Boston Bruins Alumni Game - Sat Feb 6

The MYHA coaches will host the Boston Bruins Alumni on Saturday Feb 6 at 4:00PM.

Tickets are $10 for all ages. Half-price tickets to any child currently on an MYHA roster. Bruins will be available for photos and autographs during period break. Lots of raffles and a collectibles auction.

For more information or if you wish to volunteer to help or contribute, contact Tanya Labelle at clerk@myha.com


Printable Version

Half-Season LTS Starts Now

Our popular Learn-to-Skate program is accepting applications for the 2010 Half-Season. Classes will run from January through mid-April.

For more information contact Tanya Labelle at clerk@myha.com

Printable Version

LTS Cancelled Due to Weather

LTS CANCELLED SUNDAY JAN 3
The clinic is cancelled today due to weather. At this time, afternoon games and evening Adult LTS are still on.
Please continue to check this website for updates. Thank you.

Best Wishes for the Holidays

Here's wishing you a safe and joyous holiday season!


Printable Version

MYHA Offers Adult Learn-to-Skate Classes

Classes start Sunday Jan 3 at 9:00PM

• Every Sunday night in January
• $45 per skater
• Register at rink on Jan 3 at 8:00PM
• Helmet and USAH registration required
• USAH-certified and experienced coaching staff

Registration form is available in the Posting section.

Another 5-week session will start on Sunday Feb 28 at 8:20AM and run every Sunday morning in March.

Email Tanya Labelle at clerk@myha.com for more info.

Week 4-5 Calendar Winners

Week 4-5 Calendar winners - selected at Skills Session:

• Dec 22 = Mike Bouchard
• Dec 23 = Nicholas Jurovich
• Dec 24 = Letourneau Family
• Dec 25 = Paul Griskevich
• Dec 26 = Dennis Cashell
• Dec 27 = Maria Shields
• Dec 28 = Tom Couture
• Dec 29 = Bill Stuart
• Dec 30 = Steve Aleska
• Dec 31 = Mike Earley

Thank you to everyone who participated!

MHS Rink Closed - 12/20 ALL DAY

RINK CLOSED SUNDAY DEC 20 ALL DAY!

The MHS rink is closed all day SUNDAY due to weather. All MYHA activities, including afternoon Valley games, are cancelled.

Please continue to check this website for updates. Thank you.

Week 3 Calendar Winners

Week 3 Calendar winners - selected at Skills Session:

• Dec 15 = Leigh Ann Murphy
• Dec 16 = Susan Gifford
• Dec 17 = Kyle Romano
• Dec 18 = Meredith Heathman
• Dec 19 = Samantha Donovan
• Dec 20 = Chris Guay
• Dec 21 = Peter Menzies

The last drawing will be Tuesday Dec 22

Squirt 2 Wins Bruins-SBLI Essay Challenge

Congratulatoins to Charlie Kattar and the coaches and players of the Squirt 2 squad who have won the Boston Bruins-SBLI essay contest!

Over 400 teams registered and over 500,000 votes were tallied, and the 20 teams with the most votes were awarded tickets to the NHL "Winter Classic" being played at Fenway Park on New Years Day!

The topic of the essay was how the Squirt team is similar to the Bruins in terms of work ethic and community service. The Squirts received over 10,000 online votes. On January 1 at Fenway Park they will proudly represent MYHA and (along with the Andover U12 girls) all Merrimack Valley youth hockey.

Thanks to everyone who voted and encouraged friends and family to support the team. Congratulations to the coaches, players, and parents of our Squirt 2 team for working hard, following the rules, and turning in their best effort. Thanks most of all to the Boston Bruins and SBLI for making this all possible!

Have fun at the game and we look forward to hearing your stories and seeing your photos from the 2010 NHA Winter Classic at Fenway Park.

MHS Rink Closed - 12/9

RINK CLOSED WEDNESDAY DEC 9!

The MHS rink is closed today due to weather. All MYHA activities are cancelled.

Please continue to check this website for updates. Thank you.

