We are excited to open registration for the SPRING 2022 season of Newton Roller Hockey! The start of the spring season is always weather-dependent, but we are currently planning to host a Mandatory Open Skate on April 9. Teams will be chosen that weekend, practices will begin the week of April 11, and the first game will take place on or about April 16. Please sign up as soon as possible so that we can get an idea of how many teams and divisions we will be able to have within the league.

Registration Fees and Deadlines: Please note, the price does increase for registrations on and after April 8th. Sibling discount of $35 per child for each family with two or more players. Please contact me for the code. Registration fees have gone up this year due increases in operating costs and the need for extensive rink repairs. We are also looking for more volunteers to step up, so will also provide a $15 refund to families who donate at least two hours (or two games) of their time to the league this season. A separate email will explain this in more detail. 

Divisions: As always, depending on the number of players, we hope to have novice (Atlantic), intermediate (Central), and advanced (Pacific) divisions. Typically, however, we end up with Atlantic and Pacific divisions only. Ages 6 to 18 (up through 12th grade) welcome. We will also have our Mites division (for new skaters ages 5 and up), but again these divisions are dependent on headcount, so please register early and spread the word! The more players we have, the more fun it will be!

Division Assignments: Please remember, players are placed in the appropriate division based on age and ability. Division placement decisions are made only by the coaches. Please note, a child's division assignment may occasionally change during the season if warranted. All decisions are made to ensure that every player has an enjoyable, safe, and competitive experience. It is essential that your child attend the open skate at the beginning of the season so that we can place him or her in the appropriate division and create fair and even teams.

Equipment: Full equipment is required (shinguards, elbow pads, helmet with full wire or clear face shield, mouthguard, and gloves, as well as cups for the boys), but we do have plenty in our shed, so please come check it out if you need some extra gear. First come, first served! If you have taken gear from the shed in the past, we do expect that you return it after your child has outgrown it. As always, new Mites program participants each receive a helmet and a stick.

Mites: The Mites Division is an instructional-only division, with sessions on Saturday mornings (time TBD). Though Mites typically targets ages 5 to 8, any child who cannot skate well or is new to hockey is encouraged to join this division, regardless of age (children as old as 12 may join Mites if appropriate).

Games and Practices: Each team will practice once a week on a weeknight (to be determined) and games will be on Friday and Saturday evenings. While we certainly support children participating in other sports besides roller hockey, we strongly encourage your child to participate only if he/she can commit to most games and practices in order to ensure the best possible experience for everyone. Please contact your child's coach if your child cannot make a specific practice or game.

Volunteers: We are looking forward to a great season, but we cannot do it without your help! We need parent volunteers to help us keep the league running smoothly. Please step up and volunteer your time, whether you have just an hour or two or can commit to coaching a team or joining the board, or anything in between, we need your help. It is also likely that we will need volunteers to help ready the rink for play, so please let me know if you can assist with this task as well. In addition, we will need scorekeepers along with refs (referees will be paid per game). Coaches will receive a discount code, so if you are interested in coaching this season, please contact me before you register your child. 

Financial Hardship: We recognize that the pandemic has been very hard on many people. If you would like your child to play, but you're unable to afford the full cost of registration, please contact me privately and we will do our best to assist you. We want every child to have a chance to play!

Please contact me, Andrea Lovas, via text or phone at 973.270.7919 or Dion Zappe at (508) 816-1047 if you have any questions or are interested in coaching and/or volunteering. Thank you! We look forward to a great season!