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New To Hockey

First Steps

Is your child interested in playing hockey, but you don't know where to start? Don't worry, we've all been there. The Greensboro Youth Hockey Association in conjunction with Greensboro Ice House offer several options to help get your kids on the ice. Both programs will teach your kids the basics of skating, safety and proper technique. 

The first step is learning to skate. The Greensboro Ice House offers a fantastic Learn to Skate Program which you can learn more about by going to the link under the programs tab, or by visiting their website with link provided below!

Once your child has passed the learn to skate program, they're ready to gear up and hit the ice for basic hockey instruction. The Greensboro Youth Hockey Association (GYHA) offers a phenomenal Learn to Play Program that will teach your child the FUNdamentals of hockey. For more information on our Learn to Play program please go to the link under the programs tab.

Helpful Links for New Hockey Parents

USA Hockey's ADM model

GYHA programs adhere to the ADM (American Development Model) guidelines.

Hockey Gear Care

Hockey Gear Care

Every hockey player has one thing in common, stinky hockey equipment! It is a odor unique to all others, but there are tips you can use to help prevent and treat that smelly equipment!

Create a base layer

If you create a base layer between you and your gear, you can help absorb a lot of the sweat that would evaporate into the equipment. The base layer acts as a barrier between the skin and the equipment to stop dead skin, oils and grease from your body from getting into your gear and becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. The base layer and socks needs to be washed regularly.

Air out your gear

I cannot express how critical this step is! After a hockey game or practice the gear will be damp. As soon as you get home the gear has to be aired out to prevent bacteria growth and that unpleasant smell. You can use a clothes or sports drying rack or whatever is available in your home to allow them to air out.

Getting the smell out

Even with the proper steps taken, every hockey player will have their equipment start to smell over time. Following the tips above will help the equipment to not smell as frequently. The best remedy for smelly gear is the washing machine! Yes, it is that easy! However, if the gear is really smelly, rinse it first by filling the washing machine, letting it soak, draining it, and then put it through a proper wash cycle.

Tip: Make sure to velcro straps to their partner to avoid sticking. Make sure there is plenty of room for all the gear to move around in the wash cycle to prevent it from ripping. Do NOT use bleach!

What gear is safe to go in the wash?

  • Socks
  • Jersey
  • Jock (remove cup and do up the velcro so it doesn’t stick to everything)
  • Shin Pads
  • Hockey Pants
  • Elbow Pads
  • Shoulder Pads
  • Gloves (DO NOT put hockey gloves in the dryer! Instead place them palm side up to air dry.)
  • What CANNOT go in the wash?
  • Helmet
  • Skates

Drying equipment after washing

The best and easiest way to dry out your equipment after washing is to air dry the equipment. However, it is safe to put base layers, socks, jock and the jersey in the dryer. Do not put anything that has leather parts in the dryer, like the hockey gloves, because it will dry out and cause cracking.

Getting the smell out of skates

The best thing you can do to prevent your skates from stinking is to take the insole out after each game or practice and let them dry out completely. If your skates already stink you can try some of the special sports gear sprays to neutralize the odor, or just spray and wipe the insides out with a washcloth and some vinegar and then let them dry out completely. It will take a number of treatments before you can get them to smell better, but over time the smell should improve.

What is "baking" skates?

Baking skates is a process of molding new skates to the skaters feet. Not all skates can be baked, and should only be baked once. This is why we recommend seeking advice from a pro shop or a coach before baking them.


Step By Step to Hockey

Greensboro Youth Hockey Association (GYHA) Learn to Play and 8U programs. The top priority of the GYHA programs is to promote player growth, development, sportsmanship and safety. Our goal is to make the game of hockey FUN!!! Please reference our website for additional information at www.gyha.org 

USA Hockey The governing body for youth and adult hockey in the USA. All youth hockey players must have a USA Hockey membership in order to play. The USA Hockey membership is FREE for players ages six and under. Afterward the cost is $46 a year for players ages seven and up. For additional information you can look on their website at www.usahockey.com  

American Development Model (ADM) This approach focuses on improving the skill level of players and emphasizes FUN while learning the fundamentals and playing games. For more information on this approach, you can visit their website at www.admkids.com  

Learn to Play (Ages 4-16) The objective of this program is to teach players hockey fundamentals. Following the ADM approach, this program utilizes small ice and high interaction drills. Players are divided up into small groups which are primarily based on skill level and age. To maximize skill development the groups are kept small and each group rotates among stations that focus on a different skill like passing, shooting, and hockey sense. Each session concludes with a type of game. 

Greensboro Stars (8U) (Ages 8 and under) This program is a fundamental stage for young players. The objective of this program is to introduce players to the game of hockey. Here they will develop their individual and team skills as the program focuses on skill repetition, small area drills, station work, and cross ice games in a noncompetitive environment. Practices are designed according to the ability level of each group of skaters, which will concentrate on the individual development of each player.

 

Learn To Play USA Hockey American Developmental Model Greensboro Stars - Ladies, 6u & 8U
Ages 4 - 16 Approach that focuses on improving the skill level of players Ages 4 - 9
Fundamental stages for youth players Emphasizes FUN Objective is to introduce layers to the game of hockey
1 Hour sessions Learning Fundamentals Develop individual & team skills
High interaction drills Playing Games Focus on Skill Repetition
Rotating Stations Small area drills, station work & cross ice games in a non-competitive environment
Focus on FUNdamental skills Concentrate on individual development of each player
ADMKids.com GYHA.org