Shoreline Sharks Fall Learn to Play Hockey Starts Sept. 30

Shoreline Sharks Youth Hockey Association offers 20 – Week Learn to Play Hockey Clinics that teach girls ages 3 – 19 with little-to-no experience the fundamentals of the sport including skating skills, puck control, passing and shooting. The weekly, hour-long hockey development program is held Sunday afternoons at the DiLungo Ice Rink in East from September 30 – February 24.

The two clinics, Sand Sharks (ages 3-10) and Junior Sharks (ages 10 - 19), are led by Bill Greim and Rick Gedney , two exceptionally seasoned volunteer coaches with more than 30 years of hockey experience each at the youth and high school levels. The USA Hockey’s American Development Model (ADM) guides the clinic design to accelerate skill development and engage players through fun and age-appropriate activities.

“We are passionate about all things hockey, especially girl’s hockey! An important part of our mission is to give girls that have never played or are new to hockey an easy way to learn to love and play the sport,” commented Greim, Co-founder the Shoreline Sharks and Clinic Director. “Rick and I, along with our team of coaches and player volunteers, use drills, stations, small area games and elements of fun to keep the kids engaged and wanting to come back to the rink. The smiles and sense of achievement we see on the parent’s and player’s faces week-to-week are confirmation that we created a positive and impactful experience.”

Gedney added, “Most Learn to Play programs are focused on kids under age 12. However, we believe that you are never too old to learn the sport. Our Junior Sharks program is one of the only clinics in the state targeted to girls 11 and older. It is perfect for those curious about exploring the game or beginners wanting to improve their core hockey skills.”

The clinic tuition is $400. A discount is offered for Sand Sharks: those under age 8 participate for FREE, and those 10 and under and new to the organization are eligible for a 50% discount. Space is limited, register at shorelinesharkshockey.com.

About the Shoreline Sharks

Started in 1998, the Shoreline Sharks is a non-profit organization dedicated to offering developmental and competitive hockey programs for girls ages 3-19. It is the largest and fastest growing girls’ hockey program in Southern Connecticut and is known for building a passion for hockey in a fun, challenging environment.

Over 225+ girls are registered for the 2018-19 season with girls coming from Cheshire and Hamden to the North; Stratford to the West; New London to the East; and most of the towns in between.

The organization fields 11 travel teams ranging from U08 to U19, with varying levels of competitiveness from developmental to national tournament bound. They are affiliated with the Connecticut Girl's Hockey League (CGHL), the Connecticut Hockey Conference (CHC) and the New England Girl’s Hockey League (NEGHL).

The Shoreline Sharks won the USA Hockey National Championship for the past two years, becoming the 15th and 16th CT-based girls’ team to win the title since the tournament started 40 years ago. Additionally, the association has been recognized by USA Hockey as a model organization for their leadership in growing participation in the sport with girls 8 and under.