NYH Community,

Today has been marked on my calendar for many months as the end of the youth hockey season. While we’re all sad and somewhat unnerved about how abruptly our lives have changed, I wanted to send a note to you today to thank you for a great season, reflect on what we accomplished, and share some thoughts of hope as we look to the future.

First and foremost, thank you to all of the parents, coaches, and volunteers for giving so much of yourselves to support the development of our children as athletes and as individuals. Because of you, these kids are not just skilled hockey players, but also resilient, confident, and caring members of our community - qualities that will serve them well amidst the uncertainty they face in the months ahead. 

As a community, I hope and trust that you will continue to look out for those in need. Donate blood. Ask your at-risk neighbor who is afraid to go to the store if you can get them anything while you’re out. Check in with friends to see how they’re doing and share a laugh. Support some of the many nonprofits making a difference in Newton right now. In hockey terms, be good teammates out there and look after one another.

Back to the business at hand, I recognize that hockey is no longer running your life and that there are more important things occupying your time and energy. If I can ask one thing of you to close out the season, please use the link below to fill out our annual member survey. Results of this survey are instrumental in helping our board prepare for next season. https://bit.ly/NYH2020Survey

If you are looking for activities for your housebound hockey players, I am also still hoping for more end-of-year video submissions. For ideas and instructions, please see the NYH website at http://www.newtonyouthhockey.com.

Your Board of Directors is already hard at work preparing for the 2020/21 season. I know that the kids could use something to look forward to, so be on the lookout for roster assignments in April. Also, check out our facebook page, where we’ll be starting a series of weekly challenges to keep your kids active, engaged, and connected. https://www.facebook.com/NewtonYouthHockey/

While I’m disappointed about how our season ended, I’m extremely proud of everything that our group has accomplished this year. When we are able to, we plan to have an amazing off-season event for all of the players and families to reconnect.

Finally, please know that this WILL end. Some time in the future rinks will reopen, you’ll spend too many cold winter mornings driving to games, and the kids will get to be kids again. Stay positive, stay safe, and we’ll see you soon.

Chris

NYH Members,

I hope that you are all adjusting smoothly to the start of the school closure. With games and practices having come to an abrupt halt, and a resumption in hockey activities looking unlikely, we are looking for ways to help bring better closure to this season. 

Given the guidance against gathering, year-end events are obviously on hold, although we hope to have an event later in the spring or summer. However, as a way to celebrate the end of another amazing season, we’d like to compile a video of our players reflecting on the game they love and showing appreciation for their coaches and teammates. Please consider this your final off-ice practice assignment for the season and think about having your player do this with the time you otherwise would have spent at the rink this weekend.

If your child would like to participate, please have them record a short video using your phone or webcam and send it to president@newtonyouthhockey.com with the subject line NYH VIDEO.

Once we receive enough submissions, we’ll create something to share with the coaches and teams. 

Below are some questions to get them started, although they’re welcome to tell us about anything they like. 

1. What do you love about playing hockey?

2. What makes your team special?

3. Tell me about your coach. 

4. What was your favorite memory of this year?

5. What are you looking forward to next season?

Hi NYH Community,

As we start the tryout process and begin to bring this exciting season to a close, it is time once again to begin the process for next season.  I would like to announce that NYH is opening Coaching registration for next year.  If you are interested in coaching next year, please fill out the application ASAP.  Within the application you will have the opportunity to state whether you want to be a head coach or assistant as well as the age specific group you would like to coach.  NYH is always in need of coaches, and your commitment will be greatly appreciated by all.

The Coaching selection process will happen after tryouts and once rosters have been created.

Any questions let me know.

Paul S. La Scola

Vice President of Travel

Acting Coaching Director

Newton Youth Hockey