Hockey at Home, Tryouts, Etc.

Hockey @ Home Practices Launched

A huge success with close to 60 athletes from 10 to 18 years old showing up in the cloud for Zoom hockey workouts. Off-ice training, stick work, and rejuvenating a sense of team camaraderie is the focus for the now twice weekly 30 minute practices lead by Coaches Casey O’Sullivan and Kevin Mills, the 2019-20 Sabercats 16U leaders. The two facilitated and inspired 30 athletes on the inaugural April 30th impromptu high school practice, which immediately extended to the 10 -14 year olds.

The young athletes are taking it seriously and having a great time while breaking a very real sweat. Coach Casey calls out to individual and group effort as he carefully monitors the screen, and Coach Kevin provides instruction and “brings the final burn” to inspire maximum effort. Everyone wants to return to the ice but we can look forward to hockey time with our teammates every Tuesday and Thursday. Thank you Coaches!

 

Tryouts Postponed

Tryouts are postponed, with dates still to be determined (Excerpt from CAHA President) CAHA will again convene a Special Meeting on June 16, 2020 to re-evaluate both USA Hockey’s direction, and the State’s updated projections with respect to State pandemic restrictions affecting youth sports, in order to make a more informed and realistic decision regarding establishment of possible new tryout dates. It is the CAHA Board of Directors utmost desire to establish new dates to permit tryouts to be held as early as feasible, but feel it important that those dates be set realistically for a date that is reasonably expected to be permitted by State COVID 19 guidelines and the lifting of restrictions Statewide, accordingly an update will be issued shortly after the June 16th Special Meeting of USA Hockey.

 

One Last Thing: Rule 601

Abuse of Officials and Other Misconduct Part of being involved in sports is having or hearing opinions about the officiating. USA Hockey and Positive Coaching Alliance have identified the expression of these opinions and associated behavior as an increasing problem in hockey at all ages and adding to the shortage of referees. California is facing a significant shortage of referees. Consider being part of the solution. No better time than right now to be proactive. What does it take to be a referee? USA Hockey has no minimum or maximum ages for officials. The 2020-21 registration season for the USA Hockey Officiating Program begins on June 1, 2020.

 

With Shelter-in-Place still ongoing, Positive Coaching Alliance is offering FREE tools and online courses. A 60 minute course for officials or those interested in becoming a referee is currently available free online. This particular course does not go over specific rules, however, it does offer tips on how officials and individuals can improve before and after their games.