North Devils Hockey 2016-2017!!

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2016-2017 Season                                                                                                                       
August 10, 2016
 
It’s that time of year again!  Hockey!  Hockey!  Hockey!
In just a few short weeks your children will be hitting the ice and the 2016-2017 season will begin!  I hope you all enjoyed a relaxing and healthy summer spending time with family and friends.
We hope you will continue to enjoy our program as we enter year 13.  We are a youth hockey program proud of it’s passion for the sport, it’s families and it’s players.   We are looking forward to another year of creating Champions – whether it be teams or players.   We will continue to encourage your children to be the best they can be, to support each other both on and off the ice, to display good sportsmanship, to go out and give it their best and to be proud to be a NORTH DEVIL!
We are excited to announce that the new home of the North Devils will be the all new NEW ENGLAND SPORTS VILLAGE!   This new 100,000 square foot hockey facility sits on front of a 104 acre site on Commerce Way in Attleboro.  It will house 2 NHL rinks and one half size rink.  Along with heated viewing areas, there will be concessions, a family entertainment center, a restaurant and a training center. 
The rink opening is due to be in a few short months.  We ask and thank you for your continued patience as we work with the new rink to plan for their opening day.  The owners, David Boucher and Joe Fitzpatrick have been working diligently to get it up and running as soon as possible. Once the rink is open we will have some great practice times and of course a great location much closer to home for all of us!  Until the rink is ready, we have secured ice times at Stoughton Rink and Brown University.  You will find information below regarding your first skate and parent meeting dates for all teams.  The schedule for the first few months will be a little rough, traveling to Stoughton and Brown University, but before long we will be very comfortable in our new “home rink”! 
With that said, we will move ahead to provide you some very important information for you to prepare for the season! We will see you at the rinks in just a few short weeks! 

1st Practice Dates and Parent Meetings Dates
Mite Black/ Mite Red/Mite White – Thursday, August 25th  Players on Ice 7:00– 7:50pm.  Parent Meeting in stands 7pm  Squirt White/Pee Wee White – Wednesday, August 24th.  Players on ice 7:00-7:50pm.  Parent Meeting in stands 7pm.  Squirt Black/Squirt Red -  Tuesday, August 23rd.  Players on ice 7:00-7:50pm.  Parent Meeting in stands 7pm.                   Pee Wee Black/Pee Wee Red – Tuesday August 23rd.  Players on ice 8:00-8:50pm.  Parent Meeting 8pm.                    Midget Red/Bantam Red – Tuesday, August 23rd.  Players on ice 9:00-9:50pm.  Parent Meeting 9pm          
All above are being held at Brown Meehan Auditorium at Brown University.

Schedules
All practice schedules will be released on our website by tomorrow!  We are starting a little earlier this year due to ice availability.  The players will get a jump start on the season and be well prepared for the games come September!  The SNEHC Game schedule will also be posted on the website early next week.  Other league schedules, such as the Yankee Conference League for our Squirt White Team and the Foxboro Middle School League, will be posted as they are received.  Most likely this will be closer to the end of August but all leagues are scheduled to start after Labor Day.
 
Mighty Mites – Your weekly DAJ off ice session will begin  on Tuesday nights at 5:00pm starting on September 6th.  You will be notified of a Parent Meeting in a few short weeks and your coach will be reaching out to by end of next week, once a few more details are finalized.   Enjoy until then! 
 
Where Do I Find Information?
Coach and team Admin - You will receive weekly updates from your team administrator reminding you of upcoming practices, games and 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.northattleboroughhockey.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!  This is a GREAT tool to keep yourself in the “know” about North Devils activities and events!
 
DEVILS HOCKEY Newsletters are sent out about every 2-3 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.
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.  Please be considerate of their time and availability.  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!  Ticket iformation will be sent as the date aproaches. 

