The official kick-off to the 2010-11 Youth Hockey season will be on Sunday, October 3rd when the Midcoast Recreation Center holds its annual Community Day from noon to 4:00 p.m.

There will be open ice time from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for first time players to come try out ice hockey as well as lots of other fun for the family including a cookout, and plenty of free activities for the kids.  Click on the link below for a printable flier with a complete list of the days activities.

MCSA volunteers will be on site to help you with questions about getting started with youth hockey and with online registration during the event.   October 3rd is the final day for registration.   Online registration is available at www.mainecoastskaters.org

The season gets underway on Monday, October 4th.

Hockey programs available this fall include:

• Learn To Play Ice Hockey - For kids of all ages who think they might be interested but have never played hockey and might not be ready to commit to a team, this program is for you!  Don't be intimidated - every age is welcome!  Skilled players and coaches will help novice skaters learn about basic hockey skating, stick handling and general skills.  Then they will help you decide what program is best for you.

• The popular Atoms program for 3 - 6 year olds will be held on Saturday mornings at MRC and is all about having fun on the ice.  The veteran staff of volunteer Atoms coaches primarily focuses on getting young kids comfortable on skates.  Just getting to put on the gear at this age can be an adventure!  There is plenty of gear available to borrow for these little tykes so they can come try it out without mom and dad having to worry about purchasing all the "stuff"!

• This year all 6 - 8 year old players will participate in our Cross Ice Program, playing FUN cross ice format games each week on home ice.

• The Girls program will be a single U16 (ages 10 through 16) team this season. Girls' ice hockey is one of the fastest growing emerging women's sports so if you're looking for fun, awesome teammates and great exercise this winter come check it out.  The girls are always looking for more players and welcome new skaters into their ranks!

• In addition to those programs listed above, there are coed teams at the Squirt (ages 9 - 10), PeeWee (ages 11 - 12), Bantam (ages 13 - 14), and Midget (ages 15 - 16) levels.

For more information about our Youth Hockey programs please visit the MCSA website at www.mainecoastskaters.org