Hello from the BAHL office! 

 

As usual there is lots of activity in the rink this week.  We had the first Tuesday afternoon public skate this week – it was well received and will hopefully continue to grow each week.  Keep spreading the word about Centennial and the BAHL, this is how we grow our program!

 

This weekend at Centennial:

 

Friday, January 29th:

7:15 pm  Peewee A Game

 

Saturday, January 30^th:

8:15 am – I.P.

9:30 am – Mites

10:45 am – Peewee B Game

1:00 – 2:00 pm – Billings Food Bank Benefit Public Skate

2:15 pm – Peewee A Game

4:30 pm – Squirt B Game

7:30 pm – Billings Bulls vs the Bozeman Ice Dogs

9:30 pm – 10:30 pm – Billings Food Bank Benefit Public Skate

 

Sunday, January 31st:

8:45 am – Peewee B Game

 

Ice Is Available!

 

-          February 7^th there is still an entire evening of ice available from 4:15 pm on.  This happens to be Superbowl Sunday…but still a great day to skate!

 

Tournaments:

 

February, March and April are tournament months for us!  This may lead to changes to your regular practice schedule if it normally falls on one of the days of these tournaments.  I will let you know of all changes in the coming weeks.

 

February 19-21:  Squirt A State Tournament

February 26-28:  Figure Skating Club of Billings Annual Competition,

March 4-7:  High School State Tournament

March 12-14:   is the Mite House Tournament

April 9-11:  Adult Hockey League Tournament

April 16-18:  Big Sky State Games

 

Upcoming Events:

 

-          Billings Food Bank Benefit skate.  January 30^th at 1:00 pm and 9:30 pm you can come skate for free with a donation of non-perishable food items.  Included in this hour will be optional, free skating lessons from qualified instructors from the Billings Figure Skating Club.  Billings Bulls players will also be on the ice to give a helping hand.  Skate rental is included with your food donation.  If you do not wish to make a donation, you are welcome to skate by paying our regular admission fee.

-          Planet Hockey is coming back to Centennial August 9-13, 2010.  Visit this web page for more information about our camp:  http://dnet.planethockey.com/camps/.  We will also have Planet Hockey brochures & registration forms in the lobby by the concession stand.  If we fill this camp, Planet Hockey makes a donation back to our league!

-           High School Public Skate!  February 6th 10:00 pm - 12:00 am will be a special public skate for Skyview High School Students!  If you show your Skyview school I.D. admission is only $4.00 including skate rental!  We will do another of these skates but for Senior High instead on February 13th from 9:30 - 11:30 pm.  Why not the other high schools?  These two school regularly use our ice for their students during class time, so we are trying this concept with them first.  If it works, we will add the others schools to the schedule.

 

MAHA Hockey Festival:

 

The Montana Festival is put on by the Montana Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) and gives players in Montana a chance to compete and meet other players in their respective age groups from around the state.  All boys (birth years 93-97) and girls (birth years 92-97) who are residents of Montana are invited to participate.  There will be two festivals this year, the girls in Bozeman on February 19, 20, 21, 2010, and the boys in Helena on February 19, 20, 21, 2010.

 

The cost for participation at the festival is $100.00, of which you receive a jersey and at least 5 hours of ice time with some very good instruction. 

 

Forms and more information are available on the MAHA website:        www.mthockey.com

 

Avalanche Raffle:

 

Last days to get Avalanche raffle tickets!!!!  Get yours while you still can - $5.00 to win 4 tickets to see the Avalanche vs. the St. Louis Blues on March 6^th from a luxury box at the Pepsi Center in Colorado!  Raffle tickets can be purchased at the concession stand or directly from me in the league office.  Drawing for the winning ticket will be during the January 30^th Bulls game.  All proceeds from this raffle go to the BAHL.

 

Big THANK YOU’S:

 

We wouldn’t make it very far without the tireless help from lots of great volunteers!  I want to mention Dave Jones and Hertz Plumbing for again helping us out with some plumbing and front door issues.  If you haven’t been to public skate recently, take a look for Billings Bulls players who have volunteered to help get rental skates handed out and help monitor the ice during Saturday and Sunday public skates.  Thanks to all!

 

Until next week!

 

Chandra Picicci

League Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

256-1192

director@...

 

 

Hello from the BAHL office! 

 

Woo-hoo, it’s February!  Which means we can see the end of the season coming, but at the same time, the most exciting part of the season is just beginning – Tournament Season!  I know there are lots of travel plans for many of our teams during the months of February and March to house tournaments, MAHA State tournaments, or just a few games.   I hope that these tournaments and games are a great experience for everyone – players, parents, coaches and family members who attend. 

 

One negative aspect of any tournament or game that can be heightened at this time of the year is how we as spectators, parents or coaches conduct ourselves during the game or tournament.  Please remember the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance code of conduct that each player had to sign this season and the same code that all coaches and parents should have reviewed and agreed to.  Be a good sport, remember that this is just a game and it is for fun!  We want your player and your player’s teammates to return each year because they enjoy it! 

 

If you take a look at the following questions and notice a bit of yourself in there or if you answer yes to all of them, we might not be nominating you for hockey parent of the year:

 

-          Was your child’s first stuffed animal neither stuffed nor an animal, but a puck?

-          Do you cheer during warmups?

-          Do you keep your child’s stats during practice?

-          Have you tried to return your child’s stick to the pro shop because it had “no goals in it”?

-          Did you contact NCAA scouts before your kid’s 10^th birthday?

-          Do you call your child by affectionate nicknames, such as “stone hands”, depending on how well he/she plays?

-          Did you christen your child in a makeshift Stanley Cup?

-          Do you believe your kid shouldn’t pass the puck …. ever?

-          On the day your child was born, did you work out the math on his draft-eligible year?

-          Have you yelled at your kid for not picking up on your telepathic messages to “shoot low to the stick side”?

-          Do you forget the last time you gave a compliment to your kids’ teammates?

-          Do you forget the last compliment you gave to your own child?

 

The above was taken from USA Hockey’s website.

 

This weekend at Centennial:

 

Friday, February 5^th:

7:15 pm – Varsity Game

 

Saturday, February 6^th:

8:15 am – I.P.

9:30 am – Mites

10:45 am – Squirt A Game

12:30 pm – Varsity Game

2:45 pm – Public Skate

5:00 pm – Bantam Game

7:15 pm – Squirt A Game

9:00 pm – Adult Hockey

10:00 pm – Public Skate*       *Skyview students who show their school id only pay $4.00 admission

including skate rental*

 

Sunday, February 7^th:

8:45 am – Bantam Game

11:00 am – Squirt A Game

 

Ice Is Available?

 

Well, we do not have any weekend ice available until March (unless you want to purchase ice at 6:00 am or 10:00 pm!).  The weekends of March 19-21 and March 26-28 have lots of ice available, but it won’t last for long!

 

Tournament Schedule:

 

These tournaments may lead to changes to your regular BAHL team practice schedule -

 

February 19-21:  Squirt A State Tournament

February 26-28:  Figure Skating Club of Billings Annual Competition

March 4-7:  High School State Tournament

March 12-14:   Mite House Tournament

April 9-11:  Adult Hockey League Tournament

April 16-18:  Big Sky State Games

 

Schedule Changes:

 

The public skate this Saturday (February 6^th) was originally scheduled for 12:30 – 2:30 pm.  It has been moved to 2:45 – 4:45 pm due to a hockey game conflict.

 

February 19-21 is the Squirt A State Tournament.  Friday, February 19^th NO BAHL practices.  Saturday, February 20^th I.P. will have practice at 1:15 – 2:15 pm and Mites will have practice at 2:15 – 3:15 pm.

 

Upcoming Events:

 

-          Monday, February 8^th at 6:00 pm in the board room will be our monthly Board meeting.  Remember to please consider serving on our Board of Directors for the upcoming Board vacancies.  If you or someone you know is interested, please contact me.

-          High School Public Skate!  February 6th 10:00 pm - 12:00 am will be a special public skate for Skyview High School Students!  If you show your Skyview school I.D. admission is only $4.00 including skate rental!  We will do another of these skates but for Senior High instead on February 13th from 9:30 - 11:30 pm.  Why not the other high schools?  These two school regularly use our ice for their students during class time, so we are trying this concept with them first.  If it works, we will add the others schools to the schedule.

-          Billings Bulls Youth Hockey Skills camp at Centennial August 2-6, 2010.  The Bulls will be returning this summer with Al Bloomer and other guest coaches to provide over 12 hours of on-ice sessions as well as off-ice, dry land training.  The BAHL directly benefits from the player fees for this camp.  There will be more information when it becomes available on our website in the Youth Hockey link.

