For More Information, Contact:

Bob Arturo
Director of Hockey
Island Sports Center

arturo@rmuislandsports.org
412.397.4456
Island Sports Center 001

Spring Island Colonials League

Ages 7-11 years old (Born 1997-2001)

(Children who this fall 2008 will be playing major mite level or above.)
Thursdays, April 3rd - May 29th
This league provides youngsters who have participated in Learn to Play Hockey or another developmental program the opportunity to enhance their game skills in a structured learning environment. All players must be registered with USA Hockey.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Week one begins with a practice on the InLine rink, where children are walked through basic team concepts such as offsides, icing and defensive zone responsibilities. Players should dress in all equipment except for their skates while in the InLine rink. Please wear tennis shoes.

After 65 minutes, children lace on the skates and run through the same drills on the ice.

Week two includes instruction both inside and outside. We begin with a brief review of week one, then move on to offensive zone responsibilities, including forechecking and the offensive triangle.

Weeks 3-5 children play controlled scrimmages with coach Bob Arturo or Blaine Buterbaugh on the ice for using the overhead microphone to instruct the children as they play. Beginning week six, three games are played using the parity system which employs a two-minute clock to guarantee equal ice time, also ensures that children are playing with and against others of equal age and ability.

Other aspects of the league which help foster a positive learning environment:

• A coach is on the ice to help children with positional play.
• Children play a new position each week, exposing them to a basic understanding of all positions.
• Children do not change ends of the ice to further simplify the positional play learning process.
• No score is kept.
• During the 3 games we have an official on the ice to call icing, offsides and penalties. However, when a player receives a penalty, he/she serves the time for the remainder of their shift, but the team substitutes another skater and continues to play full strength.
• The on-ice official also serves a teacher for the youngsters and talks with the children during games.

USA HOCKEY MEMBERSHIP

All players must be registered with USA Hockey for the 2007-2008 season. Those who have not registered must do so. Those born 2000 or earlier must pay the $35 membership fee.

FEE:
$109 which includes a jersey.
Maximum 30 players

Schedule
All classes are on Thursdays

Eligibility
To play in this program you must meet one of the following qualifications:

• Have played in a house league or developmental league this past year.
• Have passed the Hockey 2 test here at RMU Island Sports Center
• Have passed the Hockey 1 test here at RMU Island Sports Center AND be enrolled in Hockey 2.
• Have played in a Learn to Play hockey program at another facility and have the skills to pass the Hockey 2 test here at RMU Island Sports Center. Such players should contact Bob Arturo at 412-269-4456 to determine if they have the proper skills to play in the league.