Hello From The BAHL Office! 

Howl-O-Ween was a huge success and thanks to the Billings Bulls & Oz Fitness players and coaches, 5,000 flyers were distributed to trick-or-treaters this past Saturday and Sunday.  Our next sessions of learn to skate and learn to play will begin after Thanksgiving, so this was a great opportunity to spread some hockey excitement!

Please remember that the remaining balances of player fees are now due.  On that note, the Board has finalized the scholarship process for this season.  If you or someone you know is looking for assistance with a portion of their fees or wanting to register for our house program but the cost is keeping them from contacting us, please let them know that scholarship help is available.  An application is required.  Please contact the league office to receive the application.

Holiday Parade:

The BAHL is going to have an entry in the Downtown Billings Holiday Parade on Friday, November 26^th.  Your involvement is requested (and needed)!  There are many ways to get involved in this activity!  We will need the following donations:  a quiet generator, cardboard boxes to build our “set”, boxes of various sizes wrapped in Christmas paper, 2 small recliners (large, or overstuffed recliners will not fit), Christmas lights, monetary assistance to help cover the cost of other supplies (any amount is appreciated) and last but not least, hockey players and figure skaters to walk next to and ride on the float!  We will also need a handful of adult volunteers to walk with the float as required by the parade rules. 

Connie Murphree and Amber Guge have volunteered to oversee this event.  If you are interested in helping or have some items to donate, please get in touch with me (or them directly, if you have their contact info).

Wreath Fundraiser:

This fundraiser is in full swing and many of you have commented on how many wreaths that have already been sold!  If you have not yet received the information on our wreath fundraiser, please contact your Age Group Director, Team Manager or myself in the league office.  This fundraiser started October 25^th and will continue to November 12^th.  All orders must be turned in to the league office by November 12^th to be included in our November 30^th delivery date. Remember that $10.00 of every wreath sold is credited to your skater’s account or a refund check will be issued if your fees are already paid in full.  There is no limit to the number of wreaths that a player can sell and your player gets a $10.00 credit for every item sold!

Mentor Program:

I left out a vital piece of information last week when I introduced this program.  This program is designed by USA Hockey who sets the standards for us to follow – one of these standards is that mentor’s must be a minimum of 13 years of age.   

BAHL Board Meeting:

This Monday, November 8^th @ 6:00 pm will be the BAHL Board meeting.  Remember that two significant items will be reviewed during this meeting:  for the first hour of the meeting comments will be taken on the proposed changes to the Mite, Squirt and Peewee divisions as outlined in my last email.  Also on Monday is the deadline for submitting a proposal to operate a hockey shop in the arena. 

Website Update:

Now available for viewing on the website – a few of the photos taken during the ADM clinic.  There is a new page to our website “Photos”, which is at the bottom of the navigation bar on the left of the website.  If you see a picture of your child posted but do not wish to have them available on the website, please let me know right away and I will remove the picture (s).  This was a fantastic day of skating fun for the players and coaches alike –

Available Ice:

The arena has plenty of available ice for purchase if your team is wanting some additional practice time or to invite a team in for a game or two.  Call or email me if you are interested in what dates are available.

Until next time!

Chandra Picicci

Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

Centennial Ice Arena

256-1192

www.centennialicearena.net

This weekend we have skaters on teams playing at the Bauer International Invite in Chicago.  The Montana Thunderblades, coached by our own Mark Loeding and Mark Damico is made up of all Montana players born in 1994.  Local Billings players on this team are Trevor Achenbach, Bradley & Brady Hefner, Beau Milton and Kyle Stone.  This team won the U16 National Championship this past spring.  The other team, Oz Fitness is the newest team skating at Centennial Arena this season.   The team, coached by Mike Richardson who moved to Billings from San Jose, California, is made up of 15 and 16 year olds from across the country, including Billings skaters Cameron Strong and Brendon Hanser. 

This link will take you to the tournament website where you can follow the progress of these teams:    http://www.invitebauer.com/_boys/10_U16.htm

Good luck teams!

Chandra Picicci

Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

Centennial Ice Arena

256-1192

www.centennialicearena.net

Just a reminder that we are entering our last week for Christmas wreath fundraiser!  All orders, along with payments are due in the league office November 12^th which is this Friday. 