-          Planet Hockey is coming back to Centennial August 9-13, 2010.  Visit this web page for more information about our camp:  http://dnet.planethockey.com/camps/.  We will also have Planet Hockey brochures & registration forms in the lobby by the concession stand.  If we fill this camp, Planet Hockey makes a donation back to our league!

 

We have a Winner!:

 

Congratulations to Jan Risla who is the proud owner of 4 luxury box seats for the March 6^th Avalanche game against the St. Louis Blues!  Have fun Risla family!

 

Sad News:

 

I am disappointed to report that we have had some recent thefts in our building.  Nothing big, actually kind of weird stuff to be stealing (boxes of trash can liners and the de-icer we use for our entryways).  Help us by keeping your eyes open to anything strange going on and letting a rink employee know if there is something suspicious as we don’t want anything more important to leave our building without our knowledge.

 

League Service:

 

Don’t forget as we wind down this hockey season that your required League Service hours must be complete by March 31^st.  If you haven’t done so recently, check with your age group director or team manager to verify how many hours you currently have logged.  There is plenty of opportunity to complete those hours by the end of March.  Talk with your age group director or contact me if you are in need of some work to finish your hours!

 

Equipment Donation:

 

If your garage is no longer for parking cars, but for keeping hockey gear, maybe it is time to do some spring cleaning!  The BAHL is always in need of gently used hockey equipment for new skaters to our I.P. program to “borrow”.  You can bring your equipment donation to the rink anytime and leave with a rink employee if I am not in the office.

 

Until next week!

 

Chandra Picicci

League Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

256-1192

director@...

 

 

 

The Billings Bulls camp will again be priced at $350.00 for the week. This includes dry land training by the Billings Clinic Orthopedic and Sports Medicine staff.

 

Lunch and drinks are included in the price of the camp for all 5 days.

 

We will have a top quality coaching staff of USA Hockey certified coach’s. More details and the registration form should be out by the first of March after we finalize our coaching staff.

 

This is a great fund raiser for the league as all revenues are shared with the league.

 

Thank you,

 

Doug Strong

Billings Bulls Hockey Club

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just one more reminder for the Montana Festival!  It isn’t too late to get involved – Player registration form is attached -

 

2010

MONTANA AMATEUR HOCKEY

ASSOCIATION FESTIVALS

 

Come join the fun!  This is an invitation to The Montana Hockey Festival, and is being sent to all boys & girls who are residents of Montana.  You must be registered with USA Hockey to be eligible for the Festival.  There are no limitations for participation at the Montana Festival as all players in their appropriate age groups are encouraged to attend.  We are having two festivals this year, the girls in Bozeman on February 19, 20, 21, 2010, and the boys in Helena on February 19, 20, 21, 2010.

In addition to players, we are also inviting coaches to attend for the purpose of improving their coaching education experiences, or watching the on-ice drills that the players will be participating in during the weekend.   

Make new friends!  The Montana Festival is put on by Montana Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) and gives players in Montana a chance to compete and meet other players in their respective age groups from around the state.  The cost for participation at the festival is $100.00, of which you receive a jersey and at least 5 hours of ice time with some very good instruction.  The on-ice personnel are experienced in conducting drills and scrimmages for the purpose of development and selection of players.  In addition, there will be some off-ice seminars and instruction in strength and conditioning for the off-season, nutrition for the athlete, and future opportunities in hockey.  Our evaluators are primarily hockey people from around the region that are not associated with local programs and have many years of hockey experience and are dedicated to the sport.  This year the purpose of the Montana Festival is for skill development, coaching improvement, and the selection of players to represent Montana at the Northern Plains District Development Camp.

Girls and Boys Selections for the Northern Plains District Camp (NPDC) will occur during this development camp weekend only.  Due to concerns about the costs incurred with travel to various venues and the NPDC from previous years, there will be no other scheduled activities (i.e. tournaments) for select team players at this time.  Practices for those players selected may be held in April 2010 to prepare the players for the NPDC.

Following are the age groups invited to participate at the Festival:

Girls:

92/93, 94, 95, 96, 97  Birth Years

The 1992 & 1997 Birth year players will be Development ONLY as they are not eligible to advance to the Northern Plains or National Camps.  

Boys:  

93, 94, 95, 96, 97 Birth Years

The 1997 Birth year players will be Development ONLY as they are not eligible to advance to the Northern Plains or National Camps.

Northern Plains Development Camp (NPDC):

The NPDC District Camp this year will be one weekend for both the Girls and Boys, and will be held May 6^th to 9^th in Minot, North Dakota (4 days).

Slot Allotments for Montana Players for the NPDC are the following:

*Girls 93 – 94 - 95 – 96’s - 3 Forwards, 1 Defense, 1 Goalie

*Boys 93 – 94 – 95 - 96’s – 7 Forwards, 4 Defense, 2 Goalies

Forms will be available on the MAHA websitewww.mthockey.com and each association Also, MAHA representatives will receive information to post at their rinks. The MAHA website will be periodically updated with updates, ice schedules, motels list and select team information.

 

 

 

 

 

Chandra Picicci

League Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

 

Hello from the BAHL office! 

 

A great week of activities at Centennial.  We had our first High School public skate late Saturday night with approximately 40 Skyview High School skaters coming out.  They had a lot of fun skating and playing a pretty competitive game of broom ball.  Coming soon will be registration information for next season!  Also coming the end of the month will be parent meetings.  These meetings are intended to give you as parents a voice in helping to shape this hockey program.  More details will be coming shortly as I get dates and format determined.

 

This weekend at Centennial:

 

Friday, February 12^th:

4:45 pm – Learn-To-Skate

6:00 pm – Mites

7:30 pm – Billings Bulls vs. Missoula Maulers, Public skate session after the game

 

Saturday, February 13^th:

8:15 am – I.P.

9:30 am – Mites

10:45 am – Bantam Game

1:00 pm – Public Skate

3:15 pm – Peewee A Game

5:00 pm – Bantam Game

7:00 pm – Stampede Adult Hockey

8:15 pm – Peewee A Game

 

Sunday, February 14^th:

11:00 am – Peewee A Game

 

Ice Anyone?

 

Ice is going fast, fast, fast.  If you want any ice before the season is over, give me a call.  There is still some ice available, but not a lot – so call now!

 

Tournaments:

 

February 19-21:  Squirt A State Tournament – NO BAHL practices Friday the 19th

February 26-28:  Figure Skating Club of Billings Annual Competition

March 4-7:  High School State Tournament – NO BAHL practices or games on all days

March 12-14:  Mite House Tournament

April 9-11:  Adult Hockey League Tournament

April 16-18:  Big Sky State Games

 

Playoff Bound:

 

The Billings Bulls have clinched a spot in the playoffs!  They will face the Helena Bighorns in the first round.  We will be hosting the first two games of the series at Centennial on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 23 and 24^th at 7:30 pm both days.  BAHL team practices that would normally be at or after 7:00 pm on those two days are cancelled.

 

Schedule Changes:

 

- February 19-21 is the Squirt A State Tournament.  Friday, February 19^th NO BAHL practices.  Saturday, February 20^th I.P. will have practice at 1:15 – 2:15 pm and Mites will have practice at 2:15 – 3:15 pm.

 

- NO BAHL PRACTICES after 7:00 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday February 23 and 24 due to Billings Bulls playoff games vs. Helena.

 

 

Upcoming Events:

 

-          High School Public Skate!  Students from Senior High who show their school i.d. on February 20th from 9:30 - 11:30 pm will skate for only $4.00 which includes skate rental. 

-          Annual Board Meeting & Elections will be held the first week of April – date will be announced shortly.  Keep those names coming to me for nominations to the board for next season!

-          Big Sky State Games is April 16 – 18, 2010.  Visit www.bigskygames.org for registration forms and more information on putting together a hockey team to compete!

-          Billings Bulls Youth Hockey Skills camp at Centennial August 2-6, 2010.  The Bulls will be returning this summer with Al Bloomer and other guest coaches to provide over 12 hours of on-ice sessions as well as off-ice, dry land training.  There will be more information when it becomes available on our website in the Youth Hockey link.

-          Planet Hockey is coming back to Centennial August 9-13, 2010.  Visit this web page for more information about our camp:  http://dnet.planethockey.com/camps/.  We will also have Planet Hockey brochures & registration forms in the lobby by the concession stand.  If we fill this camp, Planet Hockey makes a donation back to our league!