No Cross Ice on Thursday Dec 10

No Cross Ice this week!

The MHS team has a two-hour scrimmage this week so there is no cross-ice sessions. Practice will be held as scheduled at 8:20.

Cross Ice will be return on Dec 17, but will not run on Dec 24 or Dec 31.

Week 2 Calendar Winners

Week 2 Calendar winners - selected at Skills Session:

• Dec 8 = Mark DeChirico
• Dec 9 = Shirley Dietz
• Dec 10 = Margie Lattini
• Dec 11 = Lisa Mullen
• Dec 12 = Jackie Mothon
• Dec 13 = Toni Mambro
• Dec 14 = Carl + Cheryl Nicolosi
• The next drawing will be done Tuesday Dec 15

Deceember Edition - What's Going On?

2009 is officially in the homestretch. Time to line up resolutions and designated drivers for the end of the month!
Let's take a few minutes to look back and ahead:
Thanksgiving 3-on-3 recap
We had a great turnout and great hockey.

• Methuen teams played in every championship game
• We netted $1000 as fundraiser
• Thanks to Jen and Joe for organizing
• Thanks to all the kids, coaches, and parents for attending

Tuition Reminder
Tuesday Dec 1 is the deadline to qualify for the early-bird discount.
Contact Karen Small at treasurer@myha.com with questions

Cross-Ice starts Thursday Dec 3
Cross-Ice (small-area games) will have two sessions

• 6:00pm session is for non-rostered kids who do not play travel hockey
• 6:00pm session will run on three small rinks playing 4-on-4 or 5-on-5
• 7:10pm session is open for non-rostered kids and rostered Mites and Squirts
• 7:10pm session will run on two half-ice rinks playing 3-on-3 with goalies if available
• Flyers were sent home from schools and can be downloaded from the Postings section

Calendar Fundraiser
Top calendar sales winners:

• Devin Coonradt (84)
• Cameron Stanisewski (50)
• Bryan & Kevin Griskevich (62)
• Winners receive UMass Lowell Riverhawks tickets and an MYHA gift bag

Week 1 Calendar winners - selected at monthly meeting:

• Dec 1 = Lynne O'Neil
• Dec 2 = Kevin Cashell
• Dec 3 = Sharon Flanagan
• Dec 4 = Nick Harris
• Dec 5 = Yvonne Gehring
• Dec 6 = Ernest Perry
• Dec 7 = Margie Lattini
• The next drawing will be done Tuesday Dec 8 at Skills

Happy Holidays from MYHA!

Calendar Fundraiser Deadline Approaching

Calendar Fundraiser forms and money are due by Wednesday Nov 25

Calendar stubs and payments can be dropped off at the rink consession stand or mailed to:

Jennifer Mrozowski
23 Arrowwood Street
Methuen, MA

Important Reminders

With all that's going on, please keep a few dates in mind:

Methuen Santa Parade
We have a new banner and a coordinator for the parade this year!

• Saturday, Nov 21 1:00pm
• Meet at Pelham Street Park& Ride
• Kids and coaches from all teams, LTS, X-Ice invited
• Contact Tony Alfonso at 978-682-8610 or by email to participate

Second half tuition payments due
The second have of the tuition payment is due by December 1 to qualify for the $300 discount.

• Contact Karen Small at treasurer@myha.com for details.
• All tuition payments must be complete by February 1 2010 for players to remain active

Beyond the Rink

• Pictures will be taken at the rink from Sunday Nov 15 - Tues Nov 17. Bring both jerseys with you!
• Cross-Ice starts Thursday Dec 3 at 6:00pm and 7:10pm. See info in download section. Flyers will go to all schools.
• Interested in adult learn-to-skate classes? Send an email to secretary@myha.com and let us know

November Edition - What's Going On?

November already - how did that happen?!

Bruins - MassHockey Free Skate Day
A free one-hour LTS session is being sponsored by the Boston Bruins, MassHockey, and USA Hockey.

