3 on Saturdays just ahead of a X-Ice mite game.  Additionally, EYHA is collaborating with the CSB and BAHA programs and will facilitate 4 Saturday evening games against these local house programs.  The hope is that CSB and BAHA will reciprocate with equal offers of ice time at their facilities and the 4 games will grow to a potential of 12.  The Power House offering is perfect for the skater that is interested in all that the house program offers but is looking for some additional practice time and would like to sample cross organizational competitive play through structured games inside of Chittenden County.  

House Squirts:  Squirts are typically 9-10 years of age (birth years 2001-2002).  This group is focused on improvement of skating and more advanced hockey instruction.  The opportunity for games against other teams depends solely on whether other organizations have teams at this level. 

House Peewees/Bantams:  Peewees/Bantams are typically 11-14 years of age (birth years 1997-2000).   This group usually shares ice with the Squirt group.  Focus is on improvement of skating and more advanced hockey instruction.  The opportunity for games against other organizations has traditionally been limited, dependent upon whether or not other organizations have a team at this level. 

Registration for the House Program is completed online.

If you have any questions about the program or the proper placement of your child, please contact John Laliberte at 879-7771 or jplib@comcast.net

Thanks and see you at the rink!