Registration slated for fall
Aroostook Amateur Hockey Association supports the growth of youth hockey in central and northern Aroostook County.
There are several levels of teams, so that children of all ages can participate in the sport: Introductory Instruction (II) for 4-6 year olds or inexperienced children in elementary school; Novice for 7-8 year olds; Atoms for 9-10 year olds; Pee Wee for 11-12 year olds; Bantam for 13-14 year olds; and Midget for high school age.
For the past three years, there has also been a girls-only team.
Each team is coached by individuals who are trained by USA Hockey and Hockey Canada to ensure skills are taught properly and in a safe environment. Coaches encourage good nutrition, good sportsmanship, and teamwork. And for a state that has an alarming obesity rate among children, hockey is an excellent form of exercise.
Every September, the association hosts a registration event, when families can find out more information or fill out the appropriate paper work for membership. Some equipment is available for free of charge on a loan basis.
The season runs from mid October through March, with each team typically practicing two times a week at the Forum in Presque Isle.
Games are played in the Forum on the weekend, as well as several rinks in the western New Brunswick area and Houlton. Teams also can participate in tournaments around Maine and New Brunswick.
Some people assume that youth hockey is for children living in the city of Presque Isle. That statement couldn’t be farther from the truth.
The Aroostook Amateur Hockey Association supports teams that have children from around central Aroostook. Currently teams include children from Fort Fairfield, Caribou, Washburn, Mapleton, Perham, Westfield, Easton, Mars Hill, Castle Hill, Chapman, and Monticello along side children from the Star City.
For the past few years, the association has purchased starter sets of equipment and loaned them to families to help defray the cost of beginners. A new round of these starter sets will be available for next season.
Find more information and contacts at the website: http://piyh.goalline.ca/.