Before you turn in your sales, please make sure that all information is clearly written on the sales sheets and that the money collected matches what was sold.  Also make sure your player’s name is clearly written on each of the sales sheets so his/her account can be credited accordingly.

Thank you!

Chandra Picicci

Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

Centennial Ice Arena

256-1192

www.centennialicearena.net

The board room has been under renovation the past couple of weeks.  We are now at the point of priming the walls and prepping for paint.  I know this is short notice, but if you are good with a paint brush and roller, this Saturday beginning at 10:30 am you are welcome to help out.  We will be painting until about 2:00 or until we run out of stuff to paint – this is actually the primer we will be putting on. 

If you have a brush – please bring it as the rink’s brushes are a bit ragged right now.  I should have enough paint pans and rollers to go around.

Please let me know if you plan to help out – this work does count towards your league service hours.

Thank you,

Chandra Picicci

Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

Centennial Ice Arena

256-1192

www.centennialicearena.net

Hello From The BAHL Office! 

We have a busy weekend coming up!  Starting off on Friday night at 7:30 the Bulls take on Butte.  Saturday the hockey continues with our Squirt A team at a breathtakingly early 6:45 am.  Peewee B plays at 8:30 am  with the Squirt A team taking the ice again at 2:45 and Peewee B at 4:30.  We end the evening with a Varsity game at 6:15 pm.  Sunday Squirt A plays their final weekend game at 8:30 am and Varsity takes the ice again at 10:15 am.  There are a lot of opportunities to come out and show your support of our players this weekend!

Team Mentors – Please make sure your child qualifies (minimum age of 13) and has completed the paperwork to be a team mentor before having them skate with another team.  If your skater would like to be a mentor, please contact the league office for the proper paperwork.

The league office will be closed next week for Thanksgiving. 

Holiday Parade:

Parade planning and preparation is fully underway!  It’s not too late to get involved – the first work session to construct the various items for the float will be Saturday 10:00 – 2:00, Sunday 12:00 – 3:00 and if necessary, next Wednesday at 5:30 pm.  Please contact myself or Connie Murphree if you have questions or would like to get involved.  This is a great opportunity to spread some hockey cheer!

Schedule Change:

Reminder that due to the Thanksgiving holiday and a Billings Bulls game, our regular weekly schedule is not the same next week Wednesday – Saturday.  The Wednesday schedule will have figure skating @ 4:30 and Learn to Play @ 5:30, then the Billings Bulls take the ice for a game.  Thursday the arena is closed.  Friday is a Bulls game only – no league practices!  Saturday – no league practices!

League Service:

Please make sure you are recording your time worked with your team manager or age group director (except at Bulls games where you will sign in directly with the volunteer coordinator at the game).  I will be working with managers and directors the middle of December to get a tally of hours worked for every player so far this season.

Are you creative?  Organized?  Want to work off some of those league service hours?  I am working on a couple of projects that I do not have enough time to tackle by myself and would love some help with.  Please send me an email and I can give you more information on each of the projects to see if there is something you might be interested in.

Remember that your help is still wanted in the concession stand – a little more planning is needed on your part though.  Since the concession stand is now it’s own business and has employees separate from the rink, we need to let them know if someone plans to volunteer in the stand for a game or event.  Please let me know if there is an event or game that you would like to work the concession stand at least a week prior to the event.

Wreath Fundraiser:

The Wreath fundraiser has officially ended – our membership sold 325 wreaths!  This means a credit of $3,250 was earned by league membership toward their fees due!  Mark your calendars for November 30^th and December 1^st to pick up your wreath order.  An exact delivery date will be available after they are shipped.

Summer Camp!

I know it’s early to be thinking about summer already, but you can mark your calendars for the Billings Bulls camp the week of August 8^th  and Planet Hockey will return for the week of August 15^th.

Until next time!

Chandra Picicci

Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

Centennial Ice Arena

256-1192

www.centennialicearena.net

Our shipment of Christmas wreaths is scheduled to arrive tomorrow, November 30^th.  They will be available for pick up any time after 5:00 pm tomorrow.  All wreaths must be picked up by this Thursday, December 2^nd. 

