July Edition - What's Going On?

While you're enjoying the summer, please check in to keep up with what's going on between now and September.

School Committee Meeting
Members of the MYHA board met in June with Dr. Whitten and learned that the school district has committed to major improvements to the ice rink this summer.
The facility will benefit from:

• new cooling towers
• new condensors
• new dehumidifiers
• new rubber floor surface
• remodeled restrooms
• major overhaul of Zamboni
• refurbished door hardware and rink boards
• new scoreboards
• complete repainting of entire facility

You can look forward to a much improved rink environment next year. The improvements are intended to keep the ice consistently in top condition. MYHA is also committed to improving the management and selection offered at the concession stand. These changes should all combine to transform our rink into a facility we'll be proud to call home.

Dates to Remember
Key events that are occuring over the summer:

• July 30 - Aug 2: TSR Tent Sale, Salem NH
• Aug 8 - Aug 9 : All Day Power Play 24-Hour Hockey Marathon, Hudson, NH
• Aug 22 : MYHA Equipment Swap Meet, Methuen, MA

Keep checking the website for more information. Have a great summer!

MYHA tuition policy explained

In an ideal world we would hold tryouts in August and start collecting tuition as soon as a skater was placed on a team. But in reality our ice rink is closed in the summmer, which is when our seasonal bills need to be paid. For this reason, MYHA holds tryouts in early April and places skaters on teams by the end of the month. This system allows us to collect tuition and pay bills before the season starts in September.

The exact tuition for next season is undetermined because we are still working with our major providers to finalize our costs. In general, the tuition is determined by calculating several key elements:

• Cost of Valley League participation
• Cost of bi-weekly practice ice
• Cost of socks and two jerseys
• Cost of skills for skaters and goalies
• Cost of association administration
• Offset income from seasonal fundraiser or contributions
• Total amount of expenses divided by total number of skaters

Until the exact number is resolved, families can use the estimate of $1700 that was specified on the registration agreement.

50% of tuition (estimated $850) is due by Sept 1 2009.

If full payment is made by Dec 1 2009, a $300 discount will be awarded ($225 for buzzer team).

While this information may not make it easier to make a payment, it will hopefully make it easier to understand how and why our tuition policy is organized.

Tuition installments may be paid on account at any time over the summer by contacting the treasurer. For more information email clerk@myha.com or contact any board member.

Non-voting board positions available

Volunteering helps keep our organization going strong. There are several non-voting board positions open for this season:

• Concession Stand Manager
• Tournament Director
• Fundraising Director
• ACE Coordinator
• Equipment Manager
• Learn-to-Skate Clinic Director
• Cross-Ice Director
• Head of Referees
• Town Liaison
• Sponsor Coordinator
• Ice Scheduler
• Valley Leage Representative
• USA Hockey Representative
• Webmaster

Positions run from May 2009 through April 2010.
Appointment is subject to approval by the voting members of the board.
The board will determine an appointee if multiple candidates apply for any one position.

For more information email clerk@myha.com or contact any board member.

Team Jersey Fittings

Team jersey fittings will be taking place immediately after Memorial day, from Tuesday May 26 through Friday May 29 at TSR Hockey in Salem, NH.
All skaters must appear in person to have their jersey sized correctly. Skaters will be able to choose their jersey numbers, within a team range, on a first-come-first-served basis. The 1 team will have numbers 1-15, the 2 team numbers 16-30, etc.
Please be aware of three other important reminders:

• all skaters must register online at http://www.usahockeyregistration.com/ before they can step on the ice
• you chose or pay in a bulk payment, but please plan accordingly – this deadline will be strictly enforced
• please visit our website regularly throughout the summer and be sure to register your email address at the bottom of the page. This will ensure that you receive regular updates, schedules, and announcements throughout the summer and season.

Thanks very much for your cooperation. Please contact your coach, age-level coordinator, or any board member with questions.

End-of-Summer Clinic

click image for pdf file.

2nd Annual All-Day Power Play set for Aug 8-9

The date has been set for the second annual All-Day Power Play Hockey marathon to benefit the Nashua Childrens Home. This event raised over $25,000 last year and was enjoyed by players and specatators.

For more information about donations, sponsorship, or participation please contact Mike Foreman at 978-257-0486 or visit the website at www.alldaypowerplay.net Remember – if you want something done right, ask a hockey player!

Register early with USA Hockey

Registration with USA Hockey begins on May 1. All coaches and player must be registered for the 2009/2010 season before stepping on the ice. This includes LTS clinic and Cross-Ice.

This process is handled on-line at http://www.usahockeyregistration.com/ - send a copy of your confirmation email to clerk@myha.com or mail a printed copy to MYHA, PO Box 431, Methuen, MA 01844, attn: Registrar.