 

League Service:

 

Don’t forget as we wind down this hockey season that your required League Service hours must be complete by March 31^st.  If you haven’t done so recently, check with your age group director or team manager to verify how many hours you currently have logged.  There is plenty of opportunity to complete those hours by the end of March.  Talk with your age group director or contact me if you are in need of some work to finish your hours!

 

Equipment Donation:

 

If your garage is no longer for parking cars, but for keeping hockey gear, maybe it is time to do some spring cleaning!  The BAHL is always in need of gently used hockey equipment for new skaters to our I.P. program to “borrow”.  You can bring your equipment to the rink anytime and leave with a rink employee if I am not in the office.

 

Until next week!

 

Chandra Picicci

League Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

256-1192

director@...

 

Last night KULR 8 News sent a reporter to our arena to film some hockey and talk with a few players from the BAHL and the Bulls team.  This segment will air this Sunday, February 14^th on both news casts at 5:00 pm and 10:00 pm.  It’s great to see our program and players getting primetime coverage during the Olympics!

 

Chandra Picicci

League Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

 

Hello from the BAHL office! 

 

Tournament time has officially arrived!  Starting this weekend with the Squirt A State tournament, Centennial is completely booked with events until the middle of March.  Come out this weekend to support your fellow BAHL Squirt members and watch some great hockey!  Next weekend (26^th & 27^th) come support the Figure Skating Club of Billings 17^th Annual Figure Skating Competition.  I know, I know, its ”figure skating”!  But still, for a change of pace and to watch some very talented skaters do things on the ice that you haven’t even attempted?  On the 26^th is a test session, with the actual competition on Saturday, the 27^th.

 

This weekend at Centennial:

 

Friday, February 19^th:

4:00 pm  Learn-To-Skate

5:15 pm  Bozeman vs. Helena – Squirt A State Tournament

7:00 pm  Billings vs Missoula – Squirt A State Tournament

 

Saturday, February 20^th:

8:30 am  Helena vs. Missoula – Squirt A State Tournament

10:15 am  Billings vs Missoula – Squirt A State Tournament

12:00 pm  Learn To Skate

1:15 pm  Initiation Program

2:15 pm  Mite Hockey

3:30 pm  Bozeman vs Missoula – Squirt A State Tournament

5:15 pm  Billings vs Helena – Squirt A State Tournament

7:30 pm  Billings Bulls vs Yellowstone Quake – Public skate to follow

 

Sunday, February 21^st:

9:00 am  Consolation Game – Squirt A State Tournament

10:45 am  Championship Game – Squirt A State Tournament

1:00 pm  Public Skate

3:15 pm  Learn-To-Skate

 

Who’s a Star?

 

We are of course!  Check out this link to see the video that aired on KULR 8 TV Sunday which featured some of our local youth players and the Billings Bulls players talking about the Olympics:  http://www.kulr8.com/news/local/84356857.html

 

Ice Anyone?

 

Ice is going fast, fast, fast.  If you want any ice before the season is over, give me a call.  There is still some ice available, but not a lot – so call now!

 

Tournaments/Events:

 

February 26-28:  Figure Skating Club of Billings Annual Competition

March 4-7:  High School State Tournament – NO BAHL practices or games on all days

March 12-14:  Mite House Tournament

April 9-11:  Adult Hockey League Tournament

April 16-18:  Big Sky State Games

 

Playoff Bound:

 

The Billings Bulls have clinched a spot in the playoffs!  They will face the Helena Bighorns in the first round.  We will be hosting the first two games of the series at Centennial on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 23 and 24^th at 7:30 pm both days.  BAHL team practices that would normally be at or after 7:00 pm on those two days are cancelled.

 

Schedule Changes:

 

-          February 19-21 is the Squirt A State Tournament.  Friday, February 19^th NO BAHL practices.  Saturday, February 20^th I.P. will have practice at 1:15 – 2:15 pm and Mites will have practice at 2:15 – 3:15 pm.

-          NO BAHL PRACTICES after 7:00 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday February 23 and 24 due to Billings Bulls playoff games vs. Helena

-          NO BAHL PRACTICES Friday and Saturday, February 26 and 27 due to the Figure Skating Club of Billings Annual Competition

 

 

Upcoming Events:

 

-          High School Public Skate!  Students from Senior High who show their school i.d. on February 20th from 9:30 - 11:30 pm will skate for only $4.00 which includes skate rental. 

-          Annual Board Meeting & Elections will be held April 7^th at 6:00 pm.  Meeting will be held at the Mansfield Center on the St. Vincent Healthcare campus.  Keep those names coming to me for nominations to the board for next season!

-          Big Sky State Games is April 16 – 18, 2010.  Visit www.bigskygames.org for registration forms and more information on putting together a hockey team to compete!

-          Billings Bulls Youth Hockey Skills camp at Centennial August 2-6, 2010.  The Bulls will be returning this summer with Al Bloomer and other guest coaches to provide over 12 hours of on-ice sessions as well as off-ice, dry land training.  There will be more information when it becomes available on our website in the Youth Hockey link.

-          Planet Hockey is coming back to Centennial August 9-13, 2010.  Visit this web page for more information about our camp:  http://dnet.planethockey.com/camps/.  We will also have Planet Hockey brochures & registration forms in the lobby by the concession stand.  If we fill this camp, Planet Hockey makes a donation back to our league!

-          Parent Feedback is wanted during our parent planning meetings which will be held during practices March 9-17^th.  An exact schedule for these meetings will be in next week’s update.

 

Security:

 

Centennial Ice Arena is now being monitored by a security system, installed by Kenco Security.  Thanks to Kenco Security for making it possible to have this system and for making a generous donation to our Rental Equipment program.  If you have a key to Centennial Ice Arena but were not contacted with a passcode for the security system, you can no longer gain access to the arena without an employee.

 

League Service:

 

The Figure Skating Club of Billings competition brings in skaters from all over Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, North & South Dakota and Canada.  This event brings a lot of ice rental revenue and can also generate good numbers from concession stand sales, but we have to open it to get those sales.  If you would be available Saturday, February 27^th for a few hours to volunteer in the concession stand let me know!    The High School State Tournament will also require a lot of volunteer work so if you need some extra hours or just want to help out, give me a call or send me an email.

 

Is It That Time Already?

 

Yes, it is!  It is time for all of us to be thinking about registration for next season.  Beginning March 1^st, the registration packet for next season will be available.  Age Group Directors and/or Team Managers will have enough packets for everyone in their group and will get them passed out during practices or games that week.  One big change for next season is the return of fundraising.  There will be two player active fundraisers that will help to directly offset player fees while also benefiting the league and a third fundraiser that is a direct benefit to the League with very little effort from the player or family. 

 

Need a Place To Stay:

 

Did you know that the Bulls sponsor hotels offer a discounted hockey rate all year long?  Whenever you need a hotel here in town, call the Boothill Inn, Hilton Garden Inn or the Holiday Inn and ask for the Billings Bulls Hockey rate and you will get a great deal ($75-$85 depending on hotel) year round!  Boothill and Hilton will even include breakfast for their price.  Thank you to Doug Strong of the Bulls for getting these rates and passing along the savings to us!

 

Equipment Donation:

 

I have talked to quite a few members who mentioned having some used gear that they were going to donate, but I haven’t seen any of it come in – we still could use it if you have it to give away.  Call me or just bring it by!

 

Until next week!

 

Chandra Picicci

League Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

256-1192

director@...

 

Hello from the BAHL office! 

 

The toe-picks invade the ice this weekend!  You can begin early by watching the last of the Olympic figure skating on television tonight, then come out to the rink anytime Saturday and watch our own future Olympians compete in many different events.  Don’t forget to also watch team USA take on Finland in the Olympic semifinal game Friday!

 

Just a heads up – the league office will now be locked when it isn’t occupied.  If you need to leave something for me, please slide it under the door or use the mail slot next to the door.  If you need something from the office, let me know ahead of time so I can put it out for you.

 

This weekend at Centennial:

 

Friday, February 26^th:

11:00 am  Figure Skating Test Practice

12:30 pm Open Figure Skating

2:00 pm – 8:00 pm  Figure Skating Test Session

 

Saturday, February 27^th:

8:15 am  Figure Skating Competition

12:00 pm  Learn-to-Skate Lessons

1:00 pm – 8:00 pm  Figure Skating Competition

 

Sunday, February 28^th:

1:00 pm  Public Skate

3:15 pm  Learn-To-Skate

 

Ice Anyone?

 

We just happen to have ice available this weekend on Sunday morning before public skate.  I know it’s last minute, but if you are in need of an extra practice – give me a call.  There is also ice available the weekend of March 19^th.

