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The Newark Adult Hockey League’s new season kicks off on Tuesday, October 6th. As always, valid USA Hockey membership is a prerequisite.
Click on the “Register Online” section, then go down to the bottom and hit the “Register” button for the correct 2009 Fall Men’s League (be sure to choose Full time or part time correctly). If you register and pay online, you are completely set. No paperwork is necessary.
Fees: Costs have only gone up $10 for the full time skater. Fees are now $185 for 12 games. Part-time skaters (6 games) pay $100. Team subs pay $18 per game (paid at game time) for up to four games. GOALIES FEES HAVE BEEN DISCOUNTED. Full time goalies now pay a reduced fee of $120. Part-timers pay only $60.
Please sign up as soon as possible. At the very least, please notify me or your team captain of your intent to return. We need to make sure all teams have full rosters before we begin. It is difficult to put teams on the ice unless we know who is joining.
Draft Pool. A growing number of players have asked to mix up the teams. The idea is to encourage new friendships and rebalance the teams for competitiveness. Others, however, are perfectly happy playing where they are. In order to accommodate the wishes of everyone, we have instituted a completely voluntary “draft pool.” You can place your name in the pool by simply checking the “yes” box on your registration or by telling me or your team captain of your intent. By placing your name in the pool, you may end up on any team. Because we do not have an endless supply of uniforms, you will be asked to surrender your old uniform to your team captain or provide a similar one for the player who takes your old spot. This will also allow your new team to provide you with a free uniform.
I strongly encourage anybody who’s looking for a change and a chance to make new friends to volunteer for the draft pool. Again, no one will be forced into the draft pool. No one should feel “guilty” about leaving their current team and joining the pool, either. I agree that it is best for the league to mix up a certain percentage of players each session to avoid a stale league. The draft pool will be offered at the beginning of the season and between fall and spring sessions. I need to know by Friday, October 2nd if you wish to be in the pool so that the team captains can meet and make selections.
Beginner/D-level play. Ultimately, our goal is to split this league into two divisions: a beginner/D level and a C level. We do not have the numbers currently to do this. However, we still have a great need to develop adult players who are less experienced or completely new to hockey. I would like to work with the Lou & Gib Reese Arena to offer a beginner/D player “drop-in” at the same time every week. Possible times are Sunday nights or Monday nights after 9 PM. I envision an 80 minute session with the first 30-40 minutes devoted to hockey instruction provided by NIHA coaches, and then 40-50 minutes of a scrimmage game. Cost would be $10 or $12 per session. You do not have to pay unless you show up that week. I would like to approach the rink with this proposal, but need to know if enough are interested in doing this. E-mail me if you are interested. I need at least 20 who would like to do it.
October 4th “Kick off” get-together. We will have a get together Sunday night beginning 9:30 PM, October 4th at the Grill on 21st Street. The current 3on3 session is ending that evening, and there should be a bunch of players there. Show up and kick off the new season of full ice hockey as well.
Message from the President. Dave Mead, President of NIHA, would like for you to be aware of two upcoming NIHA functions. One is a raffle ticket sale at Nationwide Arena during the October 30th game against the Penguins. 50 volunteers are needed for this event. It is a fundraiser for the youth players of Newark. The other event is “Hockey Night in Columbus” at the Saturday, November 7th gave vs. Carolina. Information to both events can be found at the website: www.newarkhockey.com.
Looking forward to seeing you on the ice on October 6th!
Jeff
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