Parents, Players, and Friends of Euclid Hockey:
It seems hard to believe but it's been well over a month since the majority of our players have been on the ice. Moving on to different sports, seasons, events, and activities most families haven't even been able to even enjoy an off-season or even a period of rest. Bumping into many of our players they are quick to mention that they miss "hitting the ice" and the camaraderie of spending time with their hockey teammates. With that spirit of camaraderie, I wanted to send along a message recapping not only last season but to let you know that we are working on items for next season.
The 2010-11 season was one of incredible growth for EYHA. In addition to nearly doubling the amount of players in the 8 and under category, EYHA also offered for the first time in memory an 18 and Under team that participated in post high-school spring tournaments. The majority of our teams also had success on the ice, including the addition of two CSHL Championship banners to the C.E. Orr rafters. Banners, while nice, are not the only barometer for measuring success of the program. Nearly every EYHA team either earned spots in the play-offs or were in contention to qualify through the last week of the season. Player growth also continued as the majority of players from all of our teams either played at the same level as 2009-10 or stepped up to a higher age group and/or CSHL division. In 2010-11 we continued our partnership with Cleveland Heights at the Bantam age group; helping to continue the hockey experience for players at the Bantam age group as well as keeping several of them together throughout their EYHA career.
The growth in the 8 and under age group offers great optimism to the future of youth hockey in Euclid. Just a little over 5 years ago EYHA began the "Cross Ice" program when projected numbers for the Mite program had dwindled to approximately 10 players in our 8 and under age group. At the conclusion of this season, and after many years of hard work and participation from the community, our final numbers for this season included over 50 players (roughly ½ of our program) in the 8 and under category. This of course is a great sign that our program is growing and moving in the right direction for the future.
Currently, we are in the process of working on both organizational and team plans for the upcoming season. Over the past 2 months we have been meeting with Coaching candidates, forecasting team and age group breakdowns, planning out ice schedules, and familiarizing ourselves with possible USA Hockey rule changes that may impact the upcoming season. Over the next few weeks we expect that many questions will be answered as we prepare for the season. In addition, we are currently working on plans for an EYHA Mid-Summer Camp to allow players who are interested to spend a few hours out on the ice with future coaches and teammates. It is my goal to send out periodic information as well as set-up age group meetings to discuss plans for next season and to help get input as we make plans for the different teams and age groups. Over the next few weeks more details and information will be sent to you. In addition, please feel free to check out the EYHA Web Site (www.eyha.net) and Hockey Directors Blog (http://euclidyouthhockey.blogspot.com/) for updates and information.
Finally, we are in the process of trying to find additional coaches for next season. If you are interested in helping out we encourage you to do so. The more coaches we have, the better the experience for all players can be. Even if you have limited skating or hockey experience we could use your help. If you are interested in coaching, or you know anyone else who may be interested in joining our coaching staff for next season please have them contact me via email or phone (216) 404-2525 as soon possible.
Once again, thanks for your interest in Euclid Youth Hockey Association. We are looking forward to the 2011-12 season and with sharing hockey with a new generation of players. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions please let me know.
With best regards,
Rick Kish
Hockey Director
Euclid Youth Hockey
http://www.euclidyouthhockey.com
http://www.eyha.net
EYHA Information Blog: http://euclidyouthhockey.blogspot.com/
eMail: rick.kish@eyha.net
Main Phone: (216) 404-2525 (Text, Mobile, Home)
iPhone: (216) 392-2425
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