What do we need for equipment?
There are two pieces of equipment that we require of every skater on the ice and that is a hockey helmet with a cage, and a pair of hockey skates. Please place your skaters first name on the front of their helmet. We do highly recommend a pair of knee pads and gloves too. They do not necessarily have to be “hockey” pads but can be ordinary skateboard or bike knee pads and any old pair of gloves.
Dress your skater to be comfortable while on the ice. Just because you are cold in the bleachers your skater is working up a sweat out on the ice. In fact if your skater brings a water bottle make sure their name is on it and it is of the squirt type so they can still use it with their helmet on. At the start of the practice the player can bring the water bottle to the players bench to be sued during practice so they do not need to get off the ice.
Where do I even find a pair of skates?
NCYHA hosts a used equipment sale the weekend before our season starts. Look for more details at www.ncyha.org. In addition there is a pre-owned sporting goods store, Sell it Again Sports located on E. main Rd. in Portsmouth. Big box retail stores will also carry a very basic supply and there are numerous specialty hockey shops throughout the state.
What is a good age to start LTS?
We recommend that the minimum age be four, but we leave this up to the discretion of the parent. Some three year olds have had some success with LTS but this is not typically the case.
At the other end of the age spectrum we have had skaters as old as 12 join our program. Typically every session there are a handful of older skaters who progress very rapidly and who will usually start in the most advanced skating group regardless if they have zero previous experience on the ice.
Can I coach?
YES! Please contact Dan O’Connor oconnordan@icloud.com for more information
Can my child use a “crate”?
Yes they can. The rink has a very limited supply that can be used on a first come first serve basis. If you feel your child will want to sue a crate they will need to bring their own. Two milk crates stacked on top of and zip tied to each other is a height that works well for children.
We will be continually encouraging your skater to work on skating without the crate and will always be making sure that they do not develop bad habits by putting their elbows on the crates and using them to support their weight.
What are the groups?
We divide the practices into three groups based on the skaters ability and sometimes age. As the season progresses the coaches will be evaluating the skaters progress and moving them up a group as they see fit.
Group One is for our most novice skaters. These would be children who have had little to no skating experience. Typically the youngest skaters are in this group but the very beginning of the season may have a few 5 and 6 year olds in this group who are skating for the first time.
Group 2 is our intermediate group. Theses skaters have progressed though the first group and have a good understanding of balance. Group 2 works a lot on developing stride, and edge control.
Group 3 is for our most advanced skaters where stride, balance, and edge control (stopping) are further developed.
What is the schedule?
LTS runs two (10) week sessions. The first session runs from October - December, and the second session starts right after the first session ends. Practices are typically Thursdays at 6:30 pm, and Sunday mornings at 11:15 am. Times are subject to change so keep an eye on the schedule posted at www.ncyha.org. All practices are at St. Georges
Equipment fit
A helmet or skates that are too tight can cause your skater to hate the sport. Prior to the start of the season make sure the helmet and skates are a good fit for your child.
