We hope this message finds you and your family safe and well. We wanted to reach out and provide an update on the program as things have changed significantly since our season was abruptly cut short in mid-March.
Placements:
Due to the impact of COVID-19, we were not able to complete the on-ice evaluation sessions before the rinks were closed. As a result, the board of directors have discussed several options for next season's placements. One option was to finish the evaluations in late summer or early fall. However, with the long layoff and closeness to the start of the season, the board did not feel like this was a good/fair option. The second was to use the first placement session scores along with the coach's rankings and input from the level directors to complete placements now. The decision was made to do the latter and complete placements now. Where possible space will be left on the upper teams for any potential movement that may be needed once the season starts.
While this is not ideal, we do feel that this process will lead to similar results as it is the closest to our traditional process. If you are not familiar with the NAYHL placement process a player's placement is determined by their evaluation scores, coach's evaluation, and input from the head coaches. Official placement letters are expected to go out in the next week.
Jersey Sizing:
Due to restrictions on gatherings, we will not be doing our traditional jersey sizing at the Brooks School. We are actively working with TSR to determine the best solution. More information to follow in the next couple of weeks.
Programs:
NAYHL is still hoping that we can offer the below summer programs. However, they do depend on the restrictions of the state over the next few weeks and the ability to offer them safely. Timing and length of programs may be adjusted.
- Summer Street Hockey – Program runs from mid-June through mid-August and would be open to multiple age groups. Location: North Andover Youth Center
- Summer Skills – Program runs from mid-June through late August and sessions would be broken up into different age groups. Location: Haverhill Valley Forum
- NAYHL Season – Starts in early September and runs through the end of March. Ages: Mite, Squirt, Pee Wee, and Bantam.
- Fall High School Prep – Programs starts in early September and runs through late November. Ages: Freshman – Senior; Location: Lawrence valley Forum
- Learn to Play Hockey – Program will have multiple sessions with the first one starting in the fall and running through February. Ages: 4 and up; Location: Lawrence Valley Forum
- Learn to Skate – Program will have two sessions. One starting in late October and the 2nd running through February. Ages: 4 and up; Location: Brooks School
2020 / 2021 Season:
With the “new normal” we will need to see how this will impact our season in the summer/fall. Our priority will be to ensure that our players and families are safe at both games and practices. Things like locker rooms, shared/team water bottles, number of individuals in the stands for games, and tournaments are things that will be looked at.
NAYHL Board of Directors:
We are pleased to announce that Keith Hery (LTS/LTP Director), Brendan McCarthy (Marketing Director), and TJ Knapp (Equipment Manager) have assumed roles on the board of directors. We also encourage any other individuals interested in participating to let us know for more information on other roles available.
We do appreciate your support and participation in our programs and hope that we can all return to some sense of normal in the coming months.
Sincerely,
North Andover Youth Hockey League
Board of Directors
