Neuqua Valley Hockey Club Frequently Asked Questions: 2011-20112Season
Who are the coaches this year?
Dan Granato will be Head Coach of our Varsity team assisted by Bob Granato and Bryant Parker is returning as Head Coach of our Junior Varsity team. The assistant coach for the JV team will be announced shortly.
How many teams will we have?
We plan to have two teams again this year. Both the Varsity Gold and JV Blue will be playing in the Metro West League.
How much ice time will we have? The club will be buying approximately five hours of ice per week with almost all of it at the International Ice Center in Romeoville. Most practices will be separate JV and Varsity practices. There may be certain occasions where we will hold combined practices for both teams. . We are also looking to selectively add flexible slots throughout the season to cover certain practices and games. Once the season begins, there are typically 2-3 games per week.
How long is the season?
Try-outs will start in late August. The season ends in late February, and the state playoffs occur during the first two weeks of March. We have ice slots lasting through the end of March.
How many games do high school teams play?
Between practice games, tournaments, league games, and play-offs, players on Varsity and JV can expect to play approximately 45-60 games.
What can I expect for playing time during games?
Playing time may vary depending on which team a player is on. Playing time in any one game may vary due to a variety of circumstances, but the following guidelines are in place:
· The goal of the Varsity Team is to win games. This is the most competitive level in the organization andplayers maynotbe provided equal ice time. This year’s Varsity team will also have a third jersey.
· The goal of the JV Team is to win games, but also develop players for the Varsity Team. Player ice times might notbe equal. However, all players will play in each game and the coaches will emphasize skill development and team play.
· What are the fees?
To cover rising costs for ice and league fees we have had to slightly increase our fees this year. This year, full program fees for NVHC will be $3,875 for skaters and $500 for goalies if registered by August 17th. After August 17th, the fee is increased by $100.00. Each player may also have their fee reduced by procuring sponsorships for the club. More information on sponsorship is available by viewing the Sponsorship/Ad form that is available on our website.
What do fees cover?
Fees cover all team-related expenses, including ice time, coach fees, referees, tournament fees, awards, etc. New this year, each player will receive a practice jersey and practice socks. The practice jersey will be color coordinated by lines to assist with the running of a more effective practice.They do not include the cost of:
· Player jerseys ($240). Players purchase Neuqua 'home' and 'away' jerseys when they join the team and keep these throughout their years on the team. Plus required "Stop Signs".
· Varsity Players will be required to pay an additional $125 for their alternate jersey
· Travel expenses (transportation and lodging at out of town tournaments).
· Neuqua Valley Hockey bags (optional)
· Helmets
· Black Pant Shells/Pants
· Wind Suits
Are refunds given?
The $275 for skaters and $500 for goalies, tryout fee is non-refundable. Once tryouts are completed, if a player decides not to commit to a Neuqua Valley Hockey Club team, all post-dated checks submitted at registration will be returned to the Financially Responsible Party. However, once a player commits to a team by signing the official roster, no refunds are given unless there is a significant illness or injury that prevents a player from participating for more than six weeks. In the case of illness or injury, the Club will provide a credit against dues and fees of $6 per day from the date the skater is injured to theday the skater returns to the program or February 28, 2011, whichever comes first. The maximum injury credit may not exceed $400 per skater per season. To be eligible, an injury report must be submitted within one week of the injury. The refund policy is established this way in order to address the adverse financial burden that even one player leaving the team can place on the club and the other team families.
What about fundraising?
Hockey-related expenses are high, and an active fundraising program is essential to keep player fees as reasonable as possible. This year, the fundraising program focuses on selling business advertisements in our yearbook along with other advertisement and sponsorship options. There are a variety of these sponsorships available. Families can substantially reduce their fees by actively participating in the fundraising program, details of which are included on the web site under 'Fundraising'. Under this program, you will be rebated 50% of the first $300 of any revenue you bring in via sponsorships. NVHC’s fundraising program is designed to benefit the players directly, while also helping to support the Club.
Why is hockey a club sport and how is it recognized at Neuqua Valley High School?
Because the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) does not sanction hockey as a scholastic sport in Illinois, hockey teams are typically club sports at all high schools, including Neuqua Valley. This means that it is completely self supported and cannot receive school or Boosters Club funding. However, our club is active in maintaining a positive relationship with Neuqua Valley High School, and the school is very supportive of us. The club is covered in the yearbook, games are advertised on school monitors, players are encouraged to wear game jerseys prior to 'big game' days, posters and schedules are distributed, etc. All eligible players receive a Neuqua letter recognizing their participation and commitment. We work continually to increase the visibility of the program, encourage more students and teachers to attend games, and generally build school and team spirit.
While not an IHSA-sanctioned sport, we follow all IHSA athletic participation codes, including academic requirements and other athletic participation rules. Our attached Drug and Alcohol Abuse policy is modeled after the IHSA policy.
Does NVHC have a dress code?
All players will be required to wear NVHC wind suits and a NVHC T-Shirt or a short, tie and slacks to all games.The dress code will be at the discretion of the coaches and team captains. Wind suits must be purchased through the Apparel Committee.
What are the uniform requirements?
On the ice, all players must wear black hockey pants (a black shell can be worn over colored pants) and gold helmets. Upon joining a team, each player purchases a home and away jersey, which belong to that player for the duration of his tenure with NVHC.
Can I participate in other Neuqua Valley High School sports and activities during the hockey season?
Participation in other school-sponsored sports and activities is encouraged; however, conflicts must be brought to the coach’s attention at the earliest possible opportunity.
How can my family become more involved in making the Neuqua Valley Hockey Club a success?
A volunteer sign-up sheet explaining various volunteer opportunities is posted on the website and will be distributed at the Mandatory Player/Parent meeting We are particularly interested in people serving as team managers or joining one of our committee’s for the upcoming season. Running a successful hockey organization requires a tremendous amount of work and a wide variety of talents. Please consider helping out.