• Saturday, Nov 7 11:00-Noon
• Open to all ages
• Bruins giveaways for kids
• Registration at rink or on-line at masshockeyday.com

USAH Level 1 Coaching Clinic at MHS
A Level 1 coaches clinic is scheduled for MHS. This is the first step for anyone planning to become more involved with organized hockey as a coach or teacher.

• Saturday, Nov 7 7:00am-1:30pm at MHS
• Cost is $35
• Register on-line with USA Hockey

Picture Days Scheduled

• Learn-to-Skate clinic = Sunday, Nov 15 9:30am - 11:30am
• Team pictures at regular practices on Monday, Nov 16 - Tuesday, Nov 17
• Team skaters need to bring both game jerseys to practice
• If team skaters cannot attend their practice times, come to LTS on Sunday Nov 15 for individual picture
• Order envelopes available at the concession stand at the rink

Squirt Team Meeting Follow-up
Squirt parents are invited to a follow-up meeting at the rink at 7:00pm to review status of action items set forth on Monday Oct 26 at the general meeting.

Cross-Ice scheduled
Cross-Ice (small-area games) will begin Thursday, December 3 and have two sessions

• 6:00pm session is for non-rostered kids who do not play travel hockey
• 6:00pm session will run on three small rinks playing 4-on-4 or 5-on-5
• 7:10pm session is open for non-rostered kids and rostered skaters up through Peewees
• 7:10pm session will run on two half-ice rinks playing 3-on-3 with goalies if available
• Flyers and more info will be available in a few weeks

Beyond the Rink

• Tuesday Nov 3 is election day - get out and vote!
• MYHA lost a good friend with the passing of Denise Harvey. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Halloween Party Public Skate, Saturday, October 31 10:00am-Noon

The Rink Management is hosting a Halloween public skate party on Saturday Oct 31 from 10:00am - Noon at the Methuen rink.

Come in costume or just come as you are! There are rental skates available if you do not have your own and many fun activities planned.

For more information or if you wish to volunteer to help or contribute, contact Karen Silva at 978-722-6027 or Tanya Labelle at clerk@myha.com


Printable Version

Calendar Fundraiser

Please pick up your Calendar Fundraiser packet in the lobby of the rink Tuesday night during skills practice.
Thank you

October Edition - What's Going On?

Key events for October and beyond:

Learn-to-Skate clinic

• Starts Sunday, Oct 11 at 9:30am and 10:40am
• Preregistration Tues-Thurs at rink from 7:00-8:00pm
• Registration accepted on Sunday - come early
• All skaters need proof of USAH registration
• Parents w/ helmets are welcome to skate with their kids

Bruins - MassHockey Free Skate Day
A free one-hour LTS session is being sponsored by the Boston Bruins, MassHockey, and USA Hockey.

• Open to all ages
• Registration at rink or on-line
• Bruins giveaways for kids
• Saturday, Nov 7 11:00-Noon

USAH Level 1 Coaching Clinic at MHS
A Level 1 coaches clinic is scheduled for MHS. This is the first step for anyone planning to become more involved with organized hockey as a coach or teacher.

• Saturday, Nov 7 7:00am-1:30pm at MHS Auditorium
• Cost is $35
• Register on-line with USA Hockey

Looking Ahead

• Cross Ice: late November or early December
• USA Hockey Weekend Across America - Jan 30 2010
• Bruins Alumni vs MYHA Coaches - February 2010

New MHS Rink webpage
There is a new webpage with information and updates on the rink, including a calendar. Groups looking to rent ice for parties or events can make arrangements online at the rink homepage

Thanksgiving, Friday November 27, 2009 - 3 on 3 Shootout Tournament

Click here to print flyer

September General Meeting - Monday Sept 28 @7:00PM

MYHA board of directors will hold general membership meetings every month throughout the season. The purpose of these meetings is to provide information about policy and planning, upcoming announcements, and to respond to questions or concerns from the membership.

General membership meetings are scheduled for the LAST MONDAY of each month, begining Monday Sept 28 at 7:00pm

Meetings are held in the MHS Cafeteria. Minutes will be posted in the Download section of the website and in the display case at the rink.

