2015-2016 Season
August 21, 2015
Welcome Back Everyone!
In just a few weeks we will be returning to the ice! We are looking forward to a great season ahead. The DEVILS Youth Hockey Program offers your child a hockey experience, which provides instruction, social involvement, competition, development, a positive and comfortable environment and FUN, for your child. As we enter year 12, we have grown through the years, learning from mistakes but constantly striving to improve what we can offer to you and your child. Although there are many who feel that the high and overpriced “elite” programs are what they are looking for, we at the DEVILS Hockey program truly believe that a youth hockey program, run by volunteers with passion and devotion can instill a love of the game that players will keep with them forever. Our program provides what many “elite” programs cannot – a hockey family community.
Our program’s past successes exemplified by earning the titles of Bantam 2
nd Place State Tournament, Middle School AA Champions, Pee Wee A STATE Champions, Yankee and Rhode Island League Champions… is a testament to our program’s commitment to it’s players and families. We look forward to another year of creating Champions – whether it be teams or players. Our passion and commitment to you is a promise. We will continue to encourage your children to be the best they can be, support each other both on and off the ice, display good sportsmanship and go out and give it their best!
We thank you for your patience and support, which is a big part of making this program what it is!
Please read below for important and useful info to start the season. Your PARENT MEETING TIMES have been provided once again. Please note new date/time for the Bantam Parent Meeting.
We will see you at the rinks in just a few short weeks! Thank you to all for your patience and commitment.
- Bantam Black/Red – Parent Meeting, Thursday, September 3*, 8:00-9:00pm at Levy Arena. Players on ice. Parent meeting in stands.
- Pee Wee Black/Red/White – Parent Meeting, Monday August 31sth, 6:00-7:00pm at Rodman. Players on ice with coach and parent meeting upstairs
- Squirt Black/Red/White – Parent Meeting, Monday, August 31st, 5:00-6:00pm at Rodman. Players on ice with coach and parent meeting upstairs.
- Mite Black/Red/White – Parent Meeting, Thursday, September 3, 5:00-6:00pm at Rodman, Players on ice with coaches and parent meeting upstairs.
- Mighty Mite House League – Parent Meeting, Thursday, September 10, 6:00-7:00 at Rodman. Players on ice at Skills and parents upstairs.
Where Do I Find Information?
Your coach and your team administrator are your key sources of communication.
You will receive weekly updates from your team administrator reminding you of upcoming practices, games and events. The team admin will collect monies for tournaments and social events. They may call on you for support or to assist with various team activities.
Please respond quickly to emails and correspondence so that we can stay organized and focused on the players throughout the season. Your team administrator will be looking for assistance with team photos and team publicity. See more info below.
Website – www.northdevilshockey.com - Schedules and important dates are kept current on the DEVILS HOCKEY website. For game cancellations, please check the website calendar. Each team has their own webpage to share pictures, game results, team info, etc. You will find a Team Calendar, where your personal team schedule can be found. You can even have this linked to your mobile device so that all schedules are at your fingertips! Please refer to the website as your central source of information. Please also be sure that your current email information is updated in the system so that you will be sure to receive all important updates.
Facebook – northdevilshockey The Facebook page will not replace the website or regular email communications. We will use this page as a secondary vehicle for sharing event announcements, league information and photos collected throughout the season. Check frequently for updates and please LIKE and SHARE our page and become a member to keep involved with other families and players !
DEVILS HOCKEY Newsletters are sent out about every 2 months to update you on what’s happening in the program and to provide you any information we can, to help you to prepare for important activities and events such as:
- Season Start Up Information
- Program Events such as Boston Bruins, Providence Bruins and College Hockey games
- Tournaments
- Social Events such as Papa Gino’s Nights and 99 Restaurant Nights
- Uniform Ordering
- Tryouts
- Banquets
- Any additional available program opportunities such as skate clinics, Pond Hockey, etc.
Please take the time to keep yourself updated and informed so that your child can get the most out of their NORTH DEVILS Hockey experience.
