Melrose Youth Hockey

Instructional Programs
2006-2007 Season

Skaters interested in participating in these programs are strongly encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start time of the program of interest in order to register.

Please click on the appropriate link below in order to review additional information and requirements for each of the programs offered.

Learn-to-Skate
Learn-to-Play Hockey
Mite Instructional League (in-house)

Melrose Youth Hockey Instructional Programs
2006-2007 Season Program Fact Sheets

Program Objective:  The Melrose Youth Hockey Mite Instructional Program provides the opportunity for Mite age players (8 yrs old and under) who are at a beginner or intermediate level (1-2 yrs hockey playing experience) to learn the basics of the game in a relaxed and fun environment.  The program focuses on basic skill development, fundamentals and knowledge of the game.  Coaches emphasize proper skating, puck handling and passing techniques using both specific drills and scrimmage sessions.  Players in this program also participate in games against teams at the same level from surrounding cities and towns in the MWM Instructional League.  The program also utilizes “cross ice” games in the early stages of the season to speed up the player’s development.

 Program Frequency/Duration: The Mite Instructional Program runs from early November until the closing of the Flynn Rink (usually mid-March or approximately 18-20 weeks).  Practice sessions are held every Saturday (except for holidays and/or special events) at 9:00AM.  Instructional League games are held every Sunday morning with games scheduled at 7AM, 8AM, 9AM or 10AM.  An Instructional league or “buzzer hockey” approach is used.  All practice sessions and games are held at the Flynn Rink.

 Program Requirements: It is strongly recommended any player wishing to participate in the Mite Instructional League first complete at least one (1) year in the Learn-To-Skate Program and one (1) year in the Learn-To-Play Hockey Program. 

 Any player participating in the Mite Instructional Program MUST be fully equipped.  This includes properly fitted skates, shin guards, socks and garter, hockey pants, protective cup and supporter, elbow pads, shoulder pads, hockey jersey (game shirts provided by MYH), hockey gloves, hockey stick and properly fitted HECC certified hockey helmet with face mask or shield.   Mouthpieces and neck guards are also strongly recommended.

 Evaluation/Player Assessment: Instructional coaches, in collaboration with the MYH Board of Directors, will evaluate and assess each player at the start of the program.  If it is determined a player’s skill set is not adequately developed to participate in the Mite Instructional Program the player may be requested to return to the Learn-To-Play Hockey Program.

 Program Cost: The cost of the Learn-To-Play Hockey Program is $400.  Assuming the program runs for at least 18 weeks, this averages out to approximately $10.50 per session!

 Melrose Youth Hockey extends a two-week grace period to all players and parents to “try out” the program to help confirm their player’s interest.  No payment is required during this period.

Program Objective:  The Melrose Youth Hockey Learn-To-Play Hockey Program provides the opportunity for hockey players at the beginner level to learn the basics of the game in a relaxed, non-competitive environment.  The program focuses on basic skill development and knowledge of the game.  Instructors emphasize proper skating, puck handling and passing techniques using both specific drills and scrimmage sessions.

 Program Frequency/Duration: The Learn-To-Play Hockey Program runs from early November until the closing of the Flynn Rink (usually mid-March or approximately 18-20 weeks).  Sessions are held every Saturday (except for holidays and/or special events) at 10:00AM.  All sessions are held at the Flynn Rink.

 Program Requirements: It is strongly recommended any player wishing to participate in the Learn-To-Play Hockey Program first complete at least one (1) year in the Learn-To-Skate Program. 

 Any player participating in the Learn-To-Play Hockey Program MUST be fully equipped.  This includes properly fitted skates, shin guards, socks and garter, hockey pants, protective cup and supporter, elbow pads, shoulder pads, hockey jersey (provided by MYH), hockey gloves, hockey stick and properly fitted HECC certified hockey helmet with face mask or shield.   Mouthpieces and neck guards are also strongly recommended.

Evaluation/Player Assessment: Program Instructors, in collaboration with the MYH Board of Directors, will evaluate and assess each player at the start of the program.  If it is determined a player’s skill set is not adequately developed to participate in the Learn-To-Play Hockey Program the player may be requested to return to the Learn-To-Skate Program or other developmental program.

 Program Cost: The cost of the Learn-To-Play Hockey Program is $175.  Assuming the program runs for at least 18 weeks, this averages out to approximately $10.00 per session! 

Melrose Youth Hockey extends a two-week grace period to all players and parents to “try out” the program to help confirm their player’s interest.  No payment is required during this period.

 Program Objective:  The Melrose Youth Hockey Learn-To-Skate Program provides the opportunity for children interested in skating to learn the basics of how to skate in a relaxed and fun environment.  The program focuses on basic skating skills, the skating stride, starting and stopping, how to get up from a fall, etc.  Milk crates are used for the first 3-4 weeks of the program until a skater’s balance and ability improves.  Instructors work towards slowly moving the skaters off the crates and encourage free skating without the aid of the training tool.

 Program Frequency/Duration: The Learn-To-Skate Program runs from early November until the closing of the Flynn Rink (usually mid-March or approximately 18-20 weeks).  Sessions are held every Saturday (except for holidays and/or special events) at 11:00AM.  All sessions are held at the Flynn Rink.

Program Requirements: This is a beginner level program – no previous experience is required.

Any player participating in the Learn-To-Skate Program MUST be equipped as follows:  properly fitted skates, shin guards (or knee pads), elbow pads, jersey (provided by MYH), gloves (either hockey gloves or regular winter gloves), and properly fitted helmet.   MYH recommends a HECC certified, hockey-type helmet for skaters participating in this program.

Evaluation/Player Assessment: This is a beginner level program  - no evaluations or assessments are done.  However, recommendations may be made to move a skater to the Learn-To-Play Hockey Program if it is determined the skater’s skill level is adequate and there is an interest in playing hockey. 

Program Cost: The cost of the Learn-To-Skate Program is $150.  Assuming the program runs for at least 18 weeks, this averages out to approximately $8.00 per session!