5:00 – 8:30 pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday I will be available for wreath pick up.  If you want to come by earlier in the day, please contact me first to set up a time.

If you are available to help with organizing the wreath shipment when it arrives and the paperwork from each player let me know – I could use your help in the late afternoon tomorrow getting these ready.

Thank you,

Chandra Picicci

Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

Centennial Ice Arena

256-1192

www.centennialicearena.net

Hello From The BAHL Office! 

Another weekend of hockey at the rink – imagine that!  Friday we start off with the U18/Varsity team playing at 7:00 pm and again Saturday morning at 8:00 am against Havre.  Saturday evening at 7:00 pm and Sunday morning at 10:15 am the Varsity team takes on Butte.  We finish the weekend with the Billings Bulls taking on the Helena Bighorns which should be a great game.  Your Bulls have played very strong the past few home games – come show your support this weekend!

Thanks to everyone who took part in the wreath fundraiser!  The wreaths were very well received by our members and their customers.  Speaking of fundraisers – if you are interested in an opportunity to help decide our fundraisers for next season, please contact me.  I would like help determining what our league should do and would truly appreciate having a fundraising coordinator to help with the details of our fundraising efforts for next season.

A HUGE THANK YOU to Connie Murphree and Amber Guge (and ALL the other volunteers) for the fantastic job they did on our holiday parade float!  It turned out to be a great evening to participate in this event and I have already received phone calls from interested new skaters who took home one of our cards from the parade.

Bulls Game:

December 18^th the Billings Bulls play at home against Missoula.  This game is not assigned to any team or age division.  This is a great opportunity for you to get a few more volunteer hours worked.  Let me know if you would like to be scheduled for this game.

Upcoming Schedule:

An early reminder that during the week of Christmas break there will not be BAHL hockey, unless your travel team has games scheduled.  This means December 24 through January 2^nd is a no hockey time.  We will have lots of extra public skate sessions during this week – check the website for a full schedule.

December 29^th during the U18/Varsity game we will be recognizing our graduating seniors – the BAHL has 9 seniors this year.  The team would like to invite any BAHL member to come out for a great game and give a round of applause to these seniors who have been with us for so many years.

Sponsors:

I think it is time that we recognize those sponsors that help us every season with either donations of product or services, or monetary donations.  Without these sponsors your hockey fees would be substantially higher.  Please do your part to give a thank you to our sponsors sometime during the season with a visit to their place of business or a simple phone call.  They would really appreciate the acknowledgement!

Pierce Flooring, Sir Speedy, Cynergy, Bresnan, Yellowstone Surgery Center, Lamar Design, AMP, Little Caesar’s Pizza (heights location and Grand), Wendy’s, Mattress King, Duke’s Concrete, Northwest Pipe, Kenco Security, FunFoto, Tire Rama, Crowley & Fleck, Cellular Plus, The Montana Community Foundation, Jones Construction, Holland & Hart, AllState Insurance, and Billings Motorcycle Club.

Travel Team Photos:

Next week at your travel practice will be team and individual photos.  Photos will be taken again this season by Lou Ann Madden of FunFoto Design.  Your team manager has a time schedule for photos and the order forms.

Until next time!

Chandra Picicci

Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

Centennial Ice Arena

256-1192

www.centennialicearena.net

A Black “Free Country” jacket was left in a locker room after Varsity practice yesterday.  If you happened to grab it, please let me know.  We have a stressed hockey player who no longer has his driver’s license as it was in his coat –

Thank you!

Chandra Picicci

Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

Centennial Ice Arena

256-1192

www.centennialicearena.net

The schedule for travel team photos has been changed to next week.  The photographer is very sick and will be unable to do our photos this week as planned. 

The new schedule for travel teams is as follows:

Wednesday, December 15^th:  U16 Team @ 7:45 pm

Thursday, December 16^th:  Varsity @ 4:45 pm, Squirt A & B @ 6:00 pm, Peewee A & B @ 7:15 pm

Thank you -

Chandra Picicci

Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

Centennial Ice Arena

256-1192

www.centennialicearena.net

Hello From The BAHL Office! 

