8U Players and Parents

As summer winds down we are prepared for the 2014-15 Bears Hockey Season.  The off-season has been a very busy one as Sharks Ice has hired Derek Donald, Hockey Manager to oversee all the hockey programs in Oakland.  In Early August Eugene Murphy was brought on to the coaching staff as the Mite Coordinator and Head Coach to continue the growth and development of the Mite (8U) program. 

The Squirt through Midget Bears Tryouts just finished and we will begin practices next week. An excellent coaching staff has been assembled at all levels of Bears Hockey providing a great hockey experience and gives our players a true ladder of development from Learn to Skate through Midgets.  We are coming off a great summer season with clinics, camps and hockey events and look forward to the start of the 2014-15 season.

We have made some exciting new changes to the Sharks Ice Youth Hockey and Bears programs on and off the ice to create more fun, energy and skill development.  We have taken your feedback and the structure of the best programs in North America to bring you the best Mite Hockey experience.   "The 8U Bears program has been revamped for the 2014-15 season and beyond. I am excited to take on the role as Head Coach and Coordinator.  Derek and I have had many planning meetings and we feel confident that we have designed an 8U program that will provide the Oakland players with the best opportunity to develop and have fun," added Murphy. 

We are utilizing the American Development Model (ADM) and Long Term Athletic Development (LTAD) as it provides the best structure and methods for age and skill appropriate development.  Practices are high energy with players moving all the time in stations and small area games.  No standing around!  This practice structure allows for the coaches to group players into similar age, size and skill levels so that they are competing with other players at the same level of ability in drills and small area games. 

All 8U players in the Sharks Ice Oakland program have the option to select one or two practices per week with a weekly Sunday Cross Ice game.  This allows flexibility for those players looking for more time on the ice or those that are happy with one practice and game per week.  We will be working with our Sharks Ice partners in Fremont and San Jose to add some outside competition to our Sunday Cross Ice games.  Register by September 8 to receive the Early Bird Discounted Rate.

Players that have developed the appropriate skills and wish to get additional games can play on the Golden Bears Mite Development Team(s).  Players will be selected for the Golden Bears from the Sharks Ice Mite (8U) WED/SAT/SUN program for the 2014-2015 season.  An additional fee of $350 will apply to cover the NORCAL fees, Jamborees and additional expenses.   

The Golden Bears program is designed to satisfy the needs of the advanced players in this age group 

• Practice Times: Wednesdays 5:15-6:15pm & Saturdays 10:15-11:15am
• Cross Ice Games: Sundays 9:45-10:45am
• NORCAL Jamborees as scheduled
• Additional Games with other Sharks Ice and NORCAL Teams TBD
• Jordan Kocian Tournament (December 27th)
• Mite practice ice is exclusive to players 8 & under
• Off Ice Team Building & Fun Dryland Games
• ADM age appropriate station practices to maximize fun, repetition & skill development
• No Tryouts
• Team Jerseys & Socks (players will purchase)

The Mite Development Team(s) (Golden Bears) primary purpose is to provide transition into squirts for the 8 year old players and younger players who have the appropriate skating and skills.

Fall practice and game schedule will begin Wednesday, September 17.  If you would like to get on the ice now you can enroll in the remaining weeks of the Summer 8U program (2014 Summer In House Mite 8U on registration page).  To register and be eligible to participate in the Golden Bears program this season you will need to register for the Monday/Wednesday/Saturday Mite 8U program.  If you register prior to September 1 the Dues are $675 and $775 after September 1.  If you have not participated in the In-House or Bears Program before you can select the first time Registrant for $575.

REGISTER FOR 3 WEEK PROGRAM 

REGISTER FOR FALL MITE 8U

We are complying with and in the process of applying for an ADM USA Hockey Model Club to provide the players with the best structure and format for developing a passion for the game and increasing their skill in a fun and positive approach.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments. I always appreciate input from parents.  

Eugene Murphy

Other notes of Interest: We are working with several coaches on launching the Bears Goalie Training Program, our monthly coaches meeting schedule, a Team Manager Manual and several other great programs that have been much needed and will provide enhanced development and enjoyment for the players and families.

Regards,

Derek Donald & Eugene Murphy