Our Staff
DEVILS HOCKEY Board & Coaching Staff - All DEVILS Hockey Board members, Coaches and Assistant Board members are CORI’d by USA Hockey. Coaches are required to attend Hockey Coaching Clinics and take online modules associated to their age group. In addition, the board and coaches are required to complete an online SAFE SPORT course which is the USA Hockey organization's program related to off-ice safety. It addresses Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Screening, Locker Room Supervision and Hazing Policies, in addition to Codes of Conduct applicable to administrators, coaches, officials, parents, players and spectators.
We are fortunate to have such an involved and dedicated group of Board Members, Coaches, Team Administrators and Committee Members who donate their time and energy to make this program what it is. Their role requires sincere dedication, patience, commitment and passion.
Please take the time to share a word of appreciation every now and then and please understand that they are volunteers and are not paid for their services. Assistance you can offer in any way is always appreciated.
Team Administrators - Each of our teams in the North Devils program has a designated Team Administrator. Your team administrator will keep you informed of practice times, game times, schedule changes, DEVILS HOCKEY events and more. They are also responsible for the collection of monies for tournaments, pictures, tickets, etc. Please be considerate of their time and availability. Prompt payment makes their job much easier. I promise – they do not enjoy sending numerous emails and hunting people down. Team Admins will also be reaching out to the team for assistance with the following:
- Team Publicist – Needed to write weekly articles for submission to town newspapers and North Hockey website. This person may also update the team stats on the website each week.
- Team Photographer – Needed to submit pictures to the local newspaper, keep website refreshed and to add to our new Facebook page!
North Devils Events
Providence Bruins Games! The dates have been set for the P-Bruins games this year! Some great perks will once again be offered! Mark your calendars now so you can invite the family!
- Sunday, January 17 – Pee Wee Black, Red and White, Bantam Black
- Monday, January 18 – Squirt Black, Red, White, Mite Black, Red, White, Bantam Red
Boston Bruins 3 Minutes of Fame! The Devils HOCKEY Program is fortunate enough to have a long time partnership/friendship with the Boston Bruins! We offer the opportunity for our players to participate in the 3 Minutes of Fame Intermission Skate,
on ice at the TD Garden. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for your player. I am taking names now to participate so let me know ASAP!
14 players per game are allowed on a
first come basis! Please email me at northhockey@comcast.net
- Mite Skate (any player 8 and under) – Saturday, March 12 vs. New York Islanders, 1:00pm Tickets $105.00
Tournaments All teams will participate in tournaments throughout the season. The number of tournaments and the tournament selection is determined by the level and commitment of each team. Tournaments are a great way for teams to bond and enjoy moments off the ice too. Great memories are created. Tournament information is presented and made available as it approaches.
Other North Devils Events & Activities DEVILS HOCKEY is truly a family oriented program. With that said, we provide other activities and events which bring the players and their families together both on and off the ice. Please note the following events, which your will receive more information about as they get closer.
- Santa Parade
- College Hockey Family Game Nights
- Family Winter Skate at Patriot Place
- Team Photos
- And more!
NORTH DEVILS HOCKEY Uniforms and Apparel
Uniforms The DEVILS Hockey uniform consists of:
- Black Helmets with DEVILS Hockey Decal
- (Decal provided by Devils Hockey– will be provided with new uniform purchase )
- Home and Away Game Jerseys
- Black Pants
- Home and Away Hockey Socks
- Mouthguard
- Neckguard
- DEVILS Hockey Practice Jersey (Provided by Devils Hockey. Will be distributed by coaches at 1st practice)
Players are expected to be in the proper and complete DEVILS Hockey uniform for ALL games and practices. Please do not wear socks from other teams, 2 different colored socks or any uniform item from another hockey team.
PLEASE NOTE - New uniform purchases are expected in 2 weeks. Arrangements will be made to distribute. More information will be provided as it becomes available
For all uniform questions, please contact our uniform coordinator, Jim Kelly at james.l.kelly.jr@gmail.com
Apparel
NORTH DEVILS Hockey Apparel will be available for purchase at Manny’s Hockey Shop located on Mendon Road, In Cumberland RI. (Exit 10 off of 295 South). T-shirts, sweatshirts, warm ups, jackets hats and more are available. NEW this year, ONLINE PURCHASING is now available! The site will offer free shipping over $75, Flat rate $4.99 shipping under $75 or the option of in store pickup. Order Devils Apparel and Equipment from home! Available in a great mobile version for tablets and mobile phones as well!
