It is time to register for Meramec Sharks Hockey for the 2012-2013 season.  Let’s get right to what you need to know and what is new for the upcoming season.

·         Again for the 2012-2013 season Meramec will be making available a number of in-season clinics for skaters that will include recognizable instructors.

·         We will provide clinics for goalies of all ages.  Goalies will be required to attend along with a member of the coaching staff from their team.  We are pleased to make this continued commitment to our goaltenders.

·         We are excited to continue our great partnership with the Southern Illinois Ice Hawks at the AA level.

·         This season there will be a $40 non-refundable fee for ALL AA evaluations and Midget evaluations.  The evaluation fee must be paid by either check or cash upon check in for the first Midget or AA evaluation prior to skaters taking the ice.

•  Missouri Hockey adopted the USA Hockey 6 and Under/ 8 and Under ADM Program for Mites last season. This program will continue and will be fully supported by Meramec for the 2012-2013 season. 
• REGISTRATION IS ONLINE ONLY.  You may register online beginning June 5^th.  We are pleased to announce “Ice Your Price” for the upcoming season.  You can pay the FULL FEE amount for the season by July 5^th and secure last season’s price!   Or you may choose to make 3 equal installment payments at this coming season’s increased rates which are shown below.    As you did in years past, you will need to register with USA Hockey at www.usahockey.com for the 2012/2013 season prior to registering with MHC.  The registration system will NOT allow you to register without a 2012/2013 USA Hockey number.

2012-2013 Fees

·         Midgets - $645  No change from last season.  $40 Tryout fee due to at first evaluation

·         Travel  Players - $1,200  “Ice Your Price” if paid in full by 7/5/12.  $1,260 after July 5^th.

o   MHC will offer three installment payments if “Ice Your Price” is not selected.

o   Three installments will be $420 each.  First installment paid on registration, with two more installments due on 9/15/12 and 10/15/12.

·         House  Players - $800 “Ice Your Price” if paid in full by 7/5/12.  $855 after July 5^th.

o    MHC will offer three installment payments if “Ice Your Price” is not selected.

o    Three installments will be $285 each.  First installment paid on registration, with two more installments due on 9/15/12 and 10/15/12.

·         8U/6U Players            - $750, No change from last season

o    MHC will offer three installment payments if “Ice Your Price” is not selected.

o    Three installments will be $250 each.  First installment paid on registration, with two more installments due on 9/15/12 and 10/15/12.

·         Meramec will continue the jersey purchase program for the upcoming season.  Jerseys will be available at the price negotiated with Schutz and Scores.  Meramec uniform socks are also available through Schutz and Scores only.  Odd birth years will be eligible to wear odd numbers only and vice versa.  Please watch the web and your email for jersey fitting and number reservation dates.  Numbers will be assigned to players on a first come, first served basis and they will keep that number throughout their Shark career.  Please contact our Equipment Director, Ron Flamm, with any questions at equipmentdirector@meramecsharks.com. 

• All Missouri Hockey players MUST register online at www.usahockey.com for insurance.  You will pay your insurance fees directly to USA Hockey, not to Meramec.  If you don’t have your USA Hockey confirmation number when you register, the registration system will not process your request and we will not be able to allow your player to take the ice.  Please contact our Registrar, Angie Kovacs, with questions at registration@meramecsharks.com.
• We will continue with the Volunteer Program this year.  Each MHC family will be required to volunteer for 8 hours this season, 4 of which will be served in our concession stand.  The volunteer deposit will be $200 payable in two $100 checks at the time of your player’s first evaluation.  It is essential we have this support from our membership to sustain the concession stand.  This program has served our club well over the past several seasons and expect it will continue this coming year.  Contact Susan Gott with any questions at volunteerdirector@meramecsharks.com.
• Conditioning camps will be held in August prior to evaluations. Please check the website for exact date information over the summer.
• Evaluations will be held in August.  Exact dates and times will be posted soon, but expect AA evaluations to be held August 10-12 at The Tank  The evaluation format will be the same as last year with our AA tryouts being held first.  Once again, every player will have the opportunity to try out for the top team should they choose to do so.  As mentioned before, a $40 non-refundable AA evaluation fee will be required prior to any player taking the ice.  Cuts will be made after each evaluation session and posted on the website.  The goal is to give every player an equal opportunity for an open try out.

What Else?

• Equipment:  As a reminder, it is mandatory for ALL birth years to wear black helmets,  black pants and neck guards.  For those families whose children have graduated from the HIP program, please be sure to purchase your equipment accordingly.  If you have any questions regarding equipment, contact Ron Flamm at equipmentdirector@meramecsharks.com.
•  Coaching:  If you are interested in coaching a team or helping as an assistant coach, please contact Steve Douglas at coachingdirector@meramecsharks.com with your questions or to submit a coaching application.
• Referral Incentive Program:  If you know someone who would like to play hockey for the Meramec Sharks, we will give your family a referral fee of $25 for each new player signing up for HIP and $50 for new each player signing up for a fall house or fall travel team.

On behalf of the MHC Board of Directors, I would like to wish you each a very relaxing and safe summer.  Please call on me or any board member with questions.  We look forward to seeing you at the FSI Shark Tank in August!

Best regards,

Dave Hunnius

President

Meramec Sharks Hockey Club