As many of you may be aware, last season; our association
implemented Hockey Canada’s mandatory cross-ice program. This change
required us to purchase ice dividers and be extra creative around the division
of our players according to age, skill etc. The Lambton Middlesex
Local League opted to forgo a Tyke Division last season to allow Centres and
their participants to adapt to the changes.
This year, the Lambton Middlesex Local League will be having a Tyke division. Tyke players are 7 years of age. The Tykes will have a regular season of games against other centres. After a lengthy and thoughtful discussion, our Board recently decided to adjust the ice times for the Mite/IP Division to ensure compliance with one of the caveats of the mite division; 4 years olds must be kept separate from 5 and 6 year old players. Hockey Canada feels strongly their development depends on this being the case. For this upcoming season, we have decided to have our Mites and 5 year old skaters practice on Saturdays 8:10-9am. Our 6 year old players will be on from 9:10-10am. On Sundays, the ice will be divided appropriately to ensure mites can practice and the 5 and 6 year olds will be combined (skill development, scrimmages, potential exhibition games etc.) We realize this decision is short notice for some folks who were expecting to practice at 9:10am however, we feel the adjustment will be worth the inconvenience as the three age groups have varied needs, skills and attention spans. We have an excellent Coaching Staff lined up for Mite/IP and are confident they will manage this change effectively. You will be receiving an email about this change in scheduling as well.
*note: games and practices beginning 10 minutes past the hour are scheduled in that manner to account for the flood. Each division is entitled to 50 minutes of ice time (this is how the ice billing is calculated)
Any questions/concerns can be directed to our website www.pointminor.ca Our hockey convenors can answer your questions if you message Liz, Scott or Jane.
Details around the Cross Ice Iniative can be found on the OMHA website www.omha.net
Thank you for your patience, flexibility and commitment to our Program. We work hard to making the best decisions for the Program, players and families.
Liz Page – President
PEMAA