Southern under-16 2015 trials

The Southern Ice Hockey League (SIHL) is seeking players for the 2015 season for Southern under-16 team. Trials will be held in Queenstown or alternatively Dunedin depending on numbers trialing.

Saturday, April 11th – off ice fitness test 12.00pm – 1.30pm
Saturday, April 11th – on ice 6.15PM – 7.45PM
Sunday, April 12th – on ice 10.00am – 11.30am.

Please email your expressions interest to flightyandt@xtra.co.nz for an idea of numbers.

About the competition and the team

The competition runs from June 13th to September 13th, and is contested between 3 teams, Auckland, Canterbury and Southern.

The teams consist of 17 travelling players, and additional non-travelling reserves, up to a maximum of 25 players.

Each team will play 2 home tournaments in Dunedin. There is 2 away tournaments (consisting of 2 games), and then finals are held over 3 days, this year also in Dunedin.

The under 16 competition is a step up from midget league. It is a highly physical and competitive league, and as such players need to be fully committed to attending all practices and undertaking their own fitness training. Missing a practice means that lines are affected which in turn means that the whole team is affected. A practice schedule will be announced over the next couple of weeks.

The hockey played at this level is FULL contact, hugely rewarding and lots of fun for the players. The New Zealand under NZ U16 representatives are also selected from these teams and league, a great goal to aim for.

It is also important for players and parents to realise that at this level, ice time is not rotated evenly, and that while we certain amount of enjoyment, the ultimate goal of playing is to win games, this is a representative Southern on and off the ice.

Team practices

Practices have been planned around Midget rounds to assist with travel cost costs. Practices will be spread around southern as best we can and may be focused on where the bulk of our team is from.

Most practice weekends will involve an hour of skills practice and then a full contact game against a team which will be closely matched to our level. Some weekends will also involve a team activity as camaraderie is very important. Southern is always at a bit of a disadvantage when it comes to practicing together because of our geography, but these practices are vital in order for us to be competitive against the other two teams who practice together several times a week over most of the year.

We will try our best to match midget weekends when we can to avoid extra travel.

Costs

To keep costs down, players are billeted when they are out of town by the home team.

The approximate cost per player last year was approximately $1300.00 plus practices and finals.

This figure covered the NZJEL fee of around $1200, uniform, snacks, photo, flights, accommodation, vans, food & activities for finals. We would envisage the cost will be similar this year. The 2015 budget has not yet been sent but it is expected shortly.

Payment can be made by regular monthly contributions, and we will let you know when & how much once we know when NZJEL will require their first payment. The first payment is likely to be quite soon after the team is announced.

Under 16 game dates

Please have a good look at the schedule attached as we would like to stress that a huge commitment is required of all the players as we will expect full attendance at games and practices.
Thanks to Dianne Elliot we have managed to avoid clashes with all our practices and the SIHL midget rounds.

13-14th June vs Auckland in Dunedin
27th -28th June vs Can in Christchurch
4th – 5th July vs Can in Dunedin
29th – 30th August vs Auckland in Auckland
10th-13th September Finals weekend

Training dates to be announced shortly.

Coaching and Management staff

Andy Mills under 16 2015 Head coach
Nick Flight Assistant coach (Queenstown)
Steven Reid Assistant coach and Mentor (Queenstown)
Vicki Andrews Co-ordinator (Dunedin)
Brent Dodds team manager (Alexandra)

Dunedin Ice Hockey Association