September 22, 2014

Good Evening Learn to Skaters,

    I cannot believe how fast the summer has gone by and we are already a few weeks into the school year. Learn to Skate (LTS) is right around the corner.

    Welcome back to the returning skaters, and a big welcome to our newest skaters and parents. I want to take a moment to mention a few things that are useful for both the rookie hockey parents as well as the  hockey parents who are wondering what the snack bar menu will be this year so they can plan their breakfasts while at the rink.

• Learn to Skate’s (LTS) schedule is always posted to the website; www.ncyha.org. For the most part it is pretty regular, but there are occasional changes. Make sure to check it regularly to ensure time and day for your practice.

• During the first day of practice, we will be up front in the rink’s lobby checking in skaters. At this time we try to assign skaters to either Group 1; no previous experience on skates, Group 2; some experience and can stand on their own, and Group 3; can maneuver throughout the rink on skates. At this time let us know what group may be best for your skater, or email me at oconnordan@icloud ahead of time.

• Locker room assignment are posted on television in the lobby of the rink.

• Check your skater’s equipment for fit prior to the first practice. A helmet which is too tight can result in a very poor first experience. All skaters MUST be in a hockey helmet with cage, and skates. Additional equipment is not required but considering the amount of time kids fall down on the ice, knee and elbow pads, as well as gloves are very important for the skaters comfort.

• We still need some more volunteer coaches. Don’t worry about your experience, we have a great time out there. Our program works because of the coaches we have. If interested please get in touch with us as soon as possible.

• If you feel your skater may need a crate to help them on the ice you will need to bring your own. We have a few that can be loaned out on a first come first serve basis. We do not ban the use of crates for skaters who may need them, but we will be constantly encouraging your skater to try and skate without it. Two milk crates zip tied together meets the height need for almost all Learn to Skaters.

• Our skaters have a lot of fun and work hard for the 50 minutes they are on the ice. Make sure you bring some water for them.

• A necessary equipment component to our program are the “black bumpers”. Our coaches always appreciate a hand getting these on and or off the ice. 

I am really looking forward to the start of the season, seeing our return skaters, and meeting our new ones. As always, if there are any comments, concerns and questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Dan O’Connor