Skylands Ice World

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What is the objective of HHS?
Hockey Head Start aims to take young boys and girls, 8 and under, from the level of beginner skater to a hockey player who has basic hockey skills and is ready to move up to the next level (Skylands Development League - SDL). HHS also hopes to expose as many kids as possible to the fun and enjoyment associated with skating and playing hockey.

Are there minimum requirements for HHS?
HHS is for kids with minimal skating experience. It is requested that skaters signing up for HHS be able to move around on the ice mostly unassisted. If it is a skater's first time ever on the ice and he/she needs more individualized attention to learn skating basics, then he/she should sign up for a Learn to Skate - Hockey class. The Learn to Skate Hockey Program runs on Wed 6:40pm & Sat 12:40pm. For more information go to the "Learn to Skate" page. The only other requirements are that skaters have all the right equipment and a desire to learn to skate and play hockey.

What skills are taught?
The HHS program focuses on four different skill sets. Each skill set is focused on twice during the 10 week practices with all drills related in some way to that skill. The skills are forward skating, getting up/ hockey position, stops-starts-turns, and backward skating.

Why are there Tuesday and Saturday practices? (during Fall & Winter 2 only )
In order to meet the needs of families that have multiple kids, or kids participating in multiple sports and activities, HHS has decided to offer an additional practice option on Tuesday evenings. Each day will follow the same practice plan for the week and run the same drills. Skaters are allowed to sign up for one or both of the practice days. Skaters are not allowed to skate unless they are signed up for that specific day. There are no make up sessions or transfers for missed practices due to player absence or inclement weather.

How is the HHS practice run?
HHS uses the stations concept for its practices. This allows the coaches to focus on a smaller group of kids at a single time. Skaters also get more repetitions at each drill with less time spent standing around. The practice is broken into a few components. Warm up and full ice skating drills; skill stations each focusing on stick-handling, passing, shooting, or a fun game; cross-ice scrimmage.

Who are the HHS coaches?
Hockey Head Start is coordinated and run by Tim Shea. Many coaches from all capacities at the rink volunteer their time and knowledge each week to help young skaters begin their hockey careers. There are town team coaches, travel hockey coaches, as well as interested, capable parents. Also, coaches from the Learn to Skate program are on the ice (Saturdays) to help those who still need a little more skating instruction.

What happens at the first practice of the season?
Skaters that show up for the first practice of each season will receive an evaluation jersey. Coaches will use the practice time to quickly evaluate skaters. After the evaluations, players will return their jerseys. When players return the following week, they will receive their appropriate jersey color for the season. The different jersey colors are used on the ice by coaches to split the players up into balanced groups or teams depending on the drill, game or scrimmage.

What happens at the end of each season?
The last practice of each season is dedicated to a scrimmage. Players will run through a quick skating warm up and then spend the rest of their time on the ice scrimmaging. Afterward, there will be an on-ice graduation ceremony where players will receive a certificate and medal.

How do I know if my skater is ready to move up to the next level?
Moving up to the Skylands Development League (SDL) is a judgment call that is ultimately made by the parents. Coaches are always available before or after practices to discuss whether or not they think a skater is ready to move up. The best way to figure it out is to ask a coach to watch your skater before they get on the ice. Then, after practice, meet with the coach and get his/her thoughts.