Hi Parents,

 Quick email about the Veterans rink. Vinny Ouellette, the rink Director has been attending sessions over the last couple of weeks and we've been in regular communication about his observations, concerns and changes.  The city is actively working to ensure all rosters are correct and contain all participants. But they apprecate your continued patience with this necessary contract tracing process. 

A few points of reference the city would like to remind everyone about:

• Social Distancing when getting dressed - Please maintain appropriate distancing from other kids. Spread out and use all the benches throughout the dressing side of the rink. 
• Benches - Benches should not be used until the kids are entering the ice sheet. The city is concerned about kids lingering on the benches for 10-15 minutes between when they are dressed and when the Zamboni finishes the ice. Kids are supposed to remain in their dressing area until they can move to their on ice activity.
• Building exit - The city continues to ask us to remind parents about using only the exit near the dumpster. They are very concerned about activity around the building, especially as the night goes on and darkness sets in. Drive slow and keep any eye out for children please. 
• Parent social distancing - Please spread out. Too many parents are sitting/standing too close to each other. 
• Parents entering late - If you intend to watch practice, please come by 5 minutes past the hour. After that time, they lock the door to begin the sanitizing efforts before the next session. They'll always try to get kids into the building so they can get on the ice, but parents should reduce the "coming and going" within the rink. Pick it and stick it as they say.

Lastly, the rink will try to start opening 20 minutes before the session to give those that need the extra time, a few more minutes. If there's too much activity (running around, lack of distancing etc) they will roll back to 15 minutes or even less if they deem necessary. Please feel free to take advantage of this time but don't disrespect it.

I am also asking that if you see a goalie entering and there is a line, to let them go ahead. Goalies are unable to come fully dressed like skaters can. They need to extra time to ensure they can participate in the full practice. 

Thank you all for your patience and understanding.

Chris Baker

GHPYH President, Board of Directors

Parents,

 We are just a few short weeks into the season, but it is necessary that I send out some reminders already.  USA Hockey, MA Hockey, VHL and each rink have created rules that we must follow in order for our kids to participate.  While some of the rules are frustrating, the alternative is no hockey.  I think I speak for most of you when I say that we'd rather live with rules we don't like vs. not having our kids play hockey.  The board of directors fully understand that these rules are not ideal, can create challenges for families and cause distruptions to our typical hockey experience.  When we worked this summer to ensure our season would occur, the board proceeded with planning given the understanding that this year would be different.  For us to continue to administer this season successfully and keep kids in the rinks, we need everyone to be on board with these challenges we are facing. 

The biggest complaint we have heard from coaches, parents and rinks pertain to the 1 spectator policy in place. Some have asked for flexibility, others have ignored the guidelines. But most have followed protocals and for that, we are very greatful.  For those that do not, please consider the consequences. While we don't want to prevent any child from playing, we do not want a program outbreak, city complaints or VHL reprimand that could prevent others from participating.  Failure to follow protocols will cause the board to review individual circumstances and take appropriate action. I am confident that we'll all work together to adhere to this new world of hockey we are operating within. 

Lastly, at the Veterans rink, please make sure kids and guardians are properly registered online and that the only exit being used is the door closest to the dumpster in the back right of the building. The driveway behind the rink gets very busy and is quite dark at night. We do not want to see anyone get hurt by exiting the doors near the penalty box area. 

Much like all of you, I hope we have packed spectator areas sooner than later. Until then, thank you for continuing to support your children in their effort to play this amazing sport.

If you have any concerns, please reach out to me or any other board member. 

Thank you,

Chris Baker

President, Board of Directors

GHPYH

The team sales store will close tomorrow. Last call to get any orders in. 

*******************

CLICK HERE FOR THUNDERWEAR!!

The URL is here as well:
 

https://thunderfall2020.itemorder.com/

Thanks!

GHPYH

Hi parents,

 Quick update. 2020-2021 season is officially underway. The Haverhill Veterans Memorial Rink opened yesterday, and our teams began practicing. The VHL teams also started playing games over the weekend and we’re excited to be back on the ice. If you have not registered for the city registration, please do so immediately. The link is below and here.

Also, VERY IMPORTANT REMINDER. We must operate under strict rules if we want our kids to play this year. We’ve already received many reports of parents ignoring program guidelines at games and practices. To reiterated here are some key points for Veterans Memorial Rink:

• Players must arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before their ice session begins
• Players and 1 spectator must be registered with the City before entering Veterans Memorial Rink. Plan ahead.
• 1 Parent per player
• 0 Siblings allowed as spectators
• Players must come dressed into the rink (except skates, helmets, and gloves)
• Please adhere to in-building traffic flow. (get dressed on bench side, leave on penalty box side)
• All must wear a mask/neck gaiter/face covering (players may remove face coverings during practices)
• Spectators must socially distance (on the penalty box side of the rink)
• All must leave the rink within 10 minutes of the conclusion of practice
• Strongly encourage parents to wait outside or in their car when possible. Your kids will be fine!