Other Information
Fundraising
Please note that ALL North Devils players will be required to participate in one of our “canning” fundraising events scheduled mid-season. This fundraising event help bring exposure to our program as well as generate funds to help offset costs of our program. Those who opted not to participate, indicated so upon registration and will not be scheduled.
Your Role?
Parent Responsibilities Each parent has the responsibility of understanding that he or she is a role model to each of the children in our program. Please refrain from inappropriate language, tone and actions at any time. Keep in mind that you represent DEVILS Hockey and it’s players in every rink and at every game and practice. We are proud of our players and our program.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions and reach out for assistance. We are all here to help you and welcome you into this crazy sport of “hockey” and the DEVILS Hockey family. Please call me at 508-507-1952 or email me at northhockey@comcast.net anytime.
- Please make every effort to have your child attend all scheduled practices and skills sessions.
Have players arrive to the rink and prepared to be on the ice 5 minutes prior to ice time
Hockey is a team sport and relies on the attendance of all to be able to work on game play, improvement and team cohesiveness.
- Be sure your child is prepared prior to games and practices. Do they have all of their equipment?
Have they remembered to bring both of their game jerseys? Do they have the right socks? Have they had a healthy meal prior to burning all of that energy? Are the properly hydrated? These are the ways that you can assist your children to be happier and healthier athletes, prepared to take the ice to learn from their coaches and teammates.
- Allow your coach to spend the time he needs with the players. Many will ask for 5 minutes with the team following a game.
- Support your child no matter how skilled or competitive they may be. Leave the coaching to our coaches on the ice. We rely on the parents to be role models for their children in encouraging positive attitudes, showing respect for coaching staff/adults, promptness in attending scheduled practices and games, showing respect and admiration for all team members and families. And last, showing respect for the opponent.
- Be communicative and prompt in submission of monies for tournaments, events, etc. Respond to emails when coach or team admin is requesting feedback from you
- Please see the attached player expectation note. At various levels of play, there are different expectations of players and parents.
- Have FUN and encourage your child to ENJOY the great sport of HOCKEY!
Player/Parent Responsibilities
- ATTENDANCE – Players are EXPECTED to attend all scheduled practices, both on and off ice. These opportunities are provided so that players can learn, grow and improve. The improvement of a team relies on its players’ commitment. Each player is expected to work hard and put forth the effort to improve themselves. Absenteeism due to other sport schedules is not considered a reasonable absence at the A levels and frowned upon at the B level. Your teammates and coach are relying on you. A spot on the team is awarded for many reasons, but keep in mind that it has taken that spot from another child who wants it. Please honor and respect the position you have been provided on any team.
- PUNTUALITY– Parents, this is where your children and DEVILS Hockey relies on YOU! Arriving late to a practice or a game is damaging to everybody involved.
- Coaches – Coaches design game plans and rely on players to be there unless otherwise noted. If you are unable to attend a game or practice due to illness or other important matter, please notify your coach well in advance. Arrive on time so that coaches can prepare the team together as a whole.
- Teammates – The team is relying on each of its players also. It takes a team to play a game. Missing players disrupts designated “lines” and also hinders the bonding of a team throughout the season. Please support our efforts to teach our players the values of commitment, trust and reliability.
- Your Child – Arriving late to a game or practice is detrimental to your child’s hockey development. Players need time to prepare, both physically and emotionally. Getting them there late causes anxiety and an inability to focus, both individually and with their team. Please make every effort to get your children to each game at least a half hour early and practices at least 20 minutes early. Coaches will provide specifics for their teams. Please support your child and help them to be able to give the very most they are capable of.