The Mites take over the arena this weekend for their Ice Breakers Mite house tournament.  We have teams coming from across Montana and Wyoming for games that begin Saturday morning at 8:00 am.  Games continue through the day and Sunday morning.  Again this season you can watch the tournament from the comfort of your home via this link:  http://www.ustream.tv/channel/mites-hockey.   You can also access this link by going to our website – it is on the main page.

Saturday afternoon at 3:00 pm hockey takes a break for an hour when we celebrate Christmas around the world with our Learn to Skate Holiday Show. 

Toys for Tots:

Centennial Ice Arena is an official drop off location for Toys for Tots beginning this weekend and continuing through December 19^th.  If you wish to participate in this great program, please bring a new, unwrapped toy and place it in our donation bin near the main entrance to the arena.  If you bring a donation to the Billings Bulls game against Missoula on December 18^th, your admission will be half-price! (One toy per person for half-price admission).

Bulls Game:

December 18^th the Billings Bulls play at home against Missoula.  This game is not assigned to any team or age division.  This is a great opportunity for you to get a few more volunteer hours worked.  Let me know if you would like to be scheduled for this game.

Upcoming Schedule:

A reminder that during the week of Christmas break there will not be BAHL hockey, unless your travel team has games scheduled.  This means December 24 through January 2^nd is a no hockey time.  We will have lots of extra public skate sessions during this week – check the website for a full schedule.

December 29^th during the U18/Varsity game we will be recognizing our graduating seniors – the BAHL has 9 seniors this year.  The team would like to invite any BAHL member to come out for a great game and give a round of applause to these seniors who have been with us for so many years.

Photos:

We have had quite the struggle this season with scheduling team & individual photos.  Due to an illness, the photographer was unable to take our travel team photos as scheduled this week.  Since we are so close to the holidays and due to other scheduling conflicts with school programs, the photos will be scheduled for the middle of January.  ALL BAHL teams will have their photos done at this time.  As soon as I know a firm schedule, it will be passed along – Thank you for your patience!

Until next time!

Chandra Picicci

Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

Centennial Ice Arena

256-1192

www.centennialicearena.net

Hello From The BAHL Office! 

What a great weekend of fun hockey we had!  The Mite tournament was a resounding success – lots of smiley faces on kids and parents alike.  Our Learn to Skate students also enjoyed their moment in the spotlight during the Holiday Show on Saturday!

The league office will have limited hours over the holidays so I can enjoy some time with family.  I will be checking phone messages, but email will be the best way to reach me.

On tap this weekend at Centennial:  Public skate Friday evening 7:30-9:30 pm, Peewee A team plays two games Saturday @ 8:00 am and 2:45 pm along with the U16 team @ 4:30 pm Saturday and 10:15 am Sunday.  Saturday evening the Bulls take on Missoula @ 7:30 pm.

I have attached an interesting article found at ESPN on producing elite hockey players in the United States.  This is a very interesting article with great information on where the NHL players come from and what USA Hockey is doing to improve the U.S. born player statistics in the NHL.  Please take a few minutes to read – it is a bit long, but very informative.

Toys for Tots:

Let’s make this a great event for the Toys for Tots campaign!  Come to the Billings Bulls game on December 18^th with a new, unwrapped toy and you will receive half price admission to the game! 

Bulls Game:

December 31^st the Billings Bulls play at home against Helena.  This game is not assigned to any team or age division.  This is a great opportunity for you to get a few more volunteer hours worked.  Let me know if you would like to be scheduled for this game.

Player Fees:

Player fees are due in full at this point of the season.  Statements showing payments made and your final balance were mailed December 7^th.  If you did not receive a statement or have questions on your balance, please let me know. 

Board Room Remodel:

Status update on our remodel – Pierce Flooring has generously agreed to donate commercial carpeting for this project!  This week the old flooring is being removed and replaced with a new subfloor.  Soon, we will have a new ceiling and lighting installed.  If everything works out, we should have a new, completed board room about the first of the year!

Merry Christmas!

Chandra Picicci

Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

Centennial Ice Arena

256-1192

www.centennialicearena.net

Merry Christmas From The BAHL Office! 

Remember that the BAHL takes a break beginning tomorrow with practices and our normal schedule resuming January 3^rd.  If you need a reason to come to the rink anyway, come skate at one of the public skate sessions being offered at 2:30-4:30 pm Monday through Friday.  Sunday, December 26^th we will have a public session at our regular time of 12:30-2:30 pm as well.

