About
Potsdam Junior Hockey Association (PJHA) is a volunteer, not-for-profit, community based organization. All members should familiarize themselves with the contents of this Handbook which explains the Codes of Conduct, policies, and procedures that must be adhered to.
Beginners: PJHA offers a Beginners program for 6U players and those that are new to skating (up to 8U). The objective of program is to teach the fundamentals of skating, the most important skill in hockey. Equipment required for Beginners includes: hockey helmet with mask/cage, hockey gloves, elbow pads, shin guards/knee pads, hockey pants, hockey stick and hockey skates (shoulder pads, neck guards and mouth guards are optional). Pucks are used occasionally, but the primary focus is skating.
Instruction is led by a professional skating instructor with support of volunteers and older PJHA players. Participants are provided with an hour of ice time on Saturdays and Sundays, during which they are asked to perform skating drills that develop their balance, stride and edges.
Mites: The Mite program is for 8U players where the program emphasizes the learning of fundamental skills of skating and puck-handling, especially in small areas. Mites are generally provided 3 ice slots per week, including at least 1 ADM practice and a cross-ice (or half-ice) scrimmage session. Cross-ice (or half-ice) scrimmages include games of 3v3 or 4v4 with players grouped by ability. No scores or stats are kept and simple rules are enforced. Beginners that are scheduled to move to Mites the following season may play cross-ice for an additional fee (set annually). Younger players may be allowed to participate on a case-by-case basis, if all of the coaches (Beginner and Mite) are in agreement that the player is advanced enough to compete safely.
Travel Teams: To the extent possible, depending upon available numbers (standard practice is 22 or more players), PJHA will field multiple teams of varying skill level including, full-season travel teams at Squirts (10U), Peewees (12U), Girls 12U, Bantams (14U), Girls 14U, Girls 16U and Girls 19U. Midget teams will be formed as numbers and interest dictate. Tournament-bound Tier II teams will be formed at the 12U level and above. Situations and conditions do arise from time to time, including number of goalies, coaches or slightly fewer or more players. Any variation from the standard practice will be reviewed by the head coach and the board, and a determination will be made by the board.