Travel Teams

After two years in the developmental program it’s finally time to play some real games. Travel team tryouts are held each March and player Contracts are sent out in April. MYH typically has around 8-15 travel teams for mites, squirts, pee wees, bantams and lady chieftains. The co-ed teams play in the Valley League, while our all-girls teams play in the Middlesex Yankee Girls League. The season typically begins after Labor Day and ends in late March to mid-April. An average week for a travel team player consists of two weekday practices, a weekday skills practice and a weekend game. MYH primarily holds practices at the Essex Sports Center Rink (Middleton). Some teams may practice at other nearby rinks such as Haverhill Valley Forum or Overtime Rink. Travel teams are entered into their respective leagues according to their experience and skill level. Adjustments are made through parity to ensure that divisions are balanced. Games are generally scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays although weeknight games are common for older players. Games are played at a number of rinks on the north shore.

Skill Development

MYH is committed to developing player skills. There are several ways in which this is accomplished. One of the ways in which we develop a players ability is through a “skills program” that is run by outside professionals at the Mite, Squirt, Pee Wee and Bantam levels. Skills will typically cover one of the following: edge control, balance, stopping & starting, acceleration, pivots, crossovers, stick handling, shooting and 1-on-1 battles. Practices and games further reinforce skill development through repetition and positional play.  

Travel Tournaments & Local Tournaments

Most teams at the Mite level and above will play in one or more tournaments during the course of the season. These tournaments include the Can-Am tournament held in Lake Placid, NY, and the Deep Freeze tournament held in Waterville, ME. Individual MYH travel teams also enter into local tournaments as they see fit. Tournament fees are additional to the annual tuition fee. The tournaments usually consist of round-robin play leading up to a championship game.