Frank Darin

Director:

Mini Vees

Goalie Program

Hello again,

I can’t believe how time fly’s…I have been involved with PMHA for over 16 years, and I can’t seem to get enough.

The Mini Vees program was again a huge success. Though I have to say …a special thanks goes out to Margot Hientz for all her help with the program. I also can not forget the coaches, parents and the Midget AAA girls that participated. It is people like that that help us put that unforgettable smile we all look for in those kids. We had 25 kids in the program last year and we are already looking at that those numbers for next year. So register early!!

The program is designed, to help with balance, skating and agility. We try to show the kids in ways that they don’t feel they are pushed into it. Fun, laughs and smiles… that is the goal. They work on that through out the year and bring in new levels as the year goes on. You can definitely see the improvement with these players. If you look up in the stands you can also see the parents and grandparents getting a kick out of it as well.

The “Give it Try” program was another big success. That gives the kids a chance to try it out without making the commitment at an early stage. The program is designed to get the younger and first time players to come out and see if they enjoyed it. We find that some players can’t get enough and others are just shy for the first part and then that all changes. This year we had one player that was 3 ½ yrs old. She started off quiet and by the end we could not get her off the ice. HIGH FIVE POOKEY!!! . We wanted to get their interest level started early and offered a reduced rate which gives them at least one ice time a week.

The GOALIE PROGRAM. had another great response this year. We brought in some extra instructional advice which the players all enjoyed and worked on it throughout the year. This program is designed to give the goalies some special attention and instruction that they sometimes don’t see in the team practices or games. We break it up into two groups, NOVICE, ATOM, and PEE WEE, and then the BANTAMS and MIDGETS. This year we had some bad luck with ice times and the program had to end in January. Saying that with the intention of moving into the new complex we should see more regularly scheduled ice times. This will allow us continue the program and increase the instructional opportunities. This should also give us the chance to bring in additional levels of instruction. I would like to expand this program, not only on ice, but off ice programs as well. The interest from the players and parents are over whelming.

Again my appreciation and thanks to all who were involved and also many thanks for your hard work, and all those long hours that you have put in. I have said this before, having people with new ideas and able to put it to work on the ice is priceless. I would like to see the players get the best instruction that we can offer and when they come off the ice ….that smile and appreciation from the players is our true goal.

Looking forward to next year…

Best regards,

Frank Darin