Essex Vermont Youth Hockey

 

  

  

These three words reflect the building blocks of USA Hockey’s American Development Model and have long been at the heart of Essex Youth Hockey programming.

 

There are hockey fans….and then there are hockey players. Hockey fans can develop a love for the game but the easiest way to really fall in love with hockey is to play. 

 

In EYHA we believe it is our love of the game that will fuels our desire to share our great game with as many kids and families as possible. 

 

There are many ways to measure the success of a youth sports organization. Championships and wins are part of the equation but so is player satisfaction and retention, athletic challenge, and individual and team development. 

 

As we prepare for our 2011-12 season the EYHA Board has been pondering a number of important issues:

 

On ice programming: We are always seeking ways to increase the quality of our on-ice programming. While we are an association “staffed” by volunteers our leadership and rank and file on-ice volunteers have an abundance of hockey playing and coaching experience. We will be making some changes to our on-ice program. These changes will be in line with the USA hockey ADM model and will increase our utilization of our existing resources. No players will have less ice time than in the past – in fact planned adjustments to our ice utilization will result in more opportunities for all players. 

 

Growing the game in Essex and Chittenden East (Mt. Mansfield): We need to grow the game in our area. The number of boys playing hockey in Essex is strong and our girls have enjoyed a slight surge in numbers. Still, our area is facing a declining school age population and we need to continue to introduce hockey to our friends and neighbors. We cannot rely only on the “sons, daughters, sisters and brothers” of hockey players to fill our ranks. There are many misconceptions about youth hockey in our community (WE DO NOT play at 5am!). Many people also do not think there is a place for a “late to hockey” kid to play. 

 

Current members are the best “salespeople” for this amazing family activity! In addition to encouraging K-3rd graders to join, please let people know that our house league has room for older new players – boys and girls. Stay tuned for more information about some exciting grow the game family activities.

 

Go Sting!