 

Tournaments/Events:

 

March 4-7:  High School State Tournament – NO BAHL practices or games on all days

March 12-14:  Mite House Tournament

April 9-11:  Adult Hockey League Tournament

April 16-18:  Big Sky State Games

 

Schedule Changes:

 

-          NO BAHL practices or games March 4^th – 7^th due to High School State Tournament

 

 

Upcoming Events:

 

-          Mite Move up meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 3^rd during Mite practice at 6:00 pm.  I will be there to discuss the Squirt program and answer any questions parents with Mite players moving to Squirts next season might have.

-          Annual Board Meeting & Elections will be held April 7^th at 6:00 pm.  Meeting will be held at the Mansfield Center on the St. Vincent Healthcare campus.  Keep those names coming to me for nominations to the board for next season!

-          Big Sky State Games is April 16 – 18, 2010.  Visit www.bigskygames.org for registration forms and more information on putting together a hockey team to compete!

-          Billings Bulls Youth Hockey Skills camp at Centennial August 2-6, 2010.  The Bulls will be returning this summer with Al Bloomer and other guest coaches to provide over 12 hours of on-ice sessions as well as off-ice, dry land training.  There will be more information when it becomes available on our website in the Youth Hockey link.

-          Planet Hockey is coming back to Centennial August 9-13, 2010.  Visit this web page for more information about our camp:  http://dnet.planethockey.com/camps/.  We will also have Planet Hockey brochures & registration forms in the lobby by the concession stand.  If we fill this camp, Planet Hockey makes a donation back to our league!

 

Let Your Voice Be Heard:

 

Parent meetings have been scheduled!  These meetings will each be attended by at least two board members.  The meetings are a way for you to have a say in what happens in this rink and with your hockey program.  Each meeting will last only as long as the practice during which they are scheduled.  Parents that attend are asked to bring their ideas, suggestions, and/or concerns in writing so they can be kept for consideration when formal season planning takes place this summer.

 

These sessions are not the place to air direct concerns about a specific coach, parent or player.  If you have this type of concern, please send it in writing to either myself or to the BAHL Board.   

 

The schedule for these meetings is as follows – please attend during your player’s age division:

 

Mites:  March 10^th @ 6:00 pm or March 17^th @ 6:00 pm

Squirts:  March 9^th @ 6:00 pm

Squirt A/B:  March 11^th @ 6:00 pm

Peewee A:  March 16^th @ 7:15 pm

Peewee B:  March 15^th @ 7:15 pm

U15:  March 15^th @ 8:30 pm

JV:  March 16^th @ 8:30 pm

Varsity:  March 9^th @ 4:45 pm

 

Please remember that these meetings are intended for Board members to listen to your ideas, your positive comments about the program and your concerns regarding the program but not a place to engage in arguments or long discussions about what might be or what might have been.  If you have any questions about these meetings, please give me a call –

 

Yeah Squirts!:

 

Congrats go out to both our MAHA Squirt travel teams!  This past weekend in Butte, the Squirt B team took third in a field of 7 teams!  Their final loss was to Butte who ended up winning the State B Championship.  At home in Billings, the Squirt A team won the State A Championship!  It was a great weekend of hockey and many thanks should go to all the squirt parents, coaches and players for putting on a great tournament.  Congratulations to all the Squirt players – way to go!!!

 

Next Season:

 

Beginning next week, your age group director or team manager will have the registration packet for next season available at your practice!  I will also have the registration packet on our website at www.centennialicearena.net for you to print at home if you desire.

 

League Service:

 

We have two major tournament events left this season where you could get those last few hours of league service completed:  High School MAHA State Tournament, March 4-7 and the Mite House Tournament, March 12-14.  If you are interested in helping out, let me know and I will put you in contact with the appropriate person.

 

Many Thanks:

 

Granite Door Company was in the rink last week and repaired the orange locker room door, including a new lock.  Thank you!  We have a great group of businesses that have been very gracious in their donation of supplies and time to help us maintain and fix this rink.  Please, players and parents remember that this rink is ours and it’s all we have.  Let’s do our part to keep it maintained and in good repair! 

 

Until next week!

 

Chandra Picicci

League Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

256-1192

director@...

 

 

Hello from the BAHL office! 

 

Varsity hockey rules the arena for the next 4 days.  Beginning tomorrow 8 MAHA Varsity teams from across Montana will be playing to see who is tops.  The full schedule is listed below – make sure and take the time to come out and support our boys!  Next weekend the little ones take over with a U8 (Mites) tournament.  This year they have 12 teams participating!  Should be a lot of fun –

 

This weekend at Centennial:

 

Thursday, March 4^th:

5:00 pm  Havre vs Helena

7:15 pm  Billings vs Great Falls

 

Friday, March 5^th:

7:00 am  Butte vs Bozeman

9:15 am  Missoula vs Glacier

11:30 am  Havre vs Great Falls

1:45 pm  Billings vs Helena

4:00 pm  Skills Competition

6:00 pm  Missoula vs Butte

8:15 pm  Bozeman vs Glacier

 

Saturday, March 6^th:

6:30 am  Helena vs Great Falls

8:45 am  Billings vs Havre

11:00 am  Missoula vs Bozeman

1:15 pm  Learn To Skate

2:15 pm  Butte vs Glacier

4:30 pm  PUBLIC SKATE

6:45 pm  Crossover Game

9:00 pm  Crossover Game

 

Sunday, March 7^th:

11:00 am  Consolation Game

1:00 pm  Championship Game

 

Ice Anyone?

 

There is only a little bit of ice still available before we are done for the season.  If you are looking for an extra hour for practice or to have a party – send me an email with your request and I can let you know what is available.

 

Tournaments/Events:

 

March 12-14:  Mite House Tournament

April 9-11:  Adult Hockey League Tournament

April 16-18:  Big Sky State Games

 

Schedule Changes:

 

-          NO BAHL practices or games March 4^th – 7^th due to High School State Tournament

 

 

Upcoming Events:

 

-          Initiation Program Parent Meeting will be held during practice on March 20^th.

-          Annual Board Meeting & Elections will be held April 7^th at 6:00 pm.  Meeting will be held at the Mansfield Center on the St. Vincent Healthcare campus.  Keep those names coming to me for nominations to the board for next season!

-          Big Sky State Games is April 16 – 18, 2010.  Visit www.bigskygames.org for registration forms and more information on putting together a hockey team to compete!

-          Billings Bulls Youth Hockey Skills camp at Centennial August 2-6, 2010.  The Bulls will be returning this summer with Al Bloomer and other guest coaches to provide over 12 hours of on-ice sessions as well as off-ice, dry land training.  There will be more information when it becomes available on our website in the Youth Hockey link.

-          Planet Hockey is coming back to Centennial August 9-13, 2010.  Visit this web page for more information about our camp:  http://dnet.planethockey.com/camps/.  We will also have Planet Hockey brochures & registration forms in the lobby by the concession stand.  If we fill this camp, Planet Hockey makes a donation back to our league!

 

Let Your Voice Be Heard:

 

Parent meetings have been scheduled!  These meetings will each be attended by at least two board members.  The meetings are a way for you to have a say in what happens in this rink and with your hockey program.  Each meeting will last only as long as the practice during which they are scheduled.  Parents that attend are asked to bring their ideas, suggestions, and/or concerns in writing so they can be kept for consideration when formal season planning takes place this summer.

 

These sessions are not the place to air direct concerns about a specific coach, parent or player.  If you have this type of concern, please send it in writing to either myself or to the BAHL Board.   

 

The schedule for these meetings is as follows – please attend during your player’s age division:

 

Mites:  March 10^th @ 6:00 pm or March 17^th @ 6:00 pm

Squirts:  March 9^th @ 6:00 pm

Squirt A/B:  March 11^th @ 6:00 pm

Peewee A:  March 16^th @ 7:15 pm

Peewee B:  March 15^th @ 7:15 pm

U15:  March 15^th @ 8:30 pm

JV:  March 16^th @ 8:30 pm

Varsity:  March 9^th @ 4:45 pm

 

Please remember that these meetings are intended for Board members to listen to your ideas, your positive comments about the program and your concerns regarding the program but not a place to engage in arguments or long discussions about what might be or what might have been.  If you have any question about these meetings, please give me a call –

 

Yeah Peewees!:

 

Congrats go out to both our MAHA Peewee travel teams!  This past weekend in Bozeman the Peewee A team skated to the MAHA State Championship title!  Meanwhile, in Miles City, the Peewee B team placed second in their Championship game.  Way to go skaters! 

