Title
Update on Ice Rink Programs
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Los Alamos County Ice Rink - Youth Stick & Puck Program History
Started in November 2009 by Los Alamos Hockey Association (LAHA) Coach Dash Weeks. LAHA requested this low use ice time and provided supervision by volunteer coaches and all equipment (pads, helmets, sticks, pucks).
o Requested program to help build youth participation in hockey.
o Registered LAHA players allowed to use their season pass for stick & puck.
o 2009 - 2018: Non-LAHA paid attendees averaged four to six participants per month (Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb).
- Summer 2018: LAHA requested to discontinue the program and utilize the ice time for practices.
- Fall 2018: Email received from a LAHA parent requesting the return of Youth Stick and Puck at the Los Alamos Ice Rink.
o During the current season I have been approached by a community member who has requested the same as they were going to bring their children.
o I have also been approached by a couple LAHA players who miss this unstructured ice time.
o Have spoken with all concerned that we are looking into what other programs are doing across the program and what it could take to bring back as a County program.
Reviewing other Youth Stick and Puck programs across the Country:
Stick and Puck is an opportunity for youth to practice hockey skills in an open ice environment. All participants must have a signed waiver (parental consent and signature needed if under 18 years of age) before entering ice.
• Each player must have their own helmet, skates, gloves and stick.
• Helmets MUST be worn at all times (helmets should be USA Hockey approved)
• Full face shields are strongly recommended
• There are to be no small/full ice games/scrimmages or goalies
• Be aware of those around you when shooting/skating for a puck
• Fighting and horseplay are not tolerated
• No private lessons, organized practices
• No slap shots
Most programs are loosely supervised, like Open Gym sessions, that allow players to practice skating and puck handling. (The Pond, Chagrin Falls, OH; Flint Iceland Arenas, Flint, MI; Big Bear Ice Arena, Denver, CO).
- All charge a fee, between $6.00 - $12 per person for each session. Hockey season passes are not accepted. Only punch passes for Youth Stick & Puck.
- Per my contact at USA Hockey, their facilities in Michigan required a staff member on the ice during youth stick and puck.
- Some Youth Stick and Puck programs separate players by ages and school level.
o 10 & Under
o Grade 8 & Below
o 9th - 12th Grade
Some require pre-registration and limit the number of youth on the ice.