About the IYHA…. The Indianapolis Youth Hockey Association (IYHA) is a non-profit sports program based at the Carmel Ice Skaduim, located at 1040 Third Avenue SW in Carmel. The organization has been in existence since 1956. All children from Carmel and the surrounding community are welcome to play. Who can participate? Our House Program includes both boys and girls ages 4 and up. In most instances, a player’s date of birth determines the age group in which he or she will skate. Children age 4-6 are placed in our Mini Mite Program. The Mite League is for ages 6-8.; Squirt, ages 9 and 10; Pee Wee, ages 11 and 12; and Bantam, ages 13 and 14. The IYHA reserves the right to place participants appropriately with regard to age group based on USA Hockey guidelines and availability. Does my child need to skate well before he or she can join the IYHA? The more comfortable your child is on skates, the more comfortable your child will be in our program. All new skaters age 4-6 will have the benefit of professional skating instructors that work with our Mini Mite participants. The format for this program offers our younger players the chance to develop at their own pace in small, instructional groups. Games are played on a third of the rink, ensuring lots of puck contact and non-stop action. When do we participate? Mini Mite and House Leagues are on the ice twice a week. As a new skater, will my first-year player sit on the bench? No way! Everyone in IYHA plays in every game. At the beginning of each season, all players are evaluated before they are placed on teams. Every child in Mite or Squirt league, even a first-year player, is placed on a line with others of similar ability. Your child will play against others of the same age level and playing ability during games. In the older age groups, coaches do their best to see that all players get a fair share of ice time. Everyone plays and, win or lose, everyone has fun in the IYHA!
How much playing time will my child get? All of the younger skaters receive equal ice time. A hockey games has three periods, 8 to 12 minutes each, depending on the league. In Mites and Squirts, the lines alternate, each playing two-minute shifts. Older skaters “change on the fly” just like the pros. | Will my child have fun? You bet! We believe skaters learn best when they are having fun. Coaches and team moms are our spirit leaders. During the year, team moms organize pizza parties, family skate nights, and other events, including a team party at the end of the season. Every child receives a trophy or medal at the end of the season! How are adults involved in IYHA? As an all-volunteer organization, the IYHA welcomes everyone who wants to help! We have a constant need for appropriately trained coaches and assistants, and we recruit scorers, timekeepers, commissioners, and team moms from among our parents. Our Board of Directors and its committees are also made up of volunteers. And, of course, we always need noisy, spirited fans! What equipment will we need? The IYHA requires that all skaters use the following equipment: helmet with attached facemask, colored mouth guard, neck guard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, hockey pants, shin guards, hockey skates, and a stick. Team sponsors provide funds for team jerseys and socks. A garter belt or straps for the socks, an athletic supporter, and hockey tape are also necessary. What are the fees? Please visit our REGISTRATION page for current fee information. The fees charged cover the cost of ice rental, referees, goalie equipment, patches, and USA Hockey and affiliate fees. Although hockey is not an inexpensive sport, it does offer a lengthy season. Our programs run from mid-October through mid-March. Payment plans are available. Applications are available by contacting the IYHA Office, 317-815-0499. Applications are also available online. What opportunities are offered for the more advanced skaters? The IYHA has an All Star Program that offers an introduction to travel hockey on a limited basis to the more skilled and experienced House players. For more information about our hockey program, visit our website, www.iyha.com or call the IYHA Office, 317-815-0499. Email us at iyhamail@iyha.com. The IYHA Office is located in the Carmel Ice Skadium, 1040 Third Avenue SW, Carmel, IN 46032. |
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