The first fall leaf hasn’t yet hit the ground, yet we have 165 people with a deposit in for the new season! We have flexibility to grow this year with the 3 level structure, but your quick action now helps us plan with time and sanity. New players should get their applications in ASAP, returners need to pay deposit and registration soon to secure a spot.
Here’s everything you need to know and do to get signed up to take the ice with the MGHA in our 15th season:
- Read this entire post, understand our COVID policy and new 3 levels of play
- Pay your $100 Deposit and $250 remaining Fees
- Register with USA Hockey and send your ID # to registrar@madisongayhockey.org *NOTE FOR NEW APPLICANTS: please only do this once you’ve heard from recruiting that we have your spot ready.
- Update your account with your preferred level of play
- Submit the volunteer / nomination form
- [optional] Aug 23 – Attend the gear swap to donate, swap, socialize, support new players
- [required] September – Attend preseason orientation before taking the ice
- Preview this season’s Schedule, sync it to your calendar
COVID-19
The MGHA follows Dane County guidelines and recommendations for COVID-19. As of August 2nd, 2022, Dane County is at a High Community level, which means masking indoors is recommended but not required.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html
“People may choose to mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask. Masks are recommended in indoor public transportation settings and may be required in other places by local or state authorities.”
We want all MGHA players and fans to feel welcome and safe at hockey each Sunday, knowing that everyone is navigating community health data, making decisions about masks, and keeping up with variant news. If you need anything, contact the board member. This will remain to be a priority throughout the season.
About Play Levels
To make the league more inclusive, MGHA Members have opted to shift from a 2-level organization last year to a 3-level organization this year. To implement these changes, we are requiring preseason (off-ice) orientation for all levels, all players, to discuss expectations and hold space for comments and questions.
Level 1 “L1” is for beginners and low intermediate players. Expect to learn and practice basic ice skating, hockey rules and strategy at a slower pace. This level includes coaching and extra skills clinics throughout the season. Higher level players can play in this level and will have restrictions such as strict goal caps.
Level 2 “L2” is for intermediate players who are able to skate safely during faster play. Expect to use and develop skills with your team. This level may include coaching, at your captain’s discretion and coaches’ availability. Higher level players can play in this level and will be goal-capped.
Level 3 “L3” is for intermediate and advanced players looking for SAFE fast-paced competition. Expect to develop strategies with your team, learn how to safely challenge yourself and others, and absolutely NO show-boating or unnecessary contact. This level may include coaching, at your captain’s discretion and coaches’ availability.
We expect ALL levels to skate safely, in control of oneself, and intentionally inclusive of teammates and opponents – this is the MGHA Way – we know it’s more fun! Good competition is created when everyone skate within their own abilities, recognizes and respects others abilities, and creates space for skill development.
ACTION: Select your preferred level(s) for the 2022-2023 on your Account page.
Pay Fees
2022-2023 Fees are $350 total: $100 paid as a deposit, and $250 paid below to complete registration.
Financial Aid: Monthly payment plans and discounted fees are available each year, please reach out if you need any assistance whatsoever.
Volunteer to support this year
Recruiting, mentoring, clinics, evaluations, captains, coaches, fundraising, social events, sponsorships, gear, community skate, tournament, apparel – the list goes on. There’s so much we do each year, please submit this form to note your interest or nominate others to the various volunteer roles that keep the MGHA way alive and well!
ACTION: Complete the Volunteer Form ASAP
—-
That’s all for now, folks! Check back here for more #news as we gear up for the season.
-Libs and the Board