 

Registration:

 

Registration packet distribution has begun.  If you haven’t had a practice yet, or can’t wait until your next practice to pick up a packet, visit the “Youth Hockey” tab on the website www.centennialicearena.net and print from home if you desire.

 

League Service:

 

Alright, there is only one tournament left where you may be able to finish up your league service hours – the Mite House Tournament, March 12-14.  If you are still looking for a way finish up those hours, give me a call or send an email and I can get you set up.  Age Group Directors and Team Managers:  I will need you to update your league service lists soon and turn them in by the end of the season.  If your team has completed all their hours, you may submit your list at any time.

 

Until next week!

 

Chandra Picicci

League Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

256-1192

director@...

 

Billings Varsity team has just won their crossover game which puts them in the MAHA Varsity State Championship game tomorrow at 1:00 pm against Missoula. 

 

Bring everyone – let’s pack the building tomorrow!

 

Chandra Picicci

League Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

 

Hello from the BAHL office! 

 

Look out – here come the little ones!   Lots of under 8 hockey players (Mites) takeover the arena this weekend! Schedule is listed below and on the website.  Should be lots of fun – take some time to show support for our youngest hockey players.  Check out the updates to the public skate portion of our website which now shows a current public skate schedule which is expanded for the week of spring break.

 

This weekend at Centennial:

 

Friday, March 12^th:

4:45 pm  FSCB Learn-To-Skate

6:00 pm  Billings Teal vs Bozeman

7:00 pm  Miles City vs Gillette

8:15 pm  Billings White vs Casper

 

Saturday, March 13^th:

7:00 am  Gillette vs Billings Teal

8:15 am  Billings Maroon vs Bozeman

8:15 am  I.P.

9:15 am  Helena vs Great Falls 2

9:15 am  Cody vs Great Falls 1

10:30 am  Casper vs Miles City

11:30 am  Bozeman vs Billings White

12:45 pm  Great Falls 1 vs Bozeman

12:45 pm  Helena vs Cody

2:00 pm  Learn to Skate

3:00 pm  Billings Teal vs Miles City

4:00 pm  Great Falls 2 vs Cody

4:00 pm  Billings Maroon vs Helena

5:15 pm  Billings White vs Gillette

6:15 pm  Casper vs Bozeman

7:30 pm  Bozeman vs Great Falls 2

7:30 pm  Great Falls 1 vs Billings Maroon

8:30 pm  5^th vs 6^th Full Ice

 

Sunday, March 14^th:

8:00 am  3^rd vs 4^th Full Ice

9:15 am  5^th vs 6^th Half Ice

9:15 am  3^rd vs 4^th Half Ice

10:30 am  1^st vs 2^nd Half Ice

11:45 am  1^st vs 2^nd Full Ice

 

Ice Anyone?

 

March 20^th from 8:00 pm on is available and Sunday, March 21^st before 9:30 am is available.  Friday, March 26^th after 7:00 pm is available, Saturday March 27^th after 7:30 pm is available and Sunday March 28^th 11:15 am – 12:45 pm is available.  Please call or email me if you are interested in purchasing some extra ice. 

 

Tournaments/Events:

 

April 7^th @ 6:00 pm:  BAHL Annual Board meeting and election.  Location:  Mansfield Center on the St. V’s campus.  Parking is available in the lot across the street from the main entrance on N. 30^th or on the street.

April 9-11:  Adult Hockey League Tournament

April 16-18:  Big Sky State Games

 

 

Upcoming Events:

 

-          Initiation Program Parent Meeting will be held during practice on March 20^th.

-          Drop-In Hockey sessions will begin in April.  A full schedule will be posted soon!

-          Blades for Billings Casino Night April 17^th 7:00 – 11:00 pm

-          Big Sky State Games is April 16 – 18, 2010.  Visit www.bigskygames.org for registration forms and more information on putting together a hockey team to compete!

-          Billings Bulls Youth Hockey Skills camp at Centennial August 2-6, 2010.  The Bulls will be returning this summer with Al Bloomer and other guest coaches to provide over 12 hours of on-ice sessions as well as off-ice, dry land training.  EARLY REGISTRATION discount ends April 1^st!  Profit from the camp is shared with the Bulls and BAHL

-          Planet Hockey at Centennial August 9-13, 2010.  Visit this web page for more information about the camp:  http://dnet.planethockey.com/camps/.  EARLY REGISTRATION discount ends March 31^st.  If we fill this camp, Planet Hockey makes a donation back to our league!

 

Let Your Voice Be Heard:

 

The first few parent meetings have been great!  Please make plans to attend if you would like to speak directly with board members about what’s happening at the rink or with the league.  This is a great way to have your ideas or concerns heard. The schedule for these meetings is as follows – please attend during your player’s age division:

 

Mites:  March 17^th @ 6:00 pm

Squirt A/B:  March 11^th @ 6:00 pm

Peewee A:  March 16^th @ 7:15 pm

Peewee B:  March 15^th @ 7:15 pm

U15:  March 15^th @ 8:30 pm

JV:  March 16^th @ 8:30 pm

 

Please remember that these meetings are intended for Board members to listen to your ideas, your positive comments about the program and your concerns regarding the program but not a place to engage in arguments or long discussions about what might be or what might have been.  If you have any questions about these meetings, please give me a call –

 

Congrats Varsity Team!:

 

What a great weekend of hockey!  The Varsity tournament did not disappoint – lots of great hockey was played.  Your Varsity team played their hearts out earning a spot in the Championship game on Sunday against Missoula.  Again, this game was very exciting and a close game all the way through.  Our boys came up one goal short in overtime, placing Second.  The team has earned a spot in the Northern Plains District Regional Tournament March 18-21!  Congrats boys and good luck in at Regionals!  Thank you to all the volunteers and rink employees who helped make the tournament a great success.

 

Registration:

 

There are two changes that need to be made to the Registration information that has been distributed.  1.  The fundraising page incorrectly shows that selling 5 calendars will re-coop the fundraising fee when it should state that 10 calendars would need to be sold.  2.  The early registration date has been moved to June 1^st.  There was concern that the April 1^st date is just too close and we agree!  As soon as the fundraising mistake was found, a new page was printed and inserted in the packet so you may have gotten a corrected version.

 

League Service:

 

Just think -  you could earn league service hours for next season before this season is officially over!  There are quite a few opportunities to do just that:  The Adult Hockey Tournament April 9-11 will need concession stand volunteers,  Blades for Billings Casino Night fundraiser will need some volunteers, Big Sky State Games April 16-18 will need concession stand volunteers, and the ice will be coming out soon which requires a lot of extra help.  If you are interested in helping with any of the above activities, please send me an email and I will get you on the schedule.  These hours must be documented in order to count for next season – so please contact me to get on the schedule.

 

Casino Night:

 

The Blades for Billings Annual Fundraiser is returning.  This year will be a Casino Night!  Mark your calendars for April 17^th 7:00 – 11:00 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn.  Join in the Texas Hold’em poker tournament or a round of Bingo, come to bid on the silent auction items or just come for the fun!  Visit our website for information on how to sign up.  Volunteers will also be welcomed during the event – if you are interested in earning hours for next season by working this event, please send me an email.

 

Until next week!

 

Chandra Picicci

League Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

256-1192

director@...

 

 

Hello from the BAHL office! 

 

Well the cuteness factor was definitely raised this past weekend with the Mite Tournament.  It was so enjoyable  to watch them play – especially when they were having so much fun!  Congrats to the Mite division parents who did a great job putting together a wonderful tournament.  There were lots of happy faces in the rink all weekend.

 

This hockey season is coming to a close very fast.  The last official day of this season is March 31^st which happens to be in the middle of spring break.  So, if you are not planning to be at your practice those last few days let your coach know so they can plan accordingly.  Just because the season comes to an end doesn’t mean we stop playing hockey though!  Look further down this email for a drop-in schedule starting April 1^st which is also posted on the website.

 

This weekend at Centennial:

 

Friday, March 19^th:

4:45 pm  FSCB Learn-To-Skate

6:00 pm  Billings Teal vs Bozeman

7:30 pm  Private Rental:  Skyview Club

 

Saturday, March 20^th:

8:15 am  I.P.

9:30 am  Mites (Mite age I.P. skaters are invited to skate with)

10:45 am  Mites

12:00 pm  Learn to Skate

1:00 pm  Public Skate

3:15 pm  99 Thunderblades

5:30 pm  Private Rental:  FSCB

6:45 pm  Private Rental:  Stampede Hockey

 

Sunday, March 14^th:

9:45 am  99 Thunderblades

1:00 pm  Public Skate

3:15 pm  Learn to Skate

4:30 pm  OFS

 

Ice Anyone?