• Sunday, October 16th – Pee Wee Black, Squirt Black
• Sunday, November 6th  – Squirt Red, Squirt White, Mite Black, Mite Red, Mite White
• Sunday, January 15th – Bantam Red, Pee Wee Red, Pee Wee White

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) – Sunday, December 18th                                                                           Boston Bruins vs. LA Kings, 1:00pm Tickets $115.00

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, such as the Santa Parade, College Hockey Nights and Family Skates!   You will receive more information as these events approach.

NORTH DEVILS HOCKEY Uniforms and Apparel
Uniforms   
The DEVILS Hockey uniform consists of: 

• Black Helmets with DEVILS Hockey Decal (HECC Certified)
• Home and Away Game Jerseys
• Black Pants
• Home and Away Hockey Socks
• Mouthguard – North Devils Policy
• Neckguard – North Devils Policy
• DEVILS Hockey Practice Jersey (Provided by Devils Hockey.  Will be distributed by coaches at 1st practice)

Please note that due to new USA Hockey policies, referees will be checking players for proper protective equipment.  Please don’t risk your child being diallowed form play due to not having the proper equipment.  Please see below:
(a) Each player is personally responsible to wear protective equipment for all games, warm-ups and practices. Such equipment should include gloves, shin pads, shoulder pads, elbow pads, hip pads or padded hockey pants, protective cup, tendon pads plus all head protective equipment as required by USA Hockey rules. It is recommended that all protective equipment be designed specifically for ice hockey.
 (c) It is mandatory that all players (except Adults) wear a HECC approved helmet (including ear protection) with chin strap properly fastened.
(Note) HECC certification includes an expiration date on the sticker and a helmet that has an expiration date that has expired is no longer considered certified. The player may not wear a helmet that does not have a valid and current certification sticker.
 (d) All players, including goalkeepers, in all age classifications below Adults, are required to wear a facemask certified by HECC, plus any chin protection that accompanies the facemask.
(f) All players, including goalkeepers, in the 12 & under (Youth and Girls’) through Youth 18 & under (including High School) and Girls’ 19 & under age classifications are required to wear a colored (non-clear) internal mouthpiece that covers all the remaining teeth of one jaw, customarily the upper. It is strongly recommended, in all classifications, that all players wear a mouthpiece form fitted by a dentist.
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.
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.  Online purchasing is also 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 helps to 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?
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 they 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 5-10 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 program, coach or team admin is requesting feedback from you
• 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. 

• PUNCTUALITY– 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 2016 Game & Practice Schedules
Practice Schedules - The 2016-2017 practice schedule will be posted on the North Devils Website by tomorrow!  (Please note that the schedule is always subject to change) 
 
Game Schedules -  Game schedules for several of the teams have been received and are in the process of being 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.  Our teams are scheduled on a rotating basis.  (if applies to your team)  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 Midgets and 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 Midget and Bantam players. Players attend as a team.   
 
Stop It Goaltending - Goalies will be provided instruction by Stop It Goaltending which is located upstairs at the Foxboro Sport Center in the rear.   This professionsla goalie training is a great benefit that the North Devils provides to it’s goalies.  There is no charge to goalies.  Goalies will be notified. Wednesdays – 5:00pm

So that about wraps it up for now!   There will be more information sent out next week so watch your inbox carefully!
You should hear from you coaches by next weekend (Aug 20/21) after a few more details are finalized. 
 
I am looking forward to seeing all of the smiling faces back at the rinks in a few short weeks!
Cannot wait!  I hope you cannot either!  If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact me. 
 
Sincerely,
Patti McTernan
NORTH DEVILS Hockey President
northhockey@comcast.net
508-507-1952


 
NORTH DEVILS Hockey Board                                                                                                                                                                     
Executive – Patti McTernan, Paul Brooks, Vinny Zammiello, Harry Kojoian, Jim Kelly                                                               
Board Members – Jeff Augusta, Amit Badhwar, Tony Bertino, Pete Butt, Jim Calvino, Doug Chick, Chris Chu, Gregg Colonna, Matt Conley, Dan Digiacomo, Marty Feeney, Heidi Fernandes, Matt Franco, Eric Gruber, Andy Jones, John Leclair, Steve Longa, 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.