By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Editor

The Pelham Youth Hockey League has scheduled a day of registration for its upcoming season on Aug. 23 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

The season, which will begin Oct. 14 and run until March 15, looks to have an influx of players, thanks to several skill programs, league director Randy Murphy said in a phone interview Aug. 19.

“Our ‘Learn to Play’ program has been great,” he said. “It’s introduced 160 to the sport. (We’re) hoping a big chunk of them play.”

At the conclusion of the 2013-2014 season, the league revealed the formation of the Pelham Hockey Development Academy. The goal of the academy, the PYHL announced in a release, is to host special events and skills advancement camps to encourage player development.

“(The) focal point of the Academy remains the Learn to Play Hockey program,” the release stated. “The Learn to Play program is five-week program that takes place on Wednesday evenings and serves as an introductory program to aspiring youth hockey players in our community.”
In addition to teaching players aged 4-12 the introductory aspects of the game, the program provides skates, stick, gloves and helmet and cage included with the registration fee.

Other programs include the new 3-on-3 league, as well as the Power Skating program to help young players the opportunity to increase speed on the ice and the junior/collegiate prep program, which gets players ready for a career after the PYHL.

The PYHL also announced the PHDA checking program, which teaches younger players the proper technique for on-ice contact, as well “Mite Night,” which brings the 8U players together for on-ice games and activities.

Murphy stressed in the release the importance of a strong relationship between the community and the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena as well as the PYHL.

“(We) will continue to establish community visibility and relationships with Pelham…and surrounding area schools and various youth organizations in an effort to educate people on this great sport,” he wrote.

For more information on the PYHL and its programs, contact Murphy at 205-620-6448.