 

Friday, March 26^th after 7:00 pm is available, Saturday March 27^th after 7:30 pm is available and Sunday March 28^th 11:15 am – 12:45 pm is available.  Please call or email me if you are interested in purchasing some extra ice. 

 

Upcoming Events:

 

-          Initiation Program Parent Meeting will be held during practice on March 20^th.

-          Senior Recognition Night:  March 24^th 7:00 pm at Centennial.  All graduating BAHL seniors will be honored.  Everyone is welcome to attend!

-          Adult Hockey League Tournament April 9 – 11

-          Blades for Billings Casino Night April 17^th 7:00 – 11:00 pm

-          Big Sky State Games is April 16 – 18, 2010.  Visit www.bigskygames.org for registration forms and more information on putting together a hockey team to compete!

-          Billings Bulls Youth Hockey Skills camp at Centennial August 2-6, 2010.  EARLY REGISTRATION discount ends April 1^st!  Profit from the camp is shared with the Bulls and BAHL.

-          Planet Hockey at Centennial August 9-13, 2010.  Visit this web page for more information about the camp:  http://dnet.planethockey.com/camps/.  EARLY REGISTRATION discount ends March 31^st.  If we fill this camp, Planet Hockey makes a donation back to our league!

 

Annual Meeting & Election:

 

The Billings Amateur Hockey League Annual Meeting and board member election is April 7^th @ 6:00 pm.  The meeting will be held at the Mansfield Center on the St. V’s campus.  Parking is available in the lot across the street from the main entrance on N. 30^th or on the street.  We have quite a few names on the list for potential board members.  It is not too late to be considered for a board position – if you are interested in running for a position, send me and email or call the office.

 

BAHL members receive one vote for each BAHL registered player from the current season.  Each parent does not get to vote per registered player.  For example, if there are three children from the same family registered with the BAHL, then the family will receive three ballots to complete at the meeting.

 

Current board members whose term is over this season but are seeking re-election for another term are: 

 

-          Rob Gagnon:  Rob has been a board member for the past three seasons.  Rob was a Director at Large and served on the Coaches Committee.  Rob has one son playing in the Squirt division this season.

 

-          Glynis Gibson:  Glynis has been a board member for the past two seasons, serving as Secretary for the board.  Glynis has one player in the BAHL this season on the Varsity team.

 

-          Pat Picicci:  Pat has been a board member for the past two seasons.  Pat was a Director at Large and also served on the Coaches Committee.  He has three children in the BAHL in the Varsity, U15 and I.P. divisions.

 

-          Sean O’Donnell:  Sean has been a board member for the past three seasons, serving as President for the past two seasons of his term.  He has two players in the BAHL in the Squirt and I.P. divisions this season.

 

BAHL Members who have accepted nominations for next season are as follows (with a bit of background information on each):

 

-          Julie Reimche:  Julie has three children skating in the BAHL and has been involved with the BAHL for 4 seasons.  Julie is a level two coach and has coached both mites and squirt teams.  Her children will be in the Mite, Squirt and Bantam age divisions next season.

 

-          Kris Brester:  Kris has two children in the Mite program and a third that will begin the I.P. program next season.  Kris coached in the Mite program this season.  Kris also plays in and is President of the Magic City Adult Hockey Association.

 

-          Jeff Wilson:  Jeff recently moved to Billings from Red Lodge where he owned and operated the Best Western Lupine Inn for 23 years.  Jeff’s son has been playing hockey with the BAHL since 1997 and played this season with the Butte Roughriders.  Jeff is also a level 3 certified coach. 

 

-          Eric Barnhart:  Eric is a supervisor for the Billings and Bozeman offices of the FBI.  Eric’s son is new to hockey, playing as a Mite this season and moving up to Squirts for next year.  Eric and his wife have also decided to take up hockey and play in the adult league.

 

-          Layne Martin:  Layne has two children, one is currently a BAHL player in the Peewee division.  Layne is employed in sales by Motor Power Equipment.  Layne has enjoyed the positive experiences his son has had through hockey.

 

-          Todd Young:  Todd is a Mite coach, where his son also plays and an off-ice officials for the Bulls.  Todd does a lot of off-season work at the rink from helping with the Motorcycle Hill Climb fundraiser to repainting nets and laying the new ice for the season.

 

-          Keith Keierleber:  Keith has been involved with the BAHL as a coach, previous board member, referee and parent for the past 20 years.  Keith’s two boys are playing in the Peewee and Bantam divisions.

 

-          Shane Coleman:  Shane has two kids in the Mite program and has been a coach in the Mite division for the past two seasons.  Shane grew up playing hockey on the outdoor rink on the westend and now plays in the adult hockey league.

 

Registration:

 

There are two changes that need to be made to the Registration information that has been distributed.  1.  The fundraising page incorrectly shows that selling 5 calendars will re-coop the fundraising fee when it should state that 10 calendars would need to be sold.  2.  The early registration date has been moved to June 1^st.  There was concern that the April 1^st date is just too close and we agree!  As soon as the fundraising mistake was found, a new page was printed and inserted in the packet so you may have gotten a corrected version.

 

League Service:

 

With the hockey season coming to an end, getting volunteer assistance can be more difficult.  Please don’t forget that we still have lots of work to do at the rink and that the ice stays in for a few more weeks with tournaments, Big Sky State Games, Blades for Billings Casino Night, drop-in hockey and public skate.  You could get a really great start to your volunteer hours by continuing to help this season.  Besides the tournaments, volunteers are needed during all our public skate sessions to help with rental skates and working the concession stand.  Taking the ice out is a somewhat messy job that could always use more helping hands!

 

If you are interested in helping with any of the above activities, please send me an email and I will get you on the schedule.  These hours must be documented in order to count for next season – so please contact me to get on the schedule.

 

Casino Night:

 

The Blades for Billings Annual Fundraiser is returning.  This year will be a Casino Night!  Mark your calendars for April 17^th 7:00 – 11:00 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn.  Join in the Texas Hold’em poker tournament or a round of Bingo, come to bid on the silent auction items or just come for the fun!  You must be at least 21 years of age to attend this event – no children will be allowed.  Get a sitter and make this a date night!

 

Visit our website for information on how to sign up.  Volunteers will also be welcomed during the event – if you are interested in earning hours for next season by working this event, please send me an email.

 

Senior’s Night:

 

No, I don’t mean the over 65 crowd, but our graduating high school seniors!  March 24^th 7:15 – 9:00 pm we will have a special night to recognize and honor both these players and their parents.  The BAHL would like to recognize the hard work and dedication each of these players has put in not only at their respective schools, but during their time as a BAHL member and their parents for their years of dedication as a “hockey mom or dad”.  This year’s graduating class is:  Zane Barragree, Austin Bourassa, Sean Corcoran, Ben Gibson, Paul Hoffman, Jake Hoffmann, Matthew Rose, Ray Scherer, Keith Swecker and Kolby Weller.  Please forgive me if your player’s name is not listed – contact me immediately if I have omitted someone.  Everyone is welcome to come out on the 24^th and join the festivities!

 

Drop-In Hockey:

 

Following is the drop-in schedule for April – cost is $7.00 per session.  Please pay the rink employee before getting on the ice.  If you purchased a drop-in season pass at the beginning of the season, it will be accepted for these sessions.

 

April 1^st:

6:30 pm  Adult I.P.

7:45 pm  Over Age 16

April 3^rd:

11:45 am  U10

3:15 pm  U15

4:30 pm  Over Age 16

April 5^th:

7:00 pm  U15

8:15 pm  Adult I.P.

April 6^th:

5:45 pm  U10

7:00 pm  Over Age 16

April 7^th:

7:00 pm  U15

8:15 pm  Adult I.P.

April 8^th:

5:45 pm  U10

7:00 pm  Over Age 16

April 12^th:

7:00 pm  U15

8:15 pm  Adult I.P.

April 13^th:

5:45 pm  U10

7:00 pm Over Age 16

April 14^th:

7:00 pm  U15

8:15 pm  Adult I.P.

April 15^th:

5:45 pm  U10

7:00 pm  Over Age 16

April 16-18:  Big Sky State Games

 

Just a Reminder:

 

When you receive an email such as this one which uses our BAHL Yahoo Group, do not reply to it.  One of two things can happen when you reply to these emails, either your email will go to all BAHL members or it will go no where.  So, if you want to get in contact with me regarding something you see in one of these emails, please type my email address in to your email program instead of using the reply button.  Thanks for your help on this!

 

Until next week!

