MIDDLEBURY — Middlebury Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) is offering two programs to get more kids involved in ice hockey.
The organization this fall will offer a Girls Learn to Play Hockey program to girls who were born between 2003 and 2009.
The goal of the program is for the girls to have fun this winter and create new friendships while also learning a bit of hockey. Over the course of six weeks, Learn to Play Hockey coaches will teach the girls basic skating and hockey skills in a fun, non-travel environment. No experience is required.
The program runs at the Middlebury Sports Center on Mondays and Saturdays between Nov. 5 and Dec. 12. Participants will need skates, gloves, a hockey stick, a helmet, knee and elbow pads (equipment is available for rent through MAHA).
Registration fee is $120 plus a $45 membership fee to USA Hockey.
Girls who are interested in either a season-long experience or have prior hockey exposure are encouraged to sign up for either the co-ed Mite program or for one of MAHA’s girls travel team programs (10 and under/12 and under/14 and under). Girls who complete the Learn to Play Hockey program may have the opportunity to join the Mite program or girls’ travel team in their age group after the program concludes.
Organizers encourage all registrations by Oct. 29, but there is no hard deadline for registration.
More information is at www.middhockey.com; questions about registration, cost or equipment my be directed to [email protected].
TESTING THE ICE
Also, for all children MAHA is hosting two “Try Hockey for Free” events this season. These events will take place at Middlebury’s Memorial Sports Center on Nov. 11, 9:15-10:30 a.m., and Feb. 25, 1:30-2:45 p.m.
“Try Hockey for Free” is designed to provide kids between the ages of 4 to 9, a completely free experience to try youth hockey. A limited amount of equipment is available to borrow.
MAHA’s top coaches will be on the ice to assist the children in learning the basics. Youngsters do not need any previous skating or hockey experience.