Finished LIGHTNING Learn to Play - WHAT NOW?
The NHL and the NHLPA have partnered with the Tampa Bay Lightning to provide a low-cost opportunity for kids to try hockey for the first time. During the season, more than 800 boys and girls (age 5-10) will discover the sport of ice hockey for the first time through the Lightning Learn to Play Hockey Program. This program will be offered in multiple rinks throughout Florida.
As this program is completed, players have the opportunity to continue on into the Lightning Rookie League program or selectively join local rec hockey leagues throughout the area.
We often find that parents/players do not have a clear understanding of what comes next or where may be best for their situation.
About the CIA House Rec League
The CIA House Rec League has house programming for players from age 6U - 16U. Practices are typically Friday evenings with games taking place on Saturday afternoons/evenings depending on age level.
Each season starts with an evaluation practice whereby coaches score the players on skating, stick handling, passing, shooting followed by a jamboree game on the 1st Saturday. This allows coaches to rate the players individual abilities to best understand the skill level of that season. Afterwards the head coaches for each season draft their team(s) with an aim on creating fair and balanced rosters so the players get the most out of the game experiences.
Game Play: Unlike some of the other rink(s) in the area, the CIA program aims to have a balanced game format. If the score starts getting out of hand then various modifiers get applied, examples include: 2 passes before a goal, no more goals once player has hatrick (must setup assists), etc. We find this helps to keep the "complete" level high.
Join CIA Rec Hockey
Learn More / Join the Clearwater Ice Arena Rec (CIA) House Rec Hockey program. The seasons are broken up into:
- Fall (Aug - Dec),
- Winter (Jan - Apr)
- Summer (May - Aug)