Hello New and Returning LAYHA Families!

Believe it or not, hockey season is just four weeks away and the LAYHA board has been busy preparing for the new season.

As many of you know, LAYHA is a co-ed organization dedicated to developing and improving the ice hockey skills of all its players. This year LAYHA will offer seven team and group levels. Four programs are at the 8 and under level, including our beginner level of Learn To Skate/Play, Mini Mites, House Mites and Travel Mites, as well as travel teams at the 10 and Under, 12 and Under and 14 and Under age levels.

LAYHA places particular emphasis on sportsmanship, teamwork, and equal ice time (especially at the younger levels). We have adopted a practice philosophy that focuses on fundamental skill development through station-based work, maximum puck touches and near-constant movement. All of this is made possible through the dedication of our volunteer coaches.

As in years past LAYHA aims to provide all travel teams with an average of 2 practices per week (bonus practices will be available at the beginning of the season) and a schedule of at least 20 games. The younger skill development teams get the same level of coaching with a less rigorous practice and/or game schedule. Practice schedules are being loaded to the team pages and master calendar on the website now, and the game schedules (as they currently stand) will soon follow.

The season will officially start the moment ice is available at the rink, which at this point is projected to be Monday, Oct. 21. LAYHA also will host two hours of free skating on Sunday, Oct. 20, as a welcome back and a chance to get back on your skates and test out any new equipment our players may be sporting. The hours are from 9-11 a.m. The intent is for the first hour to be a free skating session, and the second to be with sticks and pucks ... depending on interest.

LAYHA strives to keep registration prices as affordable as possible. Registrations are now open at all levels and payment plans are available through our online registration portal. Visit the player registration page on layha.org to get started with the registration process.

LAYHA is dependent upon the generosity of its participants to keep costs for everyone affordable and to maximize the players’ time on the ice. Throughout the season LAYHA will organize and provide numerous optional fundraising activities like wreath sales, coupon promotions, and more that families can participate in to earn back some of their registration fees and to further help the organization LAYHA also provides a multi-child discount through its fundraising system.

Another great way to keep hockey affordable for all our families is LAYHA’s annual Skate Swap. This year’s swap will be held the morning of Saturday, Sept. 28, at Fenton Chester Ice Arena from 9-11:30. LAYHA is accepting donations of gently-used equipment from member families and the general public for sale at bargain prices. Drop off for contributions will be at the rink from 8-9 a.m. that morning. LAYHA board members will also be present during the swap to answer any questions about the upcoming season and to assist with registrations.

We are excited to get the season underway and can’t way to see all of you on the ice. Make sure to look for LAYHA’s 10U Tier 3 State Championship banner when you are next in the rink.

Go Red Wings!

Andrew McGregor

LAYHA President, on behalf of the LAYHA Board of Directors