Fall 2015 Game & Practice Schedules
Practice Schedules The 2015-2016 practice schedule is now POSTED ON THE WEBSITE! Please note that the schedule is always subject to change.
Game Schedules Game schedules for several of the teams have been received and have been posted on the website. If your team schedule is not showing yet, it means it has not yet been released. I will post as soon as it becomes available. I can promise you that all game schedules are posted on the DEVILS website as SOON as they are received. Please note that SCHEDULES are subject to change! Your team administrator or coach will send reminders of each week’s time and location. Check the website often.
DAJ Skills DAJ Skills is a unique opportunity, which we offer our program members as part of tuition. 1984 US Olympic Hockey player, David Jensen, offers DAJ Skillz at the Foxboro Sport Center. Each of our teams are scheduled to attend on a rotating basis. The focus is on puck control, stick handling, and shooting. In recent years, we have seen a marked improvement in the abilities of our players as the season progressed and expect to see the same this year. Please be aware that players are EXPECTED to participate in this practice session as they are with all scheduled practices and skills.
Edge Performance Systems North Devils Hockey will be providing our Bantams participation in a weekly off-ice conditioning program at
Edge Performance Systems, located at the Foxboro Sport Center. Edge Performance Systems is a comprehensive training program which focuses on enhancing flexibility, strength, explosive power, agility and speed, while decreasing the occurrence of injury. We feel this is a much needed and very important benefit to our Bantam players. Players will attend weekly on Thursday evening as a team.
Stop It Goaltending - Goalies will be provided instruction by Stop It Goaltending. Goalies will be notified for their time selection. The times will not conflict with team practices. League pays portion. Wednesdays – 5:00pm
In closing, I want to mention the importance of 2 items for the upcoming season. These are 2 areas of concern this past season, which we feel need to be addressed.
ZERO TOLERANCE The North Devils Program takes pride in its program and what we represent. Our Mission Statement
:
The purpose of the North Devils Hockey Program is to teach the art of skating to all participating in the program; to instruct to those participating the fundamentals of ice hockey; to instill the necessary attitudes for team spirit and sportsmanship through success and cooperative effort; and to foster safety, fairness, and fun.
represents what we feel is important to the growth and development of not only the child as a hockey player but as a young person.
Any behavior displayed by a player or parent which is disruptive to this focus will not be tolerated. The North Hockey Board reserves the right to remove any player or parent from a rink or its membership due to violation of the USA code of Conduct. This includes and disruptive behavior displayed at practices, games, in locker rooms, at any North Devils events, during interaction with League officials, referees, North Devils parents or opposing team players or parents. We ask for your support and encouragement of the North Devils mission statement and philosophy.
So that about wraps it up for now!
You will hear more from me in upcoming weeks and expect to hear from your coaches shortly!
I am looking forward to seeing all of the smiling faces back at the rinks in a few short weeks!
Cannot wait! Hope you cannot either! If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact me.
LET’S GO NORTH DEVILS!!!
Sincerely,
Patti McTernan
NORTH DEVILS Hockey President
northhockey@comcast.net
508-507-1952
DEVILS Hockey Board Executive – Patti McTernan, Paul Brooks, Vinny Zammiello, Harry Kojoian, Jim Kelly Board Members – Amit Badhwar, Tony Bertino, David Boucher, Chris Chu, Matt Conley, Dan Digiacomo, Matt Franco, Eric Gruber, John Gugliotta,, Andy Jones, Jim Kelly, John Leclair, Steve Longa, Jim Meech, Scott Raymond, Michael Sullivan and Paul Vincuilla.
NORTH DEVILS Hockey Mission Statement The purpose of the North Devils Hockey Program is to teach the art of skating to all participating in the program; to instruct to those participating the fundamentals of ice hockey; to instill the necessary attitudes for team spirit and sportsmanship through success and cooperative effort; and to foster safety, fairness, and fun.