These are not optional guidelines or suggestions. They are in place so that our kids can play hockey. They are state, city and league rules. If you choose not to follow them, your child will not be able to play.

If you have any concerns, please let me or a board member know.

Thank you,

Chris

Haverhill Rec dept player registration: www.haverhillrec.com

USA Hockey Registration: https://membership.usahockey.com/

Valley Hockey League Registration: https://admin.vahockey.com/VHL2021/playerregistration?code=8213DD4B2

******SPACE IS LIMITED. DON'T DELAY!*********

LEARN TO SKATE / LEARN TO PLAY REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
WHO - Open to Girls and Boys ages 4-10

WHEN / WHERE?

All session Take play at Haverhill Veterans Memorial Rink. Behind Haverhill High School

LEARN TO SKATE Session 1 begins on Saturday October 17th, 2020 at 11AM. This is a 10-week session, runs through December 19th.  Registration starts at 10:30AM Saturday October 19th, 2019 at Haverhill Veterans Rink or you may also register online by clicking register on-line.

LEARN TO PLAY begins on Saturday December 5th, 2020 at 10AM. This is a 10-week session, runs through February 20th. (no sessions over Christmas break). You must register beforehand by clicking register on-line.

LEARN TO SKATE Session 2 begins on Saturday January 9th, 2021 at 11AM. This is a 10-week session, runs through March 12th.  Registration starts at 10:30AM Saturday January 9th, 2021 at Haverhill Veterans Rink or you may also register online by clicking register on-line.

COST:

LEARN TO SKATE - $100

LEARN TO PLAY - $250 includes full equipment from TSR Hockey in Salem NH. $150 if you have your own equipment.

I WANT IN, NOW WHAT?

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Email Fred Bishop at: 

Parents,

 As we reach the midway point in the summer, our voluntary summer skills are about to begin. We’re excited to return to some semblance of normalcy during these challenging times. Our goal is for the children in our program to safely return to the ice and prepare for the upcoming season. To do that, we all need to follow the guidelines set forth to ensure we maintain compliance with the rink and USA hockey guidelines and directives.

These guidelines will be enforced by the rink and our board membership. Please adhere to them so that we maintain our ability to use the facilities. They are as follows:

1. Players must come to the rink dressed and show up no more than 15 minutes prior to your scheduled ice session. Player must wear a mask entering and exiting the rink. Space will be provided to put your skates on in a socially distant atmosphere. No locker rooms will be available for use.
2. Players must leave within 15 minutes of the end of their session. Players cannot linger at the rink while other siblings are on the ice.
3. Valley Rinks strongly recommend drop off only. When that is unavailable, only 1 spectator per skater is allowed in the building. Spectators must wear face masks and practice safe social distancing.
4. Masks are not required while player are on the ice.
5. Players must provide their own water bottles and fill them at home. Water fountains will not be available.
6. If your player is ill, coughing, fever, or other flu like symptoms they should not attend
7. If any player of family member in attendance receives a COVID diagnosis after attending our sessions, they must report to the league president – . We will anonymously communicate a positive diagnosis to the families of participants in our program and the hour that the player attended a session. No further information will be provided to the program out of consideration to the privacy of that individual/family.
8. Hand sanitizing stations will be provided by the rink.
9. Participants and spectators must not spit under any circumstance.
10. Participant may only attend the session for their age group.

Session schedule:

Monday’s, 7pm - Squirt, Peewee, Bantam, Midget Goalies ONLY

Tuesday’s

Mites – 5pm-5:50pm

Squirts – 6pm-6:50pm

Peewees – 7pm-7:50pm

Bantams – 8pm-8:50pm

Midgets – 8pm-8:50pm

• Location: All Sessions will take place at Haverhill Ward Hill Forum. Address is 7 Parkridge rd Haverhill Ma
• Schedules: Sessions begin July 20th and 21^st and will run for 5 consecutive weeks. 
• What is it?: A summer conditioning program geared towards improving core hockey skills on ice.
• Is this mandatory?: These are not mandatory sessions. Kids may attend as many or as few sessions as they would like for their assigned age group. You are not required to attend both on and off ice sessions each day. No discounts are provided to your annual tuition for not attending some or all of these sessions. 
• Cost: There is NO additional cost. However, Team placement deposit must be made in order to attend these sessions. To make your team placement deposit, go to www.hpthunder.org. If you need to make arrangements with the league please email:  @gmail.com as soon as possible.  
• USA Hockey numbers are required for this session and the GHPYH season. We must have an updated, 2020/21 USA Hockey number on file in order to attend the session. Go to https://www.usahockeyregistration.com to sign up prior to the first session.  Once signed up you can upload it online as well. Click on "edit my account" then select the childs name. Finally scroll down and enter it in the USAH Confirm. # field and click submit. Please also email it to us at  .

Looking forward to getting the kids on the ice. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Chris Baker

GHPYH – President, Board of Directors