To say that these times have been difficult is an understatement. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and as more of us adopt the “Stay in Place” lifestyle, daily life as we know it has changed. Our new norm has deprived us of some of the simple things we were accustomed to taking for granted, but has left the sport we all love a big question mark as well.
This is generally the time of year for tryouts, as winter sports give way to the outdoor spring season. Some trade in their hockey stick for a lacrosse stick, their skates for soccer cleats, their hockey gloves for a baseball mitt. Going from a travel hockey season to a virtual complete stoppage may be a new feeling to most, but know you are not in it alone. Your Nassau County Hockey family is there with you as well, and will continue to provide support. We will keep you updated and bring you the latest news as we hear it.
Tryout dates
We at Nassau County Hockey have been working behind the scenes, drafting a number of logistical scenarios in terms of tryouts and the beginning of the 2020-2021 season when we are able to resume normal activities. Note that per the New York State Amateur Hockey Association (NYSAHA), all activities have been suspended until further notice as per a recent memo:
Based on New York State Governmental directives, until further notice all USA Hockey and NYSAHA sanctioned events are postponed, including but not limited to the NYSAHA Annual Meeting and Section Meetings, tryouts, clinics, and on-ice and off-ice activities for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 seasons. USA Hockey has authorized its Affiliates, including NYSAHA, to alter tryout dates based on local Governmental directives and other requirements. NYSAHA will notify the membership of when tryouts and other sanctioned events may be scheduled.
It should also be noted that pursuant to USA Hockey Rules, if any tryouts or other sanctioned events take place in violation of the above, the Association will be sanctioned, and violations will result in a hearing to be held before the NYSAHA Board of Directors.
The bottom line … no single travel hockey program on Long Island or in the local region will or should be holding any sort of tryouts or off-ice training, brush-ups, recruiting, etc. until USA Hockey mandates it’s time to resume activities. Know that Nassau County Hockey is ready with a number of scenarios when we are allowed to resume life as normal.
Keeping sharp
As classroom learning has given way to distance learning and virtual classrooms, even though there is no ice available, that’s no reason to abandon hockey-related activities. USA Hockey can be a wonderful resource of dryland training for all age groups. Click here for a number of age-specific activities your child can take part in, both indoors and outdoors, to keep sharp during this temporary downtime.
Coaching aids and training
Some may even want to up the ante and build a specific training course for their child. This can be done both on the cheap with a trip to your local Lowe’s or Home Depot, or by ordering hockey-specific training materials, such as synthetic ice tiles and passing kits.
- Click here for a great video where a simple hardboard pad from Lowes and some furniture polish can turn your backyard, garage, driveway or basement into a replica ice surface for under $20.
- Click here for a video on how a quick trip to your local hardware store and some skill with a saw can help build a hockey passer/rebounder.
- Click here for a video on how to build a more advanced setup via a number of passing aids and tools available for purchase.
- Click here for a series of videos designed by a coach to get players through this time of quarantine with more at-home training tips, such as passing, improving your slap shot and more.
We will continue to provide updates as news breaks.
Thanks again for your support of Nassau County Hockey and we look forward to seeing you again on the ice in the very near future.
