Northstars High School Hockey Program

 

 

The Northstars program provides an atmosphere based on discipline, learning, respect and cooperation allowing your sons and daughters to achieve their potential as student-athletes.  We strive to encourage personal growth using hockey to enhance character development.  The basic aim of a sound athletic competition involves nurturing “human excellence.”  Northstars Hockey, in its own way, endeavors to prepare young men and women for the many inevitable challenges and responsibilities they will face throughout their lives.

 

With the support of the Norhtstars Hockey Association our program, while only in its third year, has evolved and matured since its inaugural season in 2007.   Each year we attempt to field a Jr. Varsity team for development of the younger talent (JV).   The Northstars play in the Maryland Scholastic League (MSHL).    We are most proud that Northstars will always provided an opportunity for every student interested in enjoying ice hockey as an extra-curricular pursuit.

 

 

The Varsity Team is comprised of those players who demonstrate the highest level of skill and hockey experience, most of them having years of travel hockey experience.  The team requires a significant time commitment, including 2 practices or games per week.  The Varsity team plays approximately 20-25 regular season games and participates in pre-season and post-season tournaments.  The team roster will include up to 20 players, however under MSHL rules only 20 players can dress for a game.  Varsity is open to 9^th -12^th grade players residing and attending High School within Washington County MD, public or private.

 

The Junior Varsity Team (if filled) is composed of limited and non experienced players who have typically played recreational club hockey for at least a 1 seasons.  Junior Varsity is open to all freshmen, sophomore and juniors.  Seniors are eligible only if they are not deemed an “impact player” or if they play Tier II club hockey (Midget /Bantam AA, A or B).  The team will play 10-12 league games and 3-5 non-league games.  The team roster will include 10-12 players, however under MSHL rules allows up to 20 players for a game.

 

 

 

 

The MSHL was created in 1988 to provide Maryland public and private schools with an opportunity to enjoy the sport of ice hockey.  Teams from the District of Columbia and Virginia also participate with full membership privileges.  The North Stars have been a member of the MSHL since 2007. 

 

 

While selling advertisement provides a generous subsidy to support the program, ice hockey is an expensive sport, and additional fees must be assessed to cover program costs.  Player fees typically run $350-$500 per year.

 

 

 

Players are responsible for providing and maintaining their own equipment.  Northstars Hockey provides home and away jerseys for each player and socks.  Jerseys must be returned clean and in good condition at the end of the season. 

 

 

The home ice for the Northstars program is the Hagerstown Ice and Sports Complex located 580 Security Road, Hagerstown MD 21740 (301-766-9122).  The rink is managed by the Hagerstown Youth Hockey Association.  Formerly administered by the Washington County Sports Foundation, the responsibility for operating the arena was turned over to the HYHA a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining a family-oriented facility.  In cooperation with the tenant organizations plays a leading role in the ongoing effort to keep the rink open.

 

Over the years, hockey parents have played a major role in service to the rink Board as legal advisors, architects, engineers, plumbers, carpenters, and volunteer laborers.  Likewise, Northstars student’s athletes have played a major volunteer role in helping to maintain the facility and its grounds.  The outcome of these efforts is obvious in the premier skating facility that the HISC has become.

 These outstanding rink conditions, in turn, have attracted use by an ever-increasing number of groups, thereby enabling continued operation of the rink’s community service programs.

 

One program that has become a major success is “Pond Hockey,” a community learn-to-skate program that provides reduced fee instruction to hundreds of children.  The Northstars Hockey is an enthusiastic supporter of this program. You can find more information on HISC Website.  (hagerstownice.org)

 

 

 

The Northstars Hockey Program is dependent upon the volunteer activities organized and carried out under the Association. These activities provide critical staffing and financial resources needed to continue the program.

 

The Northstars Hockey Association is organized around those key functions needed to sustain the quality of the program.  The Association includes a president, vice president, secretary, registrar, fundraising coordinator, team representatives, and scheduler volunteer positions held by parents and supporters of Northstars Hockey. We encourage parents of underclassmen to become involved in the Association to benefit from the experience of parents whose sons will soon graduate.  At the end of this document, we’ve included an organization chart along with a brief description of duties to help you find a position that might interest you. Each year the Association holds a kick-off meeting as the opportunity to explain the organization and the planned events, introduce the coaching staff, and recruit volunteers.  The Association then meets as needed.

 

Community Service.  Student volunteers are needed to lace skates and assist the on-ice instructors for the Pond Hockey program on Saturdays and Sunday mornings throughout the year at the rink. As in the past any North Star who contributes his time to this project is eligible to receive credit towards his community service requirement.

 

Team Representatives.  In order for our coaches to focus on their on-ice duties, each team needs committed volunteers willing to help out with scheduling changes, referee requirements and other important logistical responsibilities.  For more details on how you can offer your help or become more involved, please email us at northstars@myactv.net.

 

Team Apparel.  Most clothing and apparel will be ordered though our team vendor.  In cooperation with the Northstars, team sweat shirts and team apparel will be offered for sale.  If you wish to order, please notify your team representative when the teams are selected. Players are encouraged to wear black breezers, and black helmets.