Below you will find a list of fequently asked questions that are WMYH specific.
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When do we play/ How long is our season? Our season lasts about 5 months. It runs from October to February. Each team generally has two practices a week and will have around 20 games during the season.
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Where do we play? Bridgton Ice Arena on the campus of Bridgton Academy is where we call home.
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Who do we play? WMYH is one of 23 members of MEAHA, Maine Amature Hockey Association, who runs youth hockey in Maine. We are a tier 4 organization and play other tier 4 teams. The state in broken up into 4 divisions and will play each team in our division atleast twice. The rest of the game schedule will be filled in with other teams. Our division teams are made up of WMYH, Twin City Titans (Lewiston/Auburn), Jr. Pirates in Lewiston and Midcoast.
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How much is it to play? The cost for the season depends on what team your child is on. It ranges from $200-$360.
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How do we keep our cost so low? When you pay for your childs hockey you're paying for his/her ice time. Ice is expencive and because we're a non-profit organization we try to keep our prices to a minimum. Many oraganizations have much higher rates, but we're the exception. Allowing kids the chance to play hockey is more important to us than charging more than is needed.
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Where are away games played/where are the arenas? Mites and older will play games away from BIA, so you will find yourself traveling quite a bit in the winter. You could find yourself as far south as Biddeford and as far north as Augusta, so be prepared to travel. Visit our Rink Directions page to find all the rinks in the state.
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When do we need to be at the rink? For practice you'll want to be there with enough time to get your child ready. For games you'll want to arrive atleast a half hour before game time. That will allow enough time to get your skater ready and give the coaches time to talk to the team. However check with coaches as they may want you there sooner.
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What other things shoud I bring to the rink? Each rink is different, some are colder then others. Some have heated viewing rooms and snack bars, some do not. So pack a bag with coats, blankets and snacks for the little ones. You could find yourself sitting on metal seats with it colder inside then it is outside, even in january. Being prepared will for all situations will go a long way. You can also ask other parents, most of them have probably been to these arenas so they'll know what you should need.
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How do I know if practice or a game has been canceled? Lets not kid ourselves, we play a winter sport. Weather can have a huge effect on our season. Generally our President will make the call to cancel a practice or a game. Our opponent on game day can also make that call, whether they are at home or coming to us. Either way the best place to look for canceled events is social media. Facebook and Twitter is the first place you should look on snowy days. You also should use your own judgement. If you don't feel confortable driving to the rink, don't.
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How often should I sharpen my childs skates. This is generally up to the skater. Some kids like their skates sharpened every time they hit the ice. Others will go all season with one sharpen, its all personal preference. Until your child knows what they like every other week would be good. The little ones fall and step on things all the time, so messed up edges are going to happen. Almost all rinks will have a place to get skates sharpened and usually will cost around $5.
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When do the schedule come out? The ever popular question every season. Practice scehdules usually stay the same from year to year, so check team pages for those. Midget game schedule will come out usually the end of august, due to their season starting in september. Squirts, Peewees and Bamtam schedules will come out late october with games starting in early november. Mites don't play games til after the first of the year, so expect their schedule late december.
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Do we play in any tournaments? Yes, there is the state tournament and the end of the year tournament. Squirts, Peewees and Bantams can all quailify for the state tournament. Their ranking in the standings at the end of the year will determine that. Those three also take part in an end of the year tournament every year. It is a weekend trip usually seeing the kids play atleast three games. Its a fun experience for both the kids and parents.
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I would like to buy WMYH apperal. We do sell various apperal for both players and family. We will have a website up soon so you can order online.
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How can I help? Everyone involved with WMYH, from board members to coaches are volunteers. We are always looking for new people to help run the organiztion. Just ask a board memeber what you can do to help, I'm sure there is room for you.
