Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/773754
POSITION ow many times have you gone to a youth hockey game on the weekend and seen entire families at the rink, younger siblings in tow, clutching their miniature hockey sticks, waiting for their turn to play? Well, now they have that chance. Hatfield Ice offers the Kindergarten Hockey League [K.H.L.] for kids ages 4-6, giving them a chance to play like the big guys. The brainchild of Hatfield Ice skating director Kati Link and former hockey director Tom Coyne, the K.H.L. was started in December of 2004 and has become one of the rink's most popular and unique programs. Each session runs for 10 weeks, with both morning and afternoon classes available. The players in each class are divided into two teams and sport K.H.L. jerseys that are theirs to keep. An average hour-long class is divided equally between skill development, fun and games, and an actual scrimmage. Coach Kati and current hockey director Fred Koelzer focus on the FUNdamentals, teaching basic hockey skills and sportsmanship through a series of games and lessons designed to be effective at the kindergarten level. The class members play everything from freeze tag, soccer on ice and musical cones [an on-ice version of musical chairs] to cross-ice hockey itself. Every class ends with both teams huddled together for a team cheer. Each exercise is structured to teach the basics while keeping the players attentive and having fun. At the end of every ten-week session the children are treated to an on-ice trophy presentation and after-class pizza party. The Kindergarten Hockey League provides a bridge to the learn-to-play, in-house and travel hockey programs at Hatfield Ice. Although in existence for only three years, past students have quickly moved on to all levels of play offered at the rink. By creating a curriculum that caters to the youngest of players, the K.H.L. fosters a love of the sport at an early age that will serve the students well no matter how far they continue on the ice in the future. ★ The Kindergarten Hockey League Starts Them Off Young General Manager RINK/LOCATION Hatfield Ice / Colmar , Pennsylvania Kindergarten Hockey League PHOTOS BY ROB LONGHITANO 54 R INK MAGAZ INE M a y / J u n e 2 0 0 7 real programs H NAME/POSITION Fred Koelzer & Kati Link/Skating & Hockey Director By creating a curriculum that caters to the youngest of players, the K.H.L. fosters a love of the sport at an early age. The Kindergarten Hockey League is a great introduction to ice skating.