Essex Youth Hockey offers options for children that are new to the game of  hockey, as well as those that are more experienced and seeking an instructional and recreational hockey program.

The NewBees Program is our entry-level program primarily for children between 4 and 7 years of age.  The program focuses on the fundamentals of skating in a supportive and fun environment.  If you would like to learn more about the New Bees, please scroll down this page to NewBees.

The House Program is designed for children that have some skating or hockey experience and are seeking additional instruction in a recreational hockey setting.   If you would like to learn more about the House program, please scroll down this page to House Program. 

If any parents and friends are interested in assisting with the operation of the EYHA NewBees and House Program, we are always looking for coaches and volunteers.

If you have any questions about the NewBees, House Program or the proper placement of your child, please contact Rick Villamil.

See you at the rink!

The EYHA NewBees program is an entry-level hockey program designed to teach children the fundamentals of skating in a fun and supportive environment.

Much of the focus is on skating and other hockey skills as opposed to game play. It is open to boys and girls.  Most participants are between the ages of 4-7.  Note: Children must be at least 4 years old to register and any 4 year olds that cannot stand on their skates without assistance must have a parent or guardian on the ice with them.

The NewBees program runs for one-hour on Saturday mornings at the Essex High School rink from October through February (typically 16 sessions). The registration fee $200.  You will be required to pay a USA Hockey registration and VSAHA fee it will vary by birth year.

There is a minimum set of hockey equipment required including the following:

• Helmet
• Gloves
• Skates
• Hockey Stick
• Elbow pads
• Shin pads
• Hockey Pants

Each participant receives a team jersey at no additional charge and is theirs to keep.

Parents and guardians are allowed to join us on the ice to assist as coaches.  Any adult wishing to coach will be required to complete a coaching application and a background check.  Everyone on the ice MUST have a helmet on, no exceptions.

If you have additional questions about the NewBee program please contact Rick Villamil.

See you at the rink!

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.  All groups are co-ed.

Our program will run on weekend mornings at the Essex High School rink from  October through February.  Registration fee has been set at $300.00.  Registration is completed online through the Player Registration page and is available now.  All players will also be charged a USA Hockey and VSAHA fee which will vary by birth year

While the primary focus is on practice and skill development, there is also an opportunity to learn and play the game of hockey through inter-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.

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

10U/House Squirts:  Squirts are typically 9-10 years of age.  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.

12U/14U/House Peewees/Bantams:  Peewees/Bantams are typically 11-14 years of age.   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 Rick Villamil.

Thanks, and see you at the rink!

COACHING HELPER

Youth Hockey Programs