Ice Hockey at Riverbank State Park

WHY RIVERBANK?

CHARACTER BUILDING AND PHYSICAL FITNESS

The Riverbank Youth Ice Hockey programs develop physical fitness, athletic skills, strategic thinking, teamwork, sportsmanship, personal confidence, self-respect and respect for others. This is achieved through participation in well-coached hockey training sessions and exciting and enjoyable game play with other teams. Coaching at Riverbank fosters an inner competitive spirit through a focus on individual skill development and strategic team game play. A commitment to excellence underlies the philosophy of the hockey program. We have a great coaching staff who are committed to the player development.

TEAMWORK AND CAMARADERIE

Since it is usual that there will be differences among players' level of hockey skills and game play, the formation of sub-teams for game play in Riverbank Youth Ice Hockey allows everyone to play. This approach to game play stimulates younger or less skilled players to step up their skill development and team play to equal others on their team. It also encourages more skilled players to play better and more efficiently while relying on their younger and less skilled teammates to compete well. This is a win-win situation where everyone develops and everyone plays.

FUN AND EXCITEMENT

Hockey is an exciting sport. When young players put on their equipment and jerseys, whether they are 4 or 18, and then step on to the ice, they truly enter another world. They immerse themselves in that world without the need for encouragement. So, it is usually the other way round; they do not want to leave the ice. They are having fun. It also is exciting for parents and friends to see their children and friends giving their natural best on the ice; flashing skates, brave rushes to the net, an exciting move, a crucial steal of the puck, a valiant goalie effort, a thrilling defense and turn around are always a part of the nearly stop action. Whether one is the player on the ice or a fan in the stands, ice hockey is great fun and excitement. And keeping the fun and excitement in youth recreational hockey is what Riverbank encourages.

ABSOLUTELY AFFORDABLE

In addition to developing character, fitness, camaraderie and having fun, Riverbank Youth Ice Hockey is also the best value in New York State. The minimum annual cost for engaging in the sport of ice hockey at the beginning levels (Mini-Mite, Mite, Squirt and Pee Wee, see below) is $1,200 dollars. This covers cost of hockey equipment and a winter season of training consisting of about 15 practice sessions and 10 to 14 games for the winter season. Transportation costs to and from ice rinks and games, skate sharpening, equipment replacement, food, drinks, etc. increase the cost well beyond $1,200. The cost of active players who train during the spring season or who are members of a competitive travel team easily run the tab well over $3,000 a year. It is easy to understand that income can and does play a role in who plays and does not play hockey. Riverbank Youth Ice Hockey alters this equation and provides opportunities to others who would find these costs beyond their means.

HOW?

For the 2010-2011 winter hockey season, the cost to enter the Riverbank State Park's Youth Ice Hockey Programs - mite, squirt, pee wee and bantam - is $212, for midgets the cost is $237 and for the Mini-Mite and Mite Hockey Prep Program for 5 to 8 years olds is $110 plus a $4.00 park registration fee. The $212 and $237 fees includes a $175 and $200 registration fee, a $33 fee to register with USA Hockey, which is required of all players 7 years and older participating in games, and $4.00 park registration fee for renewing members. There are as many as 50 sessions, three times a week during the season that include 15-20 home and away weekend games and a home lighting tournament so players can build their skills and team play, especially if they started late in hockey. Car pooling limits transpotation costs. Riverbank Youth Ice Hockey alters the monetary equation of “no pay-no play” by allowing families, regardless of means, to play the exciting sport of ice hockey.

So, let your child try this sport to see if they love the ice, the action, and the excitement of ice hockey. It is a great opportunity. If they take to the sport, there will be little need to encourage them to continue, they will always want to fly with their teammates over the ice in this great and exciting winter sport. And if your child plays well already, be a part of a new, exciting, extremely affordable program with ample slots of training and game ice time and excellent professional coaching for advanced players.