 

Chandra Picicci

League Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

256-1192

director@...

 

 

 

 

 

In the information about our annual meeting and election I neglected to state that there are 6 open board positions for next season.  So of the list of 12 nominees, the 6 with the most votes will become our new board members for next season.

 

Chandra Picicci

League Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

 

Hello from the BAHL office! 

 

How time flies!  Spring break is upon us which brings baseball, soccer, and lots of other outside activities, yeah!  I hope you won’t forget about the rink too quickly in your need for fresh air and still support the drop-in hockey sessions along with helping fill in our volunteer opportunities for the next few weeks.

 

The league office will be closed most of next week so another update will not come until after the annual meeting. 

 

This weekend at Centennial:

 

Friday, March 26^th:

4:45 pm  FSCB Learn-To-Skate

6:00 pm  Mites

7:15 pm  JV

 

Saturday, March 27^th:

9:30 am  Mites

10:45 am  I.P. (Red Lodge skaters will be visiting us)

12:00 pm  Learn to Skate

1:00 pm  Public Skate

3:15 pm  Private Rental:  YVFSC

5:30 pm  Private Rental:  Adult Hockey

 

Sunday, March 14^th:

1:00 pm  Public Skate

3:15 pm  Learn to Skate

4:30 pm  OFS

 

Ice Anyone?

 

Available ice on weekends is limited to April 3^rd in the morning before 11:30 am or after 8:45 pm.  There are a few slots open during the week after 8:00 pm.  If any of these times work for you, let me know via email.

 

Upcoming Events:

 

-          Adult Hockey League Tournament April 9 – 11

-          Blades for Billings Casino Night April 17^th 7:00 – 11:00 pm

-          Big Sky State Games is April 16 – 18, 2010.  Visit www.bigskygames.org for registration forms and more information on putting together a hockey team to compete!

-          Billings Bulls Youth Hockey Skills camp at Centennial August 2-6, 2010.  EARLY REGISTRATION discount ends April 1^st!  Profit from the camp is shared with the Bulls and BAHL.

-          Planet Hockey at Centennial August 9-13, 2010.  Visit this web page for more information about the camp:  http://dnet.planethockey.com/camps/.  EARLY REGISTRATION discount ends March 31^st.  If we fill this camp, Planet Hockey makes a donation back to our league!

 

Annual Meeting & Election:

 

WHEN:  April 7^th @ 6:00 pm

WHERE:  Mansfield Center on the St. V’s campus

 

BAHL members receive one vote for each BAHL registered player from the current season.  Each parent does not get to vote per registered player.  For example, if there are three children from the same family registered with the BAHL, then the family will receive three ballots to complete at the meeting.  There are six positions open for next season.

 

Kris Brester, who was on the nomination list, has had to withdraw his name.

 

Current board members whose term is over this season but are seeking re-election for another term are: 

 

-          Rob Gagnon:  Rob has been a board member for the past three seasons.  Rob was a Director at Large and served on the Coaches Committee.  Rob has one son playing in the Squirt division this season.

 

-          Glynis Gibson:  Glynis has been a board member for the past two seasons, serving as Secretary for the board.  Glynis has one player in the BAHL this season on the Varsity team.

 

-          Pat Picicci:  Pat has been a board member for the past two seasons.  Pat was a Director at Large and also served on the Coaches Committee.  He has three children in the BAHL in the Varsity, U15 and I.P. divisions.

 

-          Sean O’Donnell:  Sean has been a board member for the past three seasons, serving as President for the past two seasons of his term.  He has two players in the BAHL in the Squirt and I.P. divisions this season.

 

BAHL Members who have accepted nominations for next season are as follows (with a bit of background information on each):

 

-          Julie Reimche:  Julie has three children skating in the BAHL and has been involved with the BAHL for 4 seasons.  Julie is a level two coach and has coached both mites and squirt teams.  Her children will be in the Mite, Squirt and Bantam age divisions next season.

 

-          Jeff Wilson:  Jeff recently moved to Billings from Red Lodge where he owned and operated the Best Western Lupine Inn for 23 years.  Jeff’s son has been playing hockey with the BAHL since 1997 and played this season with the Butte Roughriders.  Jeff is also a level 3 certified coach. 

 

-          Eric Barnhart:  Eric is a supervisor for the Billings and Bozeman offices of the FBI.  Eric’s son is new to hockey, playing as a Mite this season and moving up to Squirts for next year.  Eric and his wife have also decided to take up hockey and play in the adult league.

 

-          Layne Martin:  Layne has two children, one is currently a BAHL player in the Peewee division.  Layne is employed in sales by Motor Power Equipment.  Layne has enjoyed the positive experiences his son has had through hockey.

 

-          Todd Young:  Todd is a Mite coach, where his son also plays and an off-ice officials for the Bulls.  Todd does a lot of off-season work at the rink from helping with the Motorcycle Hill Climb fundraiser to repainting nets and laying the new ice for the season.

 

-          Keith Keierleber:  Keith has been involved with the BAHL as a coach, previous board member, referee and parent for the past 20 years.  Keith’s two boys are playing in the Peewee and Bantam divisions.

 

-          Shane Coleman:  Shane has two kids in the Mite program and has been a coach in the Mite division for the past two seasons.  Shane grew up playing hockey on the outdoor rink on the westend and now plays in the adult hockey league.

 

League Service:

 

First, THANK YOU to everyone who did their part to make our season a success!  The importance of time spent by you working on behalf of all the kids in this program cannot be stressed enough.  I cannot tell you enough how valuable your involvement in this league is. 

 

Age Group Directors and Team Managers have been finalizing league service hours for each family in their group.  If you are concerned about your hours, please contact them right away.  I am in the process of gathering that information from each of them so all hours have been accounted for. 

 

League Service Checks:  For those that have fulfilled their hours, we have two options for the check we are holding for you.  First option is to pick up your check at the arena office – I will need you to contact me via email after spring break for the available times to do this.  Second option – if I do not hear from you by April 9^th, I will shred all remaining checks. 

 

If for some reason you did not submit a league service check and/or you did not complete your required hours, an invoice for $150 will be sent to you in April.  This amount will need to be paid before your player can be registered for next season.

 

Please don’t forget that we still have lots of work to do at the rink and that the ice stays in for a few more weeks with tournaments, Big Sky State Games, Blades for Billings Casino Night, drop-in hockey and public skate.  You could get a really great start to your volunteer hours by continuing to help this season.  Besides the tournaments, volunteers are needed during all our public skate sessions to help with rental skates and working the concession stand.  Taking the ice out is a somewhat messy job that could always use more helping hands!

 

If you are interested in helping with any of the above activities, please send me an email and I will get you on the schedule.  These hours must be documented in order to count for next season – so please contact me to get on the schedule.

 

Casino Night:

 

The Blades for Billings Annual Fundraiser is returning.  This year will be a Casino Night!  Mark your calendars for April 17^th 7:00 – 11:00 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn.  Join in the Texas Hold’em poker or a round of Bingo, come to bid on the silent auction items or just come for the fun!  You must be at least 21 years of age to attend or work at this event – no children will be allowed.  Get a sitter and make this a date night!

 

Visit our website for information on how to sign up.  Volunteers will also be welcomed during the event – if you are interested in earning hours for next season by working this event, please send me an email.

 

Drop-In Hockey:

 

Following is the drop-in schedule for April – cost is $7.00 per session.  Please pay the rink employee before getting on the ice.  If you purchased a drop-in season pass at the beginning of the season, it will be accepted for these sessions.

 

April 1^st:

6:30 pm  Adult I.P.

7:45 pm  Over Age 16

April 3^rd:

11:45 am  U10

3:15 pm  U15

4:30 pm  Over Age 16

April 5^th:

7:00 pm  U15

8:15 pm  Adult I.P.

April 6^th:

5:45 pm  U10

7:00 pm  Over Age 16

April 7^th:

7:00 pm  U15

8:15 pm  Adult I.P.

April 8^th:

5:45 pm  U10

7:00 pm  Over Age 16

April 12^th:

7:00 pm  U15

8:15 pm  Adult I.P.

April 13^th:

5:45 pm  U10

7:00 pm Over Age 16

April 14^th:

7:00 pm  U15

8:15 pm  Adult I.P.

April 15^th:

5:45 pm  U10

7:00 pm  Over Age 16

April 16-18:  Big Sky State Games

 

 

Until next week!

 

Chandra Picicci

League Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

256-1192

director@...

