Icehawks Recreational/In-House
Ice Hockey Program

The Rec Program is designed to provide players with an organized, fun atmosphere where they can learn and enjoy the game of hockey. The Program accommodates players from 7 to 14 years old with two divisions: Senior and Jr. The Senior Division is typically ages 12 to 14 and the Jr. Division is typically ages 7 to 11; however, other factors such as size and skill level can play a part in the decision of which division is most appropriate for an individual player.

The Rec Program involves one practice per week for one hour and one game on the weekend against another Rec team. If the coaches, players and parents so desire, games against teams from other hockey programs can be scheduled. In the past, many of the Jr. Division teams have scheduled from 1 to 5 games "across the bridge" to add an element of travel and freshness to the year.

Players in the Rec Program are rated in the beginning of the season based on skill level and then divided evenly among the teams in their division to provide the fairest and highest level of competition possible. Players under the age of 6 are encouraged to play with the Atoms program.

Other facts you should know about the Rec Program include:

• All games are played at the Talbot County Community Center
• All games have qualified referees
• Penalties are called and enforced
• This is a non-check league (both for Jr. and Senior Divisions)
• Slap shots not allowed in the Jr. Division
• Ice time is equal other than during penalties, the last 2 minutes of the game and in certain instances for disciplinary reasons
• Teams typically have 10-12 players
• First year players can "borrow" equipment including helmet, pants, elbow, shoulder and knee pads. Skates are not supplied.
• Each team is issued distinctive jerseys and socks (second year players and above expected to supply own equipment)
• All players need to have basic skating skills to participate in the Rec Program (i.e., they need to be able to go forward, stop and turn with some degree of proficiency). If your child does not have this prior skating experience but does want to play ice hockey, we encourage enrollment in the Jamie Webb Initiation Program offered by the Talbot County Community Center.
• Each player receives a yearbook at end of season
• Each player and family attends year-end banquet
• Year-end tournament for all teams by division

The Rec Program has proven to be both a great hockey experience for those players and/or families that do not want to invest the time and resources demanded by the Travel Program as well as an excellent training ground for players seeking to develop their skills and knowledge of the game as a precursor to joining the Travel Program. Whatever brings one to the ESHA Rec Program, one can be assured of plenty of skating, skills development and game situations.