Uniform Coordinator – Jim Kelly
Equipment Manager – John Leclair
Safe Sport Rep – Andy Jones
P-Bruins Coordinator – Steve Longa
IT Coordinator – Tony Bertino
Safety Rep – Dan Digiacomo
Coach Requirement Coordinator – Scott Raymond
Banquet Video Coordinator – Eric Gruber
Policies for your review:
Locker Rooms
- Locker Room Monitoring The North Devils program has predictable and limited use of locker rooms and changing areas (generally 30 minutes before and following practices and games). This allows for direct and regular monitoring of locker room areas. While constant monitoring inside of locker rooms and changing areas might be the most effective way to prevent problems, we understand that this would likely make some players uncomfortable and may even place our staff at risk for unwarranted suspicion.
We conduct a sweep of the locker rooms and changing areas before players arrive, and if the coaches are not inside the locker rooms, a coach (each of which has been screened) will be posted directly outside of the locker rooms and changing areas during periods of use, and leave the doors open only when adequate privacy is still possible, so that only participants (coaches and players), approved team personnel and family members are permitted in the locker room. Team personnel will also secure the locker room appropriately during times when the team is on the ice.
- Parents in Locker Rooms Except for players at the younger age groups – Squirts and under, we discourage parents from entering locker rooms unless it is truly necessary. If a player needs assistance with his or her uniform or gear, if the player is or may be injured, or a player’s disability warrants assistance, then we ask that parents let the coach know beforehand that he or she will be helping the player.
Naturally, with our youngest age groups it is necessary for parents to assist the players getting dressed. We encourage parents to teach their players as young as possible how to get dressed so that players will learn as early as possible how to get dressed independently. In circumstances where parents are permitted in the locker room, coaches are permitted to ask that the parents leave for a short time before the game and for a short time after the game so that the coaches may address the players. As players get older, the coach may in his or her discretion prohibit parents from a locker room.
- Mixed Gender Teams Some of our teams consist of both male and female players. It is important that the privacy rights of all of our players are given consideration and appropriate arrangements made. Where possible, North Devils will have the male and female players dress/undress in separate locker rooms and then convene in a single locker room before the game or team meeting. Once the game or practice is finished, the players may come to one locker room for a team meeting and then the male and female players proceed to their separate locker rooms to undress and shower, if available. If separate locker rooms are not available, then the players will take turns using the locker room to change. We understand that these arrangements may require that players arrive earlier or leave later to dress, but believe that this is the most reasonable way to accommodate and respect all of our players.
Ice Time
We feel that each player should receive approximately equal ice time during the course of the season provided they participate equally in their own development and that of the team. However, players who do not participate equally in development may find themselves with less playing time than others. It is important to the Board that all players and teams achieve their potential each season. The following are the expectations and guidelines set for players and coaches who participate on each team or level of play:
Mites:
Players are expected to have substantially equal ice time. No unexcused/excused absence policy applies. Coaches may discipline a player for dangerous play, foul language, or impeding another player’s ability to learn by removing them from the ice for a short period of time.
Squirt, Pee Wee & Bantam teams (except those listed below):
Coaches have the discretion to create and use distinct power play/penalty kill units during the 3
rd period of games or during overtime. They can reduce a player’s ice time as a form of discipline if the player displays poor sportsmanship, is disruptive to the team on or off the ice, is purposefully lacking effort/not working hard during practices or games, is not following team rules, or for taking bad penalties. It is expected that all players are
given the opportunity to participate on power play/penalty kill units regularly during games. Coaches should make it a
priority to strive for equal ice time for all skaters during the course of a game and for all goalies during the course of the season.
Pee Wee A, Bantam, All Middle School Teams
Coaches have the discretion to create and use distinct power play/penalty kill units during the course of the game. They can reduce a player’s ice time as a form of discipline if the player displays poor sportsmanship, is disruptive to the team on or off the ice, is purposefully lacking effort/not working hard during practices or games, is not following team rules, or for taking bad penalties. It is expected that all players are
given the opportunity in practices or games to earn a position on a power play/penalty kill unit. Coaches should use their best judgment and strive for equal ice time for all skaters during the course of a game and for all goalies during the course the season.
If there are questions or concerns on the above set of expectations or guidelines, please discuss them with your team coach or you may reach out to me at northhockey@comcast.net
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