December 29^th the Varsity team takes on Bozeman for two games at 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.  We will also recognize the graduating seniors on the team before the 6:00 game.  All are welcome to attend!

BAHL Player Making News:

Check out today’s article in the Gazette featuring one of our own, Jacob Doty!  Also in the paper today is the team photos from our Mite tournament.

http://www.billingsgazette.com/sports/hockey/article_c6888613-e48c-52a5-a551-18e638ac1d0c.html

Skate with the Bulls:

Everyone in attendance at the December 31^st Bulls game against the Helena Bighorns is invited to stay and skate after the game.  No cost to skate – rental skates will be available for $3.00. 

Merry Christmas to all BAHL members and families and best wishes in the new year!

Chandra Picicci

Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

Centennial Ice Arena

256-1192

www.centennialicearena.net

Happy New Year From The BAHL Office! 

Welcome back everyone!  We had a great holiday week full of skating at the rink!  Our public skate sessions were very well attended each day.  Also during the week a few of our youth teams played games, along with the adult league, the Bulls and some figure skating.

Starting off our weekend will be the Bulls taking on the Yellowstone Quake this Friday evening @ 7:30 pm.  Saturday morning our Peewee B team plays @ 8:30 am and again at 2:45 pm.  The Varsity team plays at 7:00 pm Saturday evening and again on Sunday morning @ 10:15 am.  Our Squirt B also plays Sunday morning at 8:30 am.

Board Meeting:

The board meeting scheduled for this Monday, January 10^th has been moved to Monday, January 17^th @ 6:00 pm.  The meeting will still be held in the board room at the arena.

Volunteer hours:

I probably sound like a broken record at times when it comes to our league service, but your service in our league and arena is very important.  Your time and effort in the league and arena is invaluable, thank you!  Your Age Group director or Team Manager along with myself have been helping track your hours for the season.  Please check with your manager or director to confirm your hours or you may contact me as well.

Open Ice:

We do have some open ice times that are available, including this Saturday 4:30-6:30 pm.  Send me an email right away if you would like this ice or want to know what other times are available.

Security:

Unfortunately during the holiday break, our parking lot was the target of thieves who broke into a few unattended cars.  Please be mindful of what you leave in your vehicle while at the arena.

Play It Again Sports:

Congratulations to BAHL members Kirk and Teresa Link!  Just before Christmas, Kirk and Teresa finalized the purchase of the local Play It Again Sports.  This is wonderful news for hockey (and other sports too)!  They have already begun stocking the store with hockey equipment and sticks.  Please stop by to say hello and check out the store! 

Until next week!

Chandra Picicci

Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

Centennial Ice Arena

256-1192

www.centennialicearena.net

Hello Everyone! 

All accounts that have balances owing for players fees are considered pastdue (unless your skater joined us late this season).  All credits from fundraising and financial assistance applications have been applied to your account.  Payment in full for any remaining balance is due immediately.

If you are having difficulties paying your fees, please contact me for arrangements. 

CREDIT BALANCES:  If you have a credit balance from fundraising efforts or overpayment you can leave that credit in place as a pre-payment towards next season, or you may request a refund.  Please send me an email if you would like a refund of your credit. 

Thank you,

Chandra Picicci

Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

Centennial Ice Arena

256-1192

www.centennialicearena.net

Hello From The BAHL Office! 

Coming up this weekend at Centennial we start off with the Bulls vs. Helena, game time is 7:30 pm Friday night!  Saturday we continue the hockey action with the Squirt A1 team playing at 7:45 am followed by the Peewee A team at 9:30 am and again @ 2:45, Squirt A1 @ 4:30 pm and finishing the evening with our U16 team @ 7:00 pm.  On Sunday the U16 team plays again at 10:15 am.

NO SCHOOL ON MONDAY!  Need something for you or the kids to do?  Come skate!  We have added a public skate on Monday 12:00 – 2:00 pm. 

Coming up soon will be our magazine fundraiser.  The money raised through this event will be pooled with the funds we will raise at our annual fundraiser in April (last year was the Casino Night).  It is the intent of the BAHL Board to use these funds to cover the expense of sandblasting and painting the support beams in the arena this summer.  This was a project we wanted to complete last summer along with the electrical work, but our fundraising efforts fell just a bit short.

