The program started 5 years ago with 24 players trying out for 2 teams, with a coaching staff for 1 team. Fast forward to 2022, we had over 160 girls participate in the weekend event. The largest area of growth being for the 12U/14U age groups. Great news for girls hockey in the Sunshine State being alive, healthy and growing in all areas of in-house to travel clubs in state and the southeast, and to the National Bound teams.
We are forever grateful for all the efforts made not only this weekend but all year round by the organization, the parents and the players to make this weekend special. We continue to refine the weekend events to be faster experiences for check-in and registration. More eyes on the players with coaches helping each other with returning players and new players during the evaluation periods. And lastly, a very special thanks to the parents that provided a full lunch BBQ with all the fixings, some of the best BBQ we ever had.
Thank you to the staff of SAHOF for allowing all this to be possible, the great folks at the Palm Beach Ice Works Arena for all the help and coordination.
Parents can expect the coaching to be reviewing notes and video with announcements for team selections to go out over the next 3-4 days. As with all program tryouts, there will be decisions that will make short and long term memories for everyone, good and what are perceived as bad. There are more programs today blossoming all over Florida and the country as we nurture this sport. It’s vital to keep our girls playing and enjoying ice hockey and all the great life lessons that accompany this journey.