Hockey Program Options
What type of hockey programs does the Club offer?
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The Polar Caps offer a wide range of programs suited to the needs of each individual child. Our Coaches and Assistants closely monitor skill level and aptitude of each player to make sure the hockey experience is positive and rewarding. Initiation - Learn to Skate (October - March) The Initiation Program focuses on children (age 4 and above) that have never been on skates or are just getting started. The program is designed to build self-confidence on the ice and emphasizes skating skills and basic hockey/team concepts. The Initiation players skate 2 times per week for 45 minutes. Xice - Competitive Hockey Intro (October - March) The Cross Ice (X-Ice) program teaches advanced initiated skaters the basic strategies of competitive hockey and introduces team and competitive play. X-Ice teams play scrimmage games against other Polar Cap X-Ice teams on 1/3 of a sheet of ice with no goalies. For the 2011 Season this program is only for players born in 2005 & 2006. Rink Rat - Recreational Hockey (October - March) The Rink Rat program stresses continued development of skating skills and hockey strategies and fundamentals. Recreational games are played in-house or against other teams in the Dane County area on 1/2 of a sheet of ice with a suited up goalie in the net. We offier Rink Rat teams at both the U10 (9&10 year olds) and U14 (11-14 year olds) Levels. RED, WHITE & BLUE - Recreational Hockey/Competitive Intro (October - March) Formerly known as U8 RINK RATS & MITES, this new program has combined these 2 groups and has created a program that stresses continued development of skating skills, hockey strategies and fundamentals. Recreational games are played in-house or against other teams in the Dane County area on 1/2 of a sheet of ice with a suited up goalie in the net. For the 2011 Seasonthis program is for players born in 2003 & 2004. Competitive Teams - (October - March) As your child progresses, the Polar Caps offer several competitive teams at each age classification. Placement on these teams is competitive and is designed to group together players with similar skill levels. These teams generally have 1-2 practices per week and weekend games (most in the Dane County area). Often times teams will also have 1-2 out of town weekend tournaments. Fees and Equipment Polar Caps' fees have historically been the lowest in the city ... with Initiation fees averaging under $4 per hour session. Parent volunteers help to keep administrative costs down, while some Club members participate in voluntary fundraisering events to generate "skate credits" to offset their fees. In addition, West Madison has financial aid available to help families on a fixed income with skate and equipment costs. Players are required to wear proper protective equipment ... hockey skates, helmets with face guards, gloves, elbow and shin pads. The Club offers equipment rental at a substanstially reduced cost as well as a special Polar Cap Starter Equipment Kit from Polar Sports (located at our home ice rink, Madison Ice Arena) and Middleton Sports and Fitness. Skates and sticks may be purchased or rented from several retail outlets. As players progress to competitive teams, breezers, shoulder pads and athletic cups are also required. |
