The EYHA Board members would like to welcome all our new and returning hockey families.  While priority will be given to players within our EYHA communities (Essex, Essex Junction, Westford, Bolton, Jericho, Huntington, Richmond, Underhill) AND those who have previously played for EYHA, registration of NEW players from outside our borders will be contingent upon approval of the EYHA Executive Board.  

2024-2025 EYHA HOCKEY PROGRAMS

NEWBEES:

• The NewBees is our entry-level program primarily for children between 4 and 7 years of age (birth years 2020-2017)    
• The program focuses on the fundamentals of skating in a supportive and fun environment.
• The program runs for one-hour on Saturday mornings at the Essex High School rink from November through February.
• The cost for the NewBees program is $200. You can pay in full now or pay $50 upon registration and the balance paid as seen in the schedule below.
• Each participant receives a team jersey at no additional charge and is theirs to keep.

HOUSE:

• 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, and all ages play together.
• The program will run on both weekend mornings at the Essex High School rink from November through February
• The cost for the House program is $325. You can pay in full now or pay $50 upon registration and the balance paid as seen in the schedule below.
• Each participant receives a team jersey at no additional charge and is theirs to keep.

TRAVEL DIVISION

• Evaluation process for team selection (dependent upon team numbers)
• 2-3 practices per week / weekday evenings
• 1-2 games per weekend (travel generally within VT)
• 1-2 Tournaments per season (generally within the Northeast) - please see Tournaments section below for more infomation
  • 8U Coed & Girls – ages 6-8 birth years 2016-2018
  • 10U Coed & Girls – ages 9-10 birth years 2014-2015
  • 12U Coed & Girls – ages 11-12 birth years 2012-2013
  • 14U Coed & Girls – ages 13-14 birth years 2010-2011

TIER 2 TRAVEL PROGRAM            

• In 24-25, the Tier 2 option will be offered at the 10U, 12U and 14U coed level based on anticipated registrations (please make sure to check the box stating your player is interested in trying out for the T2 team).  Additional tiering of age groups will be determined based upon registration and evaluations.
• Teams will be selected through the evaluation process based on skills, dedication to improvement, and the ability to commit to the program. 
• Tier 2 tryouts will occur in early September with all other levels.  We will conduct blind evaluations so that all players will have a chance at the T2 level.  When evaluations are completed and turned into the head coach, any player that did not click YES to being interested in the higher level will not be selected for it.
• From mid-October through early March, hockey should be the “first sport.”  Families commit to attending two practices and one advanced skills session each week. 
• In addition to our Vermont competition, travel may include games in New Hampshire, New York, Canada and may include playing more than two games per weekend. 
• Additional $200 fee for Tier 2 (due upon acceptance of placement on T2 team) which covers a 3rd tournament and earlier season start date (mid-September) 
• All Tier 2 players will be expected to participate in Advanced Skills

MORE LOVE FOR GOALIES

EYHA continues to place value on developing goalies throughout all age levels of our program. By offering quick-change goalie gear to the 8U players and training our EYHA coaches on how to better incorporate goalie-specific drills into regular practices, we continue to create opportunities that give EYHA the ability and training to grow our goalie program. 

In recognition of the pivotal role that goalies play in our association and acknowledging the additional costs often incurred for specialized equipment and instruction, EYHA has determined that full-time goalies at 12U and 14U levels will have their season registration fees waived. 

Committed Goalies at the 10U level will receive a 50% reimbursement at the end of the season.

All Goalies will still need to purchase their own Jerseys and pay for any additional tournament fees if they occur.

REGISTRATION PAYMENTS

This year due to early registration we are giving everyone the option to pay in full or to split the payments as seen on the chart below. If you choose the payment plan, please make sure that you have the funds available on the dates listed.  If you have any immediate questions or concerns, please email Jennifer Villamil at the Registrar email below.

Please note, the 10U, 12U and 14U T2 teams will be determined after evaluations. If your player is selected and accepts the invitation for this team, there will be an extra fee of $200 due upon confirmation.  See more details below.

PAYMENT PLAN SCHEDULE

* Registration fee is non-refundable; Any Add-On fees (game jerseys, game socks, skills sessions) will be charged at time of registration

** Acceptance Fee for T2 will be charged on an individual basis by invitation only

We appreciate all those who support Essex Youth Hockey, and we look forward to seeing you on the ice again this season.

Sincerely,

The EYHA Board of Directors

REGISTRATION PROCESS

Registration is a two-step process.  Please follow the directions listed below. 

Step 1 - Go to the USA Hockey website http://www.usahockeyregistration.com and register your player(s). USA Hockey / VSAHA fees vary by birth year. Remember to save your confirmation number, you will need it for Step 2 of the registration process. 

This is a sample confirmation number from the USA Hockey registration system.

Confirmation #: 218502129PLAYR

Step 2 - Please review all the information above before continuing to the EYHA registration link below.

https://essexyouthhockey.sportngin.com/register/form/629221348

Contact the EYHA Registrar with any questions or registration issues.

PARTNERSHIP WITH ELEV802

EYHA is excited to partner with Elev802 for this coming season. Elev802 is opening a new, larger facility on Shelburne Road that our travel teams will have the opportunity to utilize. Throughout the season, approximately twice per month, each of our 10U-14U travel teams have a team practice at the Shelburne facility coached by Torrey Mitchell and the Elev802 staff. There is no additional cost for our players to attend these sessions as they are included in EYHA season registration fees. This model of supplementing our team practices with high-quality skills instruction is part of the long-term development of EYHA players.

TWO (2) TOURNAMENT FEES INCLUDED

This season, registration fees will cover 2 tournaments for all Travel teams. Additional tournament opportunities are available at the discretion of (and paid for by) each individual Travel team.