Masco Hockey
Development: Year 1
Beginning hockey players enter MYH through the developmental program. This program consists of three instructional sessions that take place during one hockey season. The developmental program kicks off in the fall with Learn to Skate (LTS) and Intro to Hockey (ITH). ITH gets kids into full hockey equipment for the first time. The third session is called Spring Challenge (SC). Each developmental program runs for eight weeks on either Saturday or Sunday afternoons. LTS and ITH begins in September and the SC begins in April. Sessions do fill up so be sure to sign up early.
Learn to Skate (LTS)
The LTS program runs for eight weeks beginning in early October and is held on Saturday mornings. LTS is open to all Tri-Town children ages four through eight who have little or no skating experience. Children younger than age four are welcome to participate in the LTS program as long as they have a parent or guardian that is available for constant and direct supervision. Beginning skating skills are taught through fun and games in order to capture and retain the children’s attention and concentration.
Equipment requirements:
- Helmet - Children must wear a helmet at all times on the ice. An HECC approved hockey helmet is preferred but bike and ski helmets are acceptable.
- Skates – Make sure they fit, are sharp and are tied properly. Skates run about 1 size smaller than your shoe size. Sharp edges will help your child turn better. Skates that are tied too tight will hurt while skates that are tied too loose can lead to injury.
- Gloves – A good pair of gloves are a must. Knee/Elbow Pads & Hockey/Ski Pants – These are strongly recommended as the ice is a hard surface.
Introduction to Hockey (ITH)
For those who want to continue on with the second developmental program MYH offers ITH. ITH runs for eight weeks beginning in September and is held on Saturday mornings. ITH puts children into full hockey equipment and exposes them to the game of hockey for the very first time. The ITH program will begin to teach children the fundamentals of hockey. Skill development is common theme throughout the MYH program but it begins with ITH. Skating, stick handling, passing and shooting are taught and small area games are played. Each session is taught in a positive atmosphere where the emphasis is placed on FUN.
Equipment requirements:
- Helmet - An HECC approved hockey helmet with full facemask.
- Stick – An ice hockey stick (not a street hockey stick).
- Skates – Make sure they fit, are sharp and are tied properly. Skates run about 1 size smaller than your shoe size. Sharp edges will help your child turn better. Skates that are tied too tight will hurt while skates that are tied too loose can lead to injury.
- Hockey Gloves
- Shin/Elbow Pads – Soccer shin guards are acceptable but not recommended)
- Shoulder Pads
- Hockey Pants
- Groin Area Protector
Session 3: Spring Challenge (SC)
For those players who just can’t get enough hockey, MYH offers the Spring Challenge. Spring Challenge runs for eight weeks beginning in April and is held on either Saturday or Sunday afternoons. Spring Challenge continues to build on what was learned in Intro to Hockey. Spring Challenge concentrates on preparing your child for the next level of hockey and helps parents to decide if their child is ready to graduate to MYH’s Mite Development. The equipment requirements for the Spring Challenge are the same as Intro to Hockey. Upon the successful completion of Learn to Skate and Intro to Hockey, players advance to Mite Development the following season. Note that players are not required to participate in the Spring Challenge in order to be eligible for Mite Development the following year.