Parents are encourage to attend and to participate. It's a long season and there are a lot of developments and activities to keep track of - these meetings are your most direct access to information. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

The 2009-2010 season has begun

Welcome to the 2009-2010 season of MYHA! Over the summer a lot of work has gone on to improve the rink and the administration of the association. Now finally our teams can start to skate. Here are a couple of quick informational items to start the year:

Practice schedules

• monthly schedules will be posted at the rink
• schedules will also be emailed
• send an email to secretary@myha.com to receive monthly schedule email

General membership meetings

• general meetings are on the LAST MONDAY of every month through April 26 2010
• meetings are held in the MHS cafeteria
• first meeting is Monday Sept 28 at 7:00pm

Learn-to-Skate clinics start SUNDAY Oct 11

• LTS will be run on SUNDAYS this season
• Start times are 9:30am and 10:40am
• flyers will be sent from schools in about a week
• signup tables at the rink Oct 6-8 for early registration
• cost stays the same as last year - $125 for a 28-week program

For questions about upcoming events or to volunteer, please contact Tanya Labelle at clerk@myha.com.
Welcome back, everyone - keep your sticks down and your heads up!

MYHA game jerseys distribution #2

MYHA game jerseys and socks will be available for pickup on Tuesday, Sept 1st from 6:30pm - 8pm at Veteran's Park in front of the outdoor rink. Rain or shine.

Skater tuition must be at least 50% current in order to receive a game jersey. Payment will be accepted at the time of distribution.

Please contact your age-level coordinator or the treasurer with any questions. Valley League schedule will be released on Tuesday, Sept 1.

September Edition - What's Going On?

The summer sun has almost set and schools will be open in less than a week. Here's a quick list of what's happening for the month ahead:

Rink Improvements
Work has been done all summer long, getting rink, the machinery, and the whole barn ready for the season.
The people coming to the facility will be able to see the following upgrades:

• 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

Bring a coat and blanket this year - the rink is going to be cold!

Travel Team Updates
Things to keep in mind as the season approaches:

• Turn in your paperwork! This includes USAH registration confirmation, parent/skater code of conduct agreement, medical history and waiver. Hand in to your coach or age-level coordinator or contact clerk@myha.com
• Saturday Aug 29: Game jerseys distributed. If you do not have your jersey, or if you need to bring your tuition current, contact treasurer@myha.com
• Tuesday Sept 1: Valley League schedule will be announced
• Tuesday Sept 15: MHS rink scheduled to open for games and practices

In-House Updates
Things to keep in mind once the rink has opened:

• MYHA General Meetings will be held the LAST MONDAY of every month, starting Monday Sept 28 at 7:00pm at MHS cafeteria.
• Learn-to-Skate clinic will start in early October. Flyers will be sent to all schools.
• Cross-Ice will be scheduled in October/November. Two sessions will be offered this year.
• Team and individual pictures will be scheduled at the rink in early November - including a group photo with every coach, player, board member, and clinic skater!
• Volunteers needed - especially Valley League Coordinator and Equipment Manager.
• Shifts are available to work the concession stand. Hours will be applied to tuition balances.

MYHA game jerseys and socks distribution

MYHA game jerseys and socks will be available for pickup on Saturday, August 29nd from 9am - 11am at MHS Rink in the courtyard in front of the rink. If raining we'll move to the teacher's entrance on the upper parking lot.

Skater tuition must be at least 50% current in order to receive a game jersey. Payment will be accepted at the time of distribution.

Please contact your age-level coordinator or the treasurer with any questions. Valley League games begin the second week in September.

First Annual Used Hockey Equipment Sale

MYHA will be conducting its first annual Used Hockey Equipment Sale on Saturday, August 22nd from 10am - 2pm at Veterans park in the Street Hockey Arena. This will be a great opportunity to get rid of that old equipment that has been lying around in your basement or garage and to find some slightly used equipment at great prices. Download the flyer (pdf format) for all of the details. Methuen Used Equipment Sale 2009

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.