Player Tryouts/Registrations 2008-09 Season

River City Travel Hockey Association has teams competing in both the North Texas Hockey League (NTXHL) and South Texas Youth Hockey Leagues (STYHL). Player tryouts will be conducted for next year’s NTXHL teams only on 7-9 April and 18-20 August 2008 at Northwoods Rink. We are projecting four teams next year in the NTXHL, including the Squirt, Peewee, Bantam and Midget age divisions.

Team registration for STYHL teams will be conducted in September 2008.

Play North or South?

In general, the highest levels of competition in Texas are found within the NTXHL, which includes approximately 150 teams. River City teams in the NTXHL must be identified by late August 2008. In contrast, River City teams in the STYHL teams must be identified by late September 2008. Ultimately, the placement of teams in either league is wholly dependent on the number of eligible players who register.

Although the NTXHL teams provide more opportunities for competition, there are costs that need to be considered. One is the registration cost, which is expected to be higher than the $1300 this past year. Another is the need to travel, which can include up to 6-7 weekend trips to various locations in Texas, in addition to 1-2 home weekend games. The registration fees do not include the cost of travel, food and accommodations which are additional. On a more positive note, many families enjoy the trips and the family camaraderie that evolves throughout the season.

Due to a shorter playing season in STYHL, the player registration fees are less (expected to be under $1000 for the next season). Also, the requirement to travel is less.

Northwoods also conducts youth hockey house leagues at various age divisions. Participation in the house leagues does not require travel.

Conduct of Tryouts

The purpose of the tryouts is to assess the interest, player abilities, and team competitive level for placement in the NTXHL next year. There will be two tryout sessions: the first between 7-9 April 2008, the second between 18-20 August 2008. Successful players will be rostered with their team after either the first or second team tryout. The outcome of the evaluations will determine whether we place one or two teams in each age division in NTXHL next year, and how many players to expect in the STYHL teams. Players who are not rostered with a NTXHL team after August may be able to register with a STYHL team (if one is available).

It is very important for players interested in the NTXHL to attend the tryouts. Players must wear full practice gear. Those who are unable to attend are asked to contact the coaches noted below to signify their desire to participate on the team (at sathunderhockey@yahoo.com). To cover the cost of the ice rental, Squirts and Peewees will be assessed a charge of $15. Bantam and Midget players will be assessed a charge of $25 (the different costs reflect the Squirts and Peewees playing on half sheets).

Schedule:

Squirts (Coach Doug Tresnak) – 7 April at 7 pm; and 18 August at 7 pm.

Peewees (Coach Paul Blum) – 7 April at 7 pm; and 18 August at 7 pm.

Bantams (Coach Andy Rosengard) – 8 April at 7 pm; and 19 August at 7 pm.

Midgets (Coach Dave Morrison) – 9 April at 8:15 pm; and 20 August at 7 pm.