Dear 8u Families.

My name is Ramsey, and I’m the Head Coach for the 8u team for this up and coming season. It’s been so much fun getting to know these kids, and seeing their improvement in the sport of hockey the past several seasons. Our goal at the 8u level is to instill a fun atmosphere where the kids fall in love with hockey and hopefully are excited most times about the time they have at the rink. 

Developing these players at this age is critical to their long term success. Skating, carrying the puck, passing, teamwork are all skills we will be focused on the next four months. I hope you are able to see lots of improvement, in addition to your Childs love of hockey grow this season.

Myself, John Wycoff, Kelvey Wilson, Holly Ryan, and Andy Mink are the coaches. We ask you to please have your player on time for practices and games. Here are some thoughts to keep in mind.

• Showing up 30 minutes before we start is appreciated. 
• If you have questions or need help with equipment[ment or getting your child dressed, please ask one of the coaches. We have lots of experience in the locker room. 
• Tying skates and strapping helmets is the most difficult for most of these kids. 
• Sharpening skates roughly every 15-20 hours on ice. Or if you see your child falling more than normal. Or if they are playing pond hockey. 
• Parents- please be respectful of our referees. We have a zero tolerance policy for communicating to the refs from the stands. 
• Parents are not allowed through the glass doors while we are prating or playing a game. Please let your child know that if they are having any problems on the ice to let one of the coaches know so that we can find mom or dad if they are needed. 
• Please bring both sets of jerseys and socks to every game.

Goalies

Typically at this level, we have had our players rotating in goal at their request. Goalies in the past have practiced on Thursday, and played in the weekend games. This season we are going to have goalies practice Tuesday’s and Thursday’s, and play in goal for the weekend. 

***IF YOUR PLAYER WOULD LIKE TO BE A GOALIE OR TRY OUT THE POSITION, PLEASE REACH OUT TO NIFER AND LET HER KNOW. PLEASE LET HER KNOW IF IT’S ON A ONE TIME BASIS, OR MORE. WE HAVE SOME GREAT HELP FOR OUR GOALIES THIS YEAR, AND ARE MAKING AN EFFORT TO DEVELOP MORE GOALIES FOR SYH AT EVERY LEVEL.***

We will keep track of a goalie list, and let you know when it is your turn. Players do not have to play goalie. If there is a parent that would like to volunteer to help suit up goalies, that would be a huge help. Please find me , and let me know.

Sorry for the lengthy email. If you made it this far, we are really excited about the season, these players and parents, and looking forward to a fantastic season!

All the best,

Ramsey