Watertown Youth Hockey Association Opens Registration for Learn-to-Skate, Learn-to-Play Programs

WATERTOWN YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION HITS ICE FOR NEW SEASON

Learn-to-Skate and Learn-to-Play Programs Open for Registration, Featuring Olympic Gold Medalist, Gretchen Silverman

WATERTOWN, CT, October 5, 2011 — For nearly 60 years, children from all over Connecticut have traveled to Watertown to learn to love the game of ice hockey.  This month, the Watertown Youth Hockey Association (WYHA), whose programs are based in the historic Mays Rink at The Taft School in Watertown, hits the ice for another season with an ongoing commitment to instill a love of ice hockey in kids as early as age four.  WYHA teams won State Championship honors at the Mite and Pee Wee levels last season.

While the kids are always the stars of each practice and game, WYHA is proud to have an Olympic Gold Medalist and former NHL and collegiate players among those on the ice as USA Hockey-certified coaches.

Two new WYHA programs, launched last year, are designed for boys and girls ages four (4) – 12: Learn-to-Skate and Learn-to-Play.  The programs are led by Gretchen Silverman, who won a gold medal with the Team USA hockey team at the 1998 Winter Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan. She competed on three U.S. Women’s National Teams, between 1993 and 1998 after leading Dartmouth College to the Ivy League Championship in 1990-91 and 1992-93. A Connecticut native, Gretchen graduated from Loomis Chaffee School and was a member of the ’85-‘86 CT Polar Bears. Gretchen, who earned her master’s degree at Dartmouth in education, has coached at a variety of levels and specializes in individual skills development.

WYHA Learn-to-Skate is designed for boys and girls ages four (4) years old and up with little or no prior experience on the ice.  Learn-to-Skate will run in two 8-week sessions (October - December, and January - February), with ice times running 45 minutes on Saturday and Sunday mornings, usually starting around 10:00am.  Registration is now open for the first session at a cost of $100, or for both sessions at a cost of $175. 

Learn-to-Play is WYHA's hockey skills development program for kids ages five (5) to 12 with previous hockey skating experience. The program will run for 16 weeks (October through February), with ice times running 60 minutes on Saturday and Sunday mornings, usually starting around 10:00am. Registration is now open, and the cost is $400.

All participants in Learn-to-Skate must have their own hockey skates, hockey helmet with facemask, shin guards and elbow pads.  Hockey pants are not required, but are encouraged.  All participants in Learn-to-Play must have all of the same equipment as Learn-to-Skate (hockey pants required), plus shoulder pads and a neck guard.  Affordable equipment packages are available.

Registration is open now and can be done online by visiting http://www.WYHA.us.

“Learn-to-Skate gives kids the chance to learn to love the ice from an Olympic Gold Medalist and exceptional teacher.  Meanwhile, parents can get their kids on skates twice a weekend for one or both sessions at a truly amazing price!  And our Learn-to-Play program is the perfect way to teach kids fundamental hockey skills that will help them love to play.  It’s a great way to become part of the Watertown Youth Hockey family,” said Larry Erickson, president, WYHA.

Among the all-star coaches joining Gretchen at WYHA is former NHL draft choice, Dr. Willie Levesque.  Willie played professional ice hockey with the San Jose Sharks, Cleveland Barons, and Johnstown Chiefs.  He was a member of the Division-I Northeastern University Huskies hockey team as a 4-year varsity letter winner, 4-year Hockey East All-Academic Team member, Hockey East All-Rookie Team member, and Huskies Leading Scorer in '99-'00. Willie was selected to the '99-'00 World Junior Under-20 National Team that competed in the IIHF World Junior Championships in Sweden.  Dr. Levesque, a member of the American Chiropractic Association, runs Professional Spine and Sports Therapeutics in Seymour, CT.

“We have an incredibly deep history and a passion at WYHA to help establish and grow a love for the game of ice hockey through the development of skating and playing skills by emphasizing practice techniques that are fun and build on each individual child’s confidence and creativity,” said Erickson.  “With Gretchen, Willie, and our other USA Hockey-certified coaches — many of whom have dedicated decades to the kids who come through WYHA — we have some All-Star coaches teaching our kids to be the best hockey players they can be at every skill level through high school.”

Established in the 1950’s, Watertown Youth Hockey Association teaches a love of ice hockey, sportsmanship, camaraderie and hard work to boys and girls as young as age four (4) through high school.  Based in the historic Mays Rink at The Taft School in Watertown, CT, WYHA is a not-for-profit organization powered by the talent, passion and tireless dedication of numerous volunteers who, for generations, have helped create hockey players, including those at the NHL and collegiate levels, who share a love of the game of hockey that leaves an impact on the ice and off the ice.  For more information, visit http://www.WYHA.us.

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