Getting Started

For those just learning the game we offer beginner skating lessons in our hockey prep program. There children will learn the basics of skating in a fun environment. From that program skaters will have the experience to move onto our Learn to Play Hockey. This clinic will introduce puck skills of stick handling, passing, and shooting while continuing to work on skating fundamentals.

A Picture of an Ice House Hockey player working a puck on the ice. After working on your skills in a clinic environment you will be ready to join the Greater Bergen County Youth Ice Hockey League. Our "house" league is designed to allow players to work on their skills in a fun atmosphere. Our coaches focus more on skill development than winning, which makes for an enjoyable and beneficial experience. The Atom League is the first step in this league for children 6 & under. This league plays cross-ice games to introduce the game of ice hockey to beginners. The emphasis of the league is on skill development and fun. No score or standings are kept. The league also has divisions for players ages 7-18, which are outlined below.

Youth Hockey Division 2007-2008
Division	Age Group
Mite	players born in 2000 and 1999
Squirt	players born in 1998 and 1997
Peewee	players born in 1996 and 1995
Bantam	players born in 1994 and 1993
Midget 16	players born in 1992 and 1991
Midget 18	players born in 1990 and 1989
High School	players currently in high school

The next step is travel hockey. This level of play is for players who want to commit more time and energy to improving their game. Our Avalanche Travel Hockey Program offers over 20 teams for players age 7-18 at multiple talent levels. Our Tier I AAA program is designed for the more talented players to compete against teams of their ability. These teams compete in the Atlantic Youth Hockey League and play league games from Washington, DC to Connecticut. Our Tier II AA, A, and B program competes in the New Jersey Youth Hockey League and offers players high level competition with less time commitment involved. League games are all played in New Jersey with some non-league games played in New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. Teams at both Tier I and Tier II consistently compete in tournaments along the east coast and in Canada.