Youth hockey signup tomorrow; season brings changes

    The Southern Aroostook Minor Hockey Association is holding registration tomorrow, Sept. 22, at the Millar Civic Center in Houlton.
    There are several changes for this year’s upcoming hockey season.
    SAMHA will have programs for all ages through high school, as well as a full Midget program.
    Beginning skaters start with SAMHA’s Learn to Skate, which is a 10-session program leading into the youth hockey levels split by every two years of age — Mites, children 8 and under; Squirts, Peewees, Bantams and Midgets.
    A full Midget program is being sponsored for the first time. There have been Midget teams (ages 16-18) previously, but not with a full schedule like all other teams. This allows youth to play right through high school and most importantly, those players from schools outside of Houlton/Hodgdon now have a place to play through high school.
    USA Hockey has a new rule change that delays full body contact until the Bantam level or age 14.
    “This was done to help kids develop skills and not worry about getting checked until they are at a higher level,” said Kinny Corthell, Association Coaching and Education Coordinator (ACE) coordinator. “This also makes it safer and easier for someone new to hockey to start playing.”
    SAMHA organizers want to encourage females and new players to give hockey a try. 
    “We had all-female teams in the past, but last year, not enough girls registered so we couldn’t field a team,” Corthell added. “I would really like to see this program stay alive as there are great opportunities for female hockey players and many females at the high school level debate if they want to play on coed teams.  Girls’ teams provide a safe and enjoyable program generally without checking.”
    Mark two dates on the calendar for special events at the Millar Civic Center in Community Park. The first date is Oct. 23 when a referee clinic will be held and the second Nov. 5 when SAMHA will hold a “Try Hockey for Free” Night.
    “The referee clinic allows participants to become a certified referee,” Corthell said. “The ‘Try Hockey for Free’ is an opportunity for any child to put on some gear and try the ‘coolest sport around.’”
    There is no cost and hockey gear will be provided. Bring a friend and come try it out, he added. 
    With all the items scheduled for SAMHA, there are a couple of needs: one, coaches and two, sponsors.
    “We need coaches, particularly at the younger levels,” said Corthell. “ You don’t have to know the game, just be willing to help kids with accomplishing simple tasks.”
    SAMHA will soon launch the sponsor drive, which offsets the core of its operating costs.
    “It is extremely important to our survival that local businesses continue to provide outstanding support,” Corthell explained. “Last year’s returning major sponsors are Grand Rental Station and Barry Lorom Trucking with Building Etcetera sponsoring a team for the first time in recent years.”  
     Scholarships are available and SAMHA organizers would like to see more parents apply. Eligibility is based upon financial need. Hockey can be expensive and SAMHA would like to see every child have the opportunity to play. Applications are confidential.
    “I’d like to see more applications this year,” said Corthell. “I see kids at open skate who would be great hockey players and wish those kids’ parents would call if the child isn’t playing due to the fee.”
     All regular SAMHA play is in the United States and not farther than Bangor. Some SAMHA teams will attend optional tournaments throughout the year.
     For more information go to SAMHA’s website at samhahockey.org; call Kinny Corthell at 538-6730 or one of the board members for information and assistance.