JERSEYS:
Due to the likely change in ownership of the First Arena and the uncertainty over the future of the Jackals name and franchise, the plans for new jerseys for next year are on hold for the moment. The board will continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds.

Several people asked questions about the thinking behind not requiring the Midgets and Mites to purchase jerseys. To clarify, the reason we did not require the Midgets to purchase jerseys is twofold. First, we still have enough larger adult size jerseys in good shape to outfit that level. Second, we did not want to require families who may be in their last year or two of EJYH Hockey to purchase a jersey if they didn't want to. If the Midget team decides they would like to purchase the new jerseys they will be welcome to do so.

The reason we will not require the Mites to purchase jerseys is many fold. Affordability and accessibility are key considerations at the Mite level - we want to remove impediments from kids getting involved and staying involved in hockey. Requiring six, seven and eight year olds to pay $140 or more for a set of jersey that may only fit a season or two may prevent some kids from taking up or staying in hockey. With the mandatory change to cross ice hockey at the Mite level, we will be fielding more teams than ever, and will be doing more intra squad scrimmaging. Continuing to use the lower cost jerseys the league has provided for this level in the past makes it easier to outfit teams in different colors to make these games easier.

Please understand that cross ice play is new to every organization in NY - it will be an evolving program over the next year or two until organizations come up with a system that will work for everyone. In the mean time, we will all need to be flexible and open minded, and understand that there will be successes and failures. No one pretends to have all the answers, so please feel free to offer up constructive ideas you think may make the program better!

The Midget Team have joined Hockey Helpers for the Wounded Warrior Project. And are hosting a Spaghetti Dinner on March 25^th from 4-8 pm at the Green Derby. The cost is $10 for Adults and $8 for Seniors and Children under 11. Eat in or Take out. All proceeds will benefit the Hockey Helpers Wounded Warrior Project. Tickets will be on sale during evaluations or contact any Midget player for tickets. You can also email elmirahockey@hotmail.com.

Elmira Youth Hockey received a grant from The Community Foundation of Elmira, Corning and the Fingerlakes of $2700! This was applied to the scholarship fund and has helped 7 players, ages 7-15, skate this year. Thank you Michelle S. and The Community Foundation of Elmira, Corning and the Fingerlakes.