After running several very successful Girls Only hockey clinics this Spring, talking to parents and kids about what a Girls Hockey program within SMAHL would look like, SMAHL is proud to announce the formation of 3 specific Girls Only hockey initiatives for the 2006-07 season. Below is a description and list of the divisions.

For Girls who want to Learn to Play Hockey (ages 4-16):

SMAHL will continue the process of having a Girls Only IP (USA Hockey Learn to Play Program). The session will start in early November and run through late February, with a total of 28 hours of ice time. The cost will be $175 and full equipment is required. This program will run each year, with a Spring session being added if the minimum number of players is met.

Mite, and Squirt Age Girls All-Star Team(s):

For girls Squirt age (10 and under) and Mite age (8 and under), SMAHL has created a new opportunity within the House Program for girls who have previously completed an IP program (USA Hockey Learn to Play) and are ready to play at a competitive level.  The all-girls Squirt age and Mite age teams will be created allowing the girls to play on separate, non-coed team, in addition to playing on their House team. Some key features of these new teams are:

• These teams will be run like the existing House All-Star teams and try-outs will be held if the numbers dictate that it is necessary. They will receive 20-25 hours of ice at Tam O'Shanter to use for practice or game, mostly on weekends.

• The team can play games against other all-girls teams or tournaments as they see fit.

• To help promote the girls program, we will allow girls who want to only play on the Girls All-Star team to do so ( i.e. not play in House as well)

• The team(s) are self-financed with the total costs divided amongst the participants.

Girls Pee-Wee and Bantam Travel Team:

The Travel Board has approved the formation of a Girls Only U14 travel team. Girls in this program would not play in the House or All-Star program and this team would function like any other travel team. The U14 Girls team (a.k.a. the "Lady Leafs") would practice 1-2 times during the week, receive 1 ice time each weekend at home for games or practices. For the first year, the team would decide whether or not to play travel in LCAHL or play an independent schedule. If you have any questions, please contact Pat Heldt at (419) 292-1527 or via email at pat.heldt@gmail.com