Thank you to everyone who was able to get online and pre-register early for our upcoming 20-21 season of Navy Youth Hockey - for those who missed the first deadline registration re-opens today to returning club members and new NYH families. This is in accordance with our USAH affiliate PVAHA which announced the following rules for rostering players on June 22:
 

• Phase I  - July 13th - NYH may roster players (10U-19U) who were rostered with NYH for the 2019-2020 season
• Phase II - July 20th - NYH may roster players (10U-19U) regardless of where, or if, they were *rostered last season at Navy Youth Hockey
• Phase III - August 1st - NYH may roster all 8U players - Note: there will be no tryouts for 8U

 
*Clubs have been given the option to roster players with or without tryouts.
 
Given the ever-evolving status of the pandemic, it was not surprising that the governing bodies provided little warning to clubs about this approach.  This impacts NYH given our “home” rink is never operational in the summer months due to Naval Academy use of the facilities.  But, we are not alone.  Nearly every club in the region is in the same situation with home rinks that are not open/operational.  We are working closely with both Piney Orchard and BSC management in an effort to coordinate ice slots dedicated to Navy Youth Hockey for the purposes of holding tryouts when ice becomes available for this purpose.  
 
At this time, the BSC is not expected to open until late August.  We continue to work closely with rink management, and will provide additional information as details are confirmed. Our first priority in all of this is the safety and health security of our players and families. We will not be forced into acting in a way that endangers our players and their parents.
 
As a result of these circumstances, and per the PVAHA guidelines, we are beginning to roster NYH alumni and new Navy families without on-ice tryouts.  We understand the challenges of rostering skaters with whom our coaching staff are unfamiliar and we appreciate and acknowledge the sensitivity of this practice with regards to the rostering of our Navy alum.  While we cannot guarantee a traditional on-ice tryout for any player, we will make every attempt and take every opportunity to evaluate rostered players once we hit the ice to make sure that children are appropriately placed. NYH strives to build flexibility across all of our teams to ensure that a child is playing at the level that will push them to develop and be challenged as a player.   
 
So what does this mean, and what should you expect over the coming weeks?
 

• NYH has opened the registration site for all U10-U18; registration must be completed by 11:59 PM July 25, 2020. NYH 2020 Registration
• Once registration closes, the NYH coaching committee (see below for details) will form teams.
• Roster placement offers will be emailed to each player on or about July 28th, for the 2020-21 season.
• Players will have until 11:59 PM on July 30 to decline their placement.  If the player has not declined by that time the first installment will be withdrawn on August 1.

Here are some FAQs that may help but for any other questions please email us at info.navyyouthhockey@gmail.com

Why are we doing it this way?
Unfortunately, the USAH regional and local authorities are left with no other option to offer local clubs. Tryouts normally occur in late April and it is obvious that access to ice remained unavailable since the original quarantine and state of emergency declaration. As mentioned above, we are in the same situation as nearly every other club in the immediate area.  NYH’s first priority is to provide roster spots to returning players before opening up registration to new players and we are confident that we will find a home for every player - returning and new-to-NYH.  This process allows us to achieve that goal.
 
Will my player have an opportunity to “move up” if not placed on the top team?
We are anticipating the opportunity to re-evaluate some players/rosters later in the summer or early fall. We cannot offer any guarantees so we simply ask that we all understand the complexities of operating during a global pandemic and the associated difficulties that confront all of us at this time. 
 
What will the season look like?
To be candid, nobody knows.  Some in the hockey community might tell you something different, but we are going to be transparent.  Practices may be shorter; fewer games may be played; tournaments may not be permitted; interstate travel may be limited; family access to games and rink facilities may be limited or prohibited, etc. These are all options that have been presented by USAH and local authorities. Both the CBHL and PVAHA have said  “We just don’t know at this point.” That seems to be the most honest answer anyone could offer and we will honor it as well. Any other club or association that suggests otherwise is suspect. 
 
What will it cost?
With respect to the full season fee, we cannot answer that at this time.  Prior to the pandemic, the Board had approved the following fees for this season: Elite Teams ($3,750) and Non-Elite Teams ($2,250); however, the season could look very different than a normal year.  As such, the initial installment for the season fee will be reduced to $250 (versus the typical 50% installment in prior years).  Final decisions on full season fees will be made once more guidance is provided by USAH, PVAHA, CBHL and the EJPHL.  At that point, the Board will set the appropriate fee (not to exceed the amounts above) for the season. Additionally, we have added the option to spread payments over installments to support our families financially and have the flexibility to adjust as we learn more about what hockey will look like. The payment schedule will be as follows:
 

1. Upon registration (immediately):

• $50 non-refundable registration fee
• $250 *first installment 
• 3% **Processing fee (SportsEngine fee - goes to this vendor)

 
*This is refundable to you if you decline your roster spot within the 48 hour period.  Anyone not declining is assumed to accept these terms and the roster spot.  All refunds take 3-5 business days to process.
 
**This fee is collected by SportsEngine and refunds are issued in accordance with their protocols.
 
2. The payment schedule for the remainder of the season will be broken into 25% of the
total balance as follows:

• August 1 -Second installment
• September 1 - Third installment
• October 15 - Fourth installment
• November 15 - Fifth installment

 
 
Who is on the committee that is selecting rosters?
The committee consists of the following individuals (with input from prior season coaches):

• Paul Fritz, Hockey Director
• Ashley Harper, Girls Hockey Director
• Zach Arden, Hockey Development Director
• Joe Vonakis, Assoc. Hockey Development Director
• Matt Fleming, Coaching Director

 
What about 8U / Mites?
We will open registration for Mites prior to August 1st, and more information will be provided as we get closer to that date.
 
It is important we all remain flexible during these unprecedented times.  While we cannot make any commitments as to how the season will look compared to prior year’s, we will work diligently to provide your player the best experience possible within the guidelines provided and safety decisions deemed necessary by the NYH Board.  We appreciate your understanding and willingness to adjust to an unconventional approach at this time.
 
Thank you and stay safe.
 
Registration Link