Hello Everyone
We are currently working to finalize our Initiation Program (U7) for the development phase (phase I) of our 2020/2021 hockey season. I know many of you have questions and I hope this update will provide some clarity. Please always check the Bandits website for up to date information as well as Return to Play Protocols as things are happening and changing fast.
Season Format:
The program will commence Saturday October 17th and will run until December 19th. Team schedules will be available in early October.
Phase 1 will all be at Nichols arena and rotating times of 8am to 12 pm. We are likely going to have to put a cap on registration to 100 so if you know anyone that is waiting or holding off please ask them to register.
Additional information regarding phase II (January – March) will be provided as it becomes available.
In phase I, players will be on the ice once per week. This is different than previous seasons and has to do with restrictions on the number of players permitted on the ice.
During phase I – teams will be assigned mostly based on age as we will not be able to run evaluations to be able to determine the skill and ability of each player. Player movement (from one group to another) could occur in the first two weeks.
We are currently permitted a maximum of 20 skaters and 5 coaches on the ice
One parent / guardian will be permitted to stay and watch in a designated viewing area as of October 19th.
Coaches / Helpers
For those that have helped with the program in the past… Thank-you! As you know, teaching our young players the sport of hockey is challenging and rewarding and we want to ensure that our players get the most out of their experience. To do this effectively, we need coaches and on-ice helpers! We are currently very light on the amount of coaches we have. Please consider helping if you can. We will provide you the necessary information to be permitted to come on the ice. We are permitted 5 coaches per ice time – so please let me know if you are available to help. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions regarding the IP Program.
Sincerely, Kevin Caulfield – Initiation Program Convenor ( [email protected])