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Montana BAHL Players,  Parents and Coaches,

 

We are excited to announce our 2010 Billings Planet Hockey Camp and would like to get our camp information out to ALL BAHL members as soon as possible! Planet Hockey would like to invite ALL Billings Amateur Hockey League members to take advantage of the $75 Discount available!  Through the Centennial Ice Arena and the BAHL board we’re offering the Billings area hockey families a $395 camp tuition for ONLY $320! Please forward the camp and ‘exclusive’ BAHL members discount along to your age group. A reminder to the BAHL coaches…they are welcome to join our Planet Hockey staff on the ice to take notes, ask questions and pick some new and innovative drills (limited to 4 per age group). Please click on the links below for camp details and information. If you have questions please contact Steve at 720-304-3880.

Simply enter the BAHL “exclusive” 10 digit discount code during online registration and SAVE $75…H27ABH2075. (Camp tuition ONLY $320)

The worldwide leader in hockey skills training…

Billings, MT (click here)
Centennial Ice Arena
Planet Hockey TOTAL Player Development Super Camp
August 9-13, 2010

Special Camp Features:

• Advanced Instructional Topics
• Individual Skills Assessment & Action Plan
• Testimonials
• Staff
• STP (Supplemental Training Program) …additional on ice training (see website for details).  Only $99 (Save $76, regularly $175).

SPECIAL BAHL Discount $75 Discount! 

-          Enter the following 10 digit discount code during your on line registration: H27ABH2075 save $75 instantly!

-          You must be BAHL member and register ONLINE with FULL payment at time of registration to qualify. 

-          Copy and paste discount code into the 'Group Discount' space on the last page of your online registration (payment page) & click apply discount!

-     All non BAHL players can take advantage of a $75 Discount that expires July 10, 2010 – simply apply this code G11ANB2075 during online registration.

-          Goaltenders – do not enter above discount code.  You will automatically receive a 50% discount (off of full tuition). 

-          Discounts can not be combined.  Largest discount always applies.

-          Limited Enrollment…register today. 

 

Questions…please contact Steve Strunk steve@... or 720-304-3880. 
Billings contact Garret Johnston johnstog@...

See you this summer,

Steve Strunk

Planet Hockey, Inc.

www.planethockey.com

steve@...

720-304-3880

Camps Ÿ European Tours Ÿ Planet Hockey Ranch Ÿ Consulting

 

 

 

 

The Billings Bulls would like to remind you of our upcoming youth camp, August 2^nd thru 6^th.

 

Early registration is to expire today but we will honor all early registration pricing until April 15^th for those of you that lost track of time. The discounted price is $290.00 per skater. The form is incorrect at $300.00.

 

This year’s camp will be bigger and better than last year with more instructors and skills.

 

A reminder that all proceeds from the camp are shared directly with the Billings Amateur Hockey League.

 

Please fill out the registration form that is attached and return to:

 

Billings Bulls Hockey Club

PO BOX 1517

Billings, MT 59103

 

You may also bring your registration to the annual meeting next Wednesday April 7^th at St V’s.

 

Thank you and have a great summer.

 

See you in August,

 

Doug Strong

Hello From The BAHL Office! 

 

The countdown has begun – there are only 10 more days of ice.  It will be a fairly busy ten days with drop-in hockey sessions, extra ice purchased by the figure skaters, the Adult Hockey Tournament this weekend and then officially ending our season with Big Sky State Games. 

 

We will have a short lull in activity at the arena after the ice is taken out, but then we will begin preparing for next season.  In emails to come later, I will have more information about the projects, large and small, that will need to be completed before our season may begin.  Ice will be put back in the arena approximately July 19^th. 

 

If you have any suggestions on ways we could utilize the arena during the summer that might generate some cash flow for the facility, please send them my way.  Unfortunately the concrete surface is too slippery for rollerblades – so we need alternate ideas:  Broomball games?  Floor hockey tournament?  Flea market?  These are a few of the ideas that have been suggested to me but I would love to hear more and some specifics about how we might make these work for us.  Seems a shame to have this building sit empty for so long…

 

This Weekend at Centennial:

 

Friday, April 9^th:

3:00 pm – 12:45 am  Adult Hockey Tournament

 

Saturday, April 10^th:

7:00 am – 12:15 am  Adult Hockey Tournament

 

Sunday, April 11^th:

7:30 am – 4:30 pm  Adult Hockey Tournament

5:00 – 6:00 pm  Private Rental

 

Upcoming Events:

 

-          Blades for Billings Casino Night April 17^th 7:00 – 11:00 pm

-          Big Sky State Games is April 16 – 18, 2010.  Visit www.bigskygames.org for registration forms and more information on putting together a hockey team to compete!

-          Billings Bulls Youth Hockey Skills camp at Centennial August 2-6, 2010.  Profit from the camp is shared with the Bulls and BAHL.

-          Planet Hockey at Centennial August 9-13, 2010.  Visit this web page for more information about the camp:  http://dnet.planethockey.com/camps/.  If we fill this camp, Planet Hockey makes a donation back to our league!

 

Introducing:

 

I would like to introduce you to the new and re-elected members of the BAHL Board of Directors as elected at last night’s annual meeting and election:

 

Sean O’Donnell, Rob Gagnon, Pat Picicci, Eric Barnhart, Layne Martin & Jeff Wilson

 

Congrats to each of you!  At the next regular meeting, May 11th, the executive positions will be determined and each board member will join a committee.  Just a reminder:  the BAHL Board meetings are open to all members of the BAHL.  The Board meets the second Monday of every month at 6:00 pm in the arena.  Sometimes this time or location is adjusted, especially during the summer months.  If the time or location is changed, I will notify you in these emails.

 

Thank You!:

 

On a somewhat personal note, I would like to acknowledge and thank Glynis Gibson for her many years of service to our great league.  Glynis has put in more hours in this arena than she probably has at her regular employer over the years.  Glynis was a driving force to keep this arena functioning during the lapse between Jeremy’s departure and my hiring.  She has stepped up and worked countless hours without complaint and dealt with my constant barrage of questions as I have settled into this position.  Glynis – THANK YOU!  I am not sure what you are going to do with all this extra time you will now have!!!

 

League Service:

 

There is still a need for volunteers to help with the concession stand during the Adult Hockey Tournament and Big Sky State Games next weekend and additional volunteers are still needed for our Casino Night April 17^th.  If you are interested in getting a head start on earning next seasons hours, please call or send me an email:  director@.... 

 

Casino Night:

 

This fundraiser is very important to the financial health of our hockey league.  There is a very expensive list of repairs/updates that need to be performed in the arena and to arena equipment this year.  Many of these repairs and updates were scheduled for last summer, but due to financial strains, did not happen.  The Annual Blades for Billings fundraiser goes a long way to help cover these expenses.  Please spread the word to your neighbors, friends, family and coworkers so we have a spectacular event!

 

WHEN:  April 17^th 7:00 – 11:00 pm

WHERE:  Hilton Garden Inn. 

WHAT:  Texas Hold’em Poker along with Bingo and a silent auction

COST:  To participate in the Texas Hold’em Poker - $100. 

To attend the evening without participating in poker - $25.00.

RULES:  You must be at least 21 years of age to attend or volunteer at this event. 

REGISTRATION:  www.centennialicearena.net  If you pre-register for the Texas Hold’em Poker online, you will avoid the $25.00 registration fee.

 

Returns, Please:

 

If you borrowed any gear from the BAHL or skates, sticks from Centennial, please make sure they get returned right away.  We seem to be missing a number of smaller size hockey skates.  Some of these skates were given to players to use but have not been returned.  You may return your gear to the rink any evening or during the next two weekends.  After April 18^th, please call the league office for a time when you can return the equipment (256-1192)

 

Found:

 

This past weekend, a pair of skates was left behind – probably after a public skate or drop-in session.  If you are missing a pair of skates, please call me with the brand and size so we can get you reunited.

 

Drop-In Hockey:

 

Following is the drop-in schedule for the remaining days in April – cost is $7.00 per session.  Please pay the rink employee before getting on the ice.  If you purchased a drop-in season pass at the beginning of the season, it will be accepted for these sessions.

 

April 8^th:

5:45 pm  U10

7:00 pm  Over Age 16

April 12^th:

7:00 pm  U15

8:15 pm  Adult I.P.

April 13^th:

5:45 pm  U10

7:00 pm Over Age 16

April 14^th:

7:00 pm  U15

8:15 pm  Adult I.P.

April 15^th:

5:45 pm  U10

7:00 pm  Over Age 16

 

Until next week!

 

Chandra Picicci

League Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

256-1192

director@...

 

PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.  IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS ON THE ABOVE INFORMATION, PLEASE SEND YOUR EMAIL TO:  director@....  THANK YOU