Getting Started
For those just learning the game we offer beginner skating lessons in our Learn to Skate program. There children will learn the basics of skating in a fun environment. From that program skaters will have the experience to move onto our Learn to Play Hockey. This clinic will introduce puck skills of stick handling, passing, and shooting while continuing to work on skating fundamentals.
After working on your skills in a clinic environment you will be ready to join the Greater Bergen County Youth Ice Hockey League. Our "house" league is designed to allow players to work on their skills in a fun atmosphere. Our coaches focus more on skill development than winning, which makes for an enjoyable and beneficial experience. The Atom League is the first step in this league for children 6 & under. This league plays cross-ice games to introduce the game of ice hockey to beginners. The emphasis of the league is on skill development and fun. No score or standings are kept. The league also has divisions for players ages 7-18, which are outlined below.
| Division | Age Group |
|---|---|
| Mite | players born in 2003 and 2004 |
| Squirt | players born in 2001 and 2002 |
| Peewee | players born in 1999 and 2000 |
| Bantam | players born in 1997 and 1998 |
| Midget 16 | players born in 1995 and 1996 |
| Midget 18 | players born in 1993 and 1994 |
| High School | players currently in high school |
The next step is travel hockey. This level of play is for players who want to commit more time and energy to improving their game. Our Avalanche Travel Hockey Program offers over 20 teams for players age 7-18 at multiple talent levels. Our Tier I AAA program is designed for the more talented players to compete against teams of their ability. These teams compete in the Atlantic Youth Hockey League and play league games from Washington, DC to Connecticut. Our Tier II AA, A, and B program competes in the New Jersey Youth Hockey League and offers players high level competition with less time commitment involved. League games are all played in New Jersey with some non-league games played in New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. Teams at both Tier I and Tier II consistently compete in tournaments along the east coast and in Canada.
