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IceDiggers youth hockey programs take off

August 19, 2004 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Alpena IceDiggers News Release


The Team Toledo IceDiggers have taken another huge step in helping build youth hockey in their market as the Greater Toledo Area Hockey Association (GTAHA) begins to register youngsters for this season‘s programs.

In the wake of last season‘s highly successful "Learn-to-Play Hockey" program, The IceDiggers were granted their own youth association from USA Hockey, the GTAHA. The GTAHA consists of Learn-to-Skate lessons, the Learn-to-Play Hockey program, Mite Development program, elite travel teams (ages 9-14) and Jr. A hockey.

It all grew out of last year's inaugural Learn-to-Play Hockey program, which the Junior A IceDigger players and coaching staff organized, managed and coached.

"We had just under 100 kids that we split into two groups," says Mike Mankowski, the IceDiggers general manager and head coach. "The Junior A players coached these kids twice per week all winter. It was a huge success. The Junior A players had a blast. The kids enjoyed it and became fans. It was a win-win."

All teams in the GTAHA programs will wear IceDiggers jerseys.

"We also have a Junior B team here at the Ice House, called the Toledo Cherokee" says Mankowski. "We are marketing our player development program as having the ability to mold a kid from age four as a beginner to leaving as a 19-20 year old going to play college hockey."

Registration dates and times for both the Learn-to-Play Hockey Program and Recreational Hockey League Session I are:

Thursday August 19, 2004 6:00-8:00pm
Thursday September 2, 2004 6:00-8:00pm
Tuesday September 7, 2004 6:00-8:00pm
Walk-in registrations are welcome Monday thru Friday from 9:30 a.m. -5:00 p.m.

All registration sessions are held in the Toledo Ice House lobby. A parent or guardian must be present at registration. Registration fee, copy of player's birth certificate, player's social security number and medical insurance card are required to register. All players will be registered with Greater Toledo Area Hockey Association (GTAHA). Registration deadline is September 7, 2004. Session II will run January-March, 2005. Registration will be held in mid-December.

LEARN-TO-PLAY HOCKEY PROGRAM:

All boys and girls ages 12 and under (must be born in 1992 or after) are eligible for program.

This program is required for kids who have never played. The purpose of the program is to learn the basic fundamentals of ice hockey and to prepare for organized team play. USA Hockey sanctions the program and coaches and players of the Junior A IceDiggers and the Junior B Cherokee teach it. All players will receive a jersey. Required equipment includes helmet & facemask (HECC certified), elbow pads, shin guards, hockey gloves, hockey skates and stick. Hockey skate rental is available for $2/pair.

Dates: September 18 - December 19, 2004
Cost: $150.00 due at registration ($50/month payment plan available due 9/7, 10/15 & 11/15)
Ice Times: Every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. -10:50 a.m. and every other Sunday. from 7:30 a.m. - 8:20 a.m.

RECREATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE:

All boys and girls ages 12 and under (must be born in 1992 or after) who have completed the Learn-to-Play Program (or Initiation Program) are eligible.

The purpose of the program is to provide opportunity to play for enjoyment, fitness and fellowship. Players will be divided into the "12 and under" and "8 and under" age divisions. There will be no checking in either division. USA Hockey certified referees will be utilized. Skill development and team concepts are stressed, rather than winning. USA Hockey sanctions the program. All players will receive a jersey. Required equipment includes helmet & facemask (HECC certified), shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey pants, shin guards, hockey gloves, hockey skates, hockey stick, cup & supporter, neck guard and mouth guard. Hockey skate rental is available for $2/pair. Spots are limited!

Dates: September 18 - December 19, 2004
Cost: $150.00 due at registration (Two $75 payment plan available due 9/7 and 10/15)
Ice Times: Once per week every Saturday or Sunday morning (times will vary on a weekly basis)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Coaching- Persons interested in being a coach should contact Lisa King at (419) 476-4690 x223.
Used Equipment Sale – GTAHA will set up a used equipment sale on Saturday, September 11, 2004 from 11:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. For more information, contact GTAHA at (419) 476-4690 x304.
Website – Parents and players can go to www.eteamz.com/GTAHA or www.icediggers.com for more details

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