Sep 13, 2015 | EGMHA Webmaster (JM) | 1546 views
Tyke Hockey Opening Weekend
Our hockey season starts this coming weekend (Sept 19 & 20th), and below you will find the info you need below for our opening weekend.
About the Tyke Program:
Please note that the Tyke Division is still in need of a Convener for this season! If you are interested please contact
Chris Nesbitt (VP House League) as soon as possible.
At this level skill development is the primary focus for our players. While the Tyke Convener will be running the off-ice portion of the Tyke Program, Al Whittaker will be organizing the on-ice portion of the program. He has been involved in the Tyke Program for a number of years and really works well with the players. Each week there will be 4-5 stations (that focus on a various skill sets) that the players rotate through.
The second weekend of hockey, there will be a parents meeting during your child's ice time to discuss the program and answer any questions you may have.
Schedule:
When you come to the rink please come to the table that is set up in the front lobby to check in and receive your child's name tag. Evaluations will be taking place during the hour to ensure your child will be placed in the correct grouping to further enhance his/her skills throughout the 2015/16 season.
We will be on the West Rink at the East Gwillimbury Sports Complex.
Our ice times this weekend are on Saturday (Sept 19th) and Sunday (Sept 20th) from 12:00 to 2:00 pm. We will be touch later in the week for which hour your child is assigned to, we are just waiting for registration to close so that we can split the Tykes into two even groups.
Since the change rooms have limited space it is recommended that one parent/guardian assist your child at a time.
Please note, we request that once the session has started that parents DO NOT open the doors to the rink when the players are on the ice. The coaching staff will address every child's need(s) and they will notify you if he/she needs your assistance.
Equipment:
Please be reminded that for insurance purposes it is mandatory that each player be in full hockey protective equipment, this also includes a neck guard, mouth guard and a helmet with a cage. Until the teams have been, then your child will also require hockey socks and jersey (if this is a problem for new players please let Chris Nesbitt, VP House League know).
You should also bring a labelled water bottled for your child. All water bottles should be placed on the inside of the glass so your child can get a drink when necessary. This will limit the number of distractions on the ice and your child will learn to become more independent and learn to rely on the coaching staff more
Mouth Guard Clinic:
There will be a company will be on site in the Arena to make custom fitted mouth guards for any player who may want to purchase this very necessary safety equipment. Players must have a properly fitting mouth guard to go on the Ice. This service will run throughout the day on Saturday the 19th and Sunday 20th. Prices for the custom mouth guard will vary, but based on my previous experience you are usually looking at the $40 to $60 price range.
Respect in Sport:
‘Respect in Hockey’ is a concept that receives considerable attention in both minor hockey and in community sport. The Ontario Minor Hockey Association is committed to the prevention of abuse, bullying and harassment, and the education of our membership.
The ‘Respect in Hockey’ initiative requires all Team Officials, On-ice Volunteers, On-Ice Officials and Parents to take the appropriate ‘Respect’ education. At least one parent or guardian of each player registered in minor hockey in the OMHA will be required to complete the Respect in Sport - Parent Program as a condition of participation. The one-hour online course is a proactive, educational program that empowers parents with the tools to ensure the game is enjoyable and respectful for themselves, their children and all other stakeholders in the game.
Please note, that your child will not be able to go on the ice if this course hasn't been completed by a parent. If you completed the course last season, you are not required to do so again. Instructions on how to take this course can be found here.
Tykes born in 2009:
Some parents have inquired about their child playing up in the Novice division this year. If you are a parent that has not yet requested this then please let Chris know so we can ensure the appropriate evaluations are completed. Your child would need to come out to the Saturday Tyke session where the coaches will do a skating assessment to determine if they are strong enough to try the Novice evaluation session on Sunday. If they are, then your child would come out to a Sunday Novice ice time where the Novice coaches will do a second assessment to evaluate whether they think your child is ready to play up this year. You should know by Sunday evening what the outcome of the assessment is. If they are moved up to Novice, then EGMHA Registrar will be in touch regarding the difference in registration as it does cost more to play in the Novice Division. As well, if the Novices coaches feel that your child is not quite ready for a full season of Novice, then they will play the season with the Tyke Division but we can try and get them to fill in when a Novice team is short players so they can try it out.
Have a great opening weekend!!!