1) What is PYHA?
Princeton Youth Hockey Association (PYHA) is a non-profit volunteer organization with approximately 10 teams and approximately 150 players. PYHA is comprised of parents, coaches, and players who are able to keep travel hockey, and youth sports in general, in proper perspective. We help our children to develop not only hockey skills but also life skills --- sportsmanship, teamwork, dedication, hard work, and leadership. Above all, we hope that both parents and players will make new friends and have FUN.
PYHA is a member of USA Hockey and the New Jersey Youth Hockey League competing as a Tier II travel hockey program (AA, A and B) as well as a learn to play hockey program (Tiger Cub) designed for players between the ages of 4 and 7. We field teams from Mite (under 8) to Midget (U18) levels and are a volunteer-based program that has historic Baker Rink on the Princeton University Campus as our home rink.
2) At what age can a child participate?
Children ages 4 - 18 can be part of one of our teams.
3) What equipment will my child need to play hockey?
Players need the following equipment in order to participate -
* Certified ice hockey helmet with full face cage (must be HECC approved) in black
* Elbow pads
* Ice hockey gloves
* Shin guards
* Shoulder pads
* Hockey pants with pads
* Athletic supporter cup
* Hockey skates
* Hockey stick
* Protective mouth guard
* Recommended, but not required - protective neck guard
* Team practice jersey
* Travel teams require home and away jerseys and socks, which are not included in our fees. You will receive instructions for purchasing your jerseys.
* Goalies require protective goalie equipment including leg pads, chest protector, goalie helmet, glove, blocker and goalie stick
4) When is the hockey season?
The season runs from the end of August to mid-March for the Mite - Bantam levels.
The Midget season starts in the summer and runs to approximately Thanksgiving to accommodate the demands of high school hockey. An Extended Midget season from December to March may be available for those Midgets wishing to continue skating.
The Tiger Cub/Mite Minor season runs from October to March.
5) Who are the Coaches and how are they selected?
The coaches are comprised of local adults who have a passion for teaching youth athletes the game of hockey and consist of both parents of our players as well as adults in the Princeton community who do not have players on the team. They are selected by a Coaching Committee, a subcommittee of the PYHA Board of Directors. All coaches are certified by USA Hockey, are background screened and must maintain the most up to date USA Hockey Coaching Education Program certification. Most of our coaches have played competitive hockey.
6) When are the practices and the games?
Practices are held at Baker Rink (Princeton University) or ProSkate in Monmouth Junction, NJ.
Practices last 1.25 hours and are generally two times per week.
Games are generally played on Saturday and Sunday.
7) How often does the team travel and how far away?
We participate in New Jersey Youth Hockey League's Tier II level and therefore travel either in Northern or Southern NJ for our away games. Our away games are generally less than 1.5 hours away.
8) To what degree are parents involved?
PYHA is a volunteer - based organization. With approximately 10 teams and 150 players it takes a tremendous amount of effort and coordination. When we ask for volunteers, please help support the organization with some of your time and talent.
9) How competitive is PYHA and will my child get equal playing time?
* PYHA tryouts are open, i.e., no player is guaranteed a position on a team whether or not they have previously played at PYHA, and the objective is to select the most proficient and competitive team at each level. Players will be selected and placed on teams based upon skills demonstrated at tryouts.
* At the U8, U10, U12, and U14 levels our goal is to give each player substantially equal ice time over the course of the season based on equal effort at practices. At the U16 and U18 levels, ice time will potentially not be equitable and it is given at the coach's discretion.
* Regular attendance and hard work at practices, skills programs, games, and tournaments is expected to achieve our goals.
* Our focus on player development includes regularly scheduled skills clinics and goalie clinics.
10) Does PYHA attend tournaments?
* Up to two tournaments are included in your fee for Squirt, PeeWee and Bantam levels. (Midget & Mite teams include one tournament) The tournaments are selected by the team management based on past experience with PYHA Board of Directors guidance.
If you have any other questions, please contact the Registrar by clicking on the Registrar tab under “Contact Us”.
