IT'S PLAYOFF WEEK!!

Coaches -

IT'S PLAYOFF WEEK!! Congratulations and thank you for volunteering your time to help develop the kids of the program. I do believe hockey is the longest season in youth sports - hard to believe we started this back in September, and we're now approaching April.

First - if you haven't done your coaches evaluations - GET IT DONE TODAY. One of the REQUIREMENTS for coaches (in addition to all the certifications and classes) is to complete coach's evaluations. Personally, I believe the program should get to a point where if you're not providing thoughtful evaluations, then you shouldn't be eligible to coach the following year. It's critical for next year's team placements, and builds credibility within the program. Take the time, and get it done.

Thanks to all coaches who have also supported this year's tryout process. Whether you're an on-ice coach, or an evaluator - it takes effort from everyone.

Congratulations to our Mite A and Mite B teams who won their respective Mite Championships this past weekend. You guys had great seasons, and it's awesome to see the kids at the rink wearing their Championship hats and medals. Mite C came up just shy in the Championship game - but all around it seems like our Mite program had a great year.

If you're around this weekend and looking to bring in a hockey game, I always encourage coaches to look at the VHL playoff bracket and see if there's a nearby game to attend. Nothing better than seeing friends from FYHP supporting fellow teams.

Congrats to the 10UA and 12UB teams for their performance in states this past weekend at NESC. The 10U team is incredibly young, with 8 first year squirts. They trailed 2-0 in the opening game, but battled back to a 3-2 lead before ultimately falling 4-3. They beat a really good Andover team on Saturday to finish their tournament 1-2 - kudos to all those coaches who helped, and hats off to those kids. And thanks to all who came out to support them!

The 12U team did exceptionally well, reflecting the depth of FYHP at the 12U level. A few weeks after our Tier V 12U team took home a state banner, the Tier IV squad rolled through the round robin play, going 3-0 and coming back in multiple games. They steamrolled Parkway in the Quarterfinal game, before falling just shy to Winchester in the Championship game. Incredibly well-coached team, incredibly talented, and they had a great run. Playing on Rink 1 in the finals, there were a number of FYHP supporters at the rink to cheer them on.

Let's finish the season strong. For full ice, as a reminder, VHL has the following rules:

https://www.valleyhockeyleague.com/pages/playoffs/2024-25/full-ice-playoff-rules/

Each team gets one 30-second timeout. Don't be afraid to use it!

OT is 3v3 for 5 minutes. Plan for what you would do in a 3v3 situation now with your coaches.

Following the OT period, it goes to a 5-player shootout. If still tied, it goes to a 4-player shootout, then 3, all the way down to 1v1, alternating shots.

Personally, I find it helpful to talk to coaches and figure out the lineups together. That way, when the situation presents itself - everyone's prepared and on the same page.

I encourage you to be prepared for all situations. You don't want to be scrambling with 2 minutes left in a tie game to figure out what lineup you want out in OT.

Best,

Casey & Eric