Photos:

Team & player photos will be taken next week!  Please check with your Team Manager or Age Group Director for your team’s schedule and order packet. 

Boys & Girls Festival:

The annual festival will be held March 10-13 in Helena.  On the main page of our website is a download link for more information on the festival and the application necessary for attendance.  The festival is open to players born in 1993-1998. 

Representatives of the BAHL:

About this time each year as we are all getting a bit weary of our schedules, the cold weather, the bad roads, etc., it seems that our temperament changes as well.  I have unfortunately heard some reports of our BAHL members not conducting themselves with the best of manners while at games away from our arena and in a few instances, here at home.  Please remember what a great sport you have chosen to be a part of and the example you as a parent or coach or even player are setting for those around you.  This is a great game, but it is just a game and it is for your kids.  Our arena, just as every Montana arena, has a zero tolerance policy which means poor behavior is not permitted. 

While you are in the stands or on the bench, help everyone out by keeping your cool or assisting another parent or coach with keeping theirs!

Sad News:

Our hockey community lost a parent and coach this week.  Barry Lynn has been a long-time supporter of BAHL hockey over the years, serving in various capacities at the BAHL and volunteering as a coach even after his kids were done playing.  Please keep Barry’s wife Charlotte, and sons Michael and Daniel in your thoughts and prayers this week.

Until next week!

Chandra Picicci

Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

Centennial Ice Arena

256-1192

www.centennialicearena.net

Hello From The BAHL Office! 

Wow, we are on the backside of the hockey season already!  It doesn’t seem possible that there are only 10 weeks of hockey remaining!  I am thinking about the end of the season already because we have so much to do this summer.  One of our major undertakings this summer will be the painting of the support beams and fixing our concrete walls at both ends of the arena.  These walls are made of concrete blocks which have settled causing the mortar between the blocks to crack.  This is a safety issue that we have to address this summer.  Have you been looking around the arena and seeing some areas that you would have a suggestion to improve?  Now is the time for you to share your ideas so we have time to plan for them!

The BAHL annual meeting and elections will be held on April 4^th.  More details about time and location will follow.  Now is the time to consider putting your name in for an open board position or if you know of someone that would be a good addition to our board, talk with them about it.  We will begin taking nominations for the open positions in February.

We have a few youth games this weekend along with some adult times as follows:  Saturday @ 8:30 am Squirt B Game, 2:45 pm Squirt A Game, 4:30-8:00 pm Adult Hockey, 8:15 pm Squirt B Game.  Sunday @ 10:45 am Squirt A Game

Magazine Fundraiser:

Next week your team manager will be distributing information about our magazine fundraiser.  This is an easy way for the BAHL to receive funds – no door to door selling is required or asked from you, just renew your existing subscriptions or add a new magazine and talk with your extended family about their magazine renewals.  This fundraiser is for the benefit of the BAHL.  Money earned from this fundraiser will go to the BAHL general fund and be used to help cover the cost of our summer projects (support beam painting, concrete wall fixing, sprinkler system repairs, etc.). 

Casino Night:

The board is excited to announce the return of our fundraiser, Casino Night, set for April 30^th.  This is a big opportunity for the league to raise funds for our must-do arena projects such as painting the beams.  Your help is needed for this event to work.  A committee is being formed to make the arrangements for this event.  Please contact me or a board member right away if you are interested in serving on this committee, or if you would be willing to head up the committee for this event.

Member Feedback Wanted:

Please take the time during your listed practice to give the board feedback on your hockey experience this season and make suggestions on ways we could improve our program. 

February 22:  Varsity @ 4:45 pm; Squirt House @ 6:00 pm

February 23:  Mites @ 6:30 pm; U16 @ 7:45 pm

February 24:  Squirt Travel @ 6:00 pm; Peewee Travel @ 7:15 pm, U15 House @ 8:30 pm

Spreading the Word:

Our Billboard advertising is back up in two locations right now – Grand and Rehberg and again at the location on Monad.  These Billboards (space donated by Lamar Advertising) generated a lot of interest in our hockey and skating programs the first time they were up earlier this season.  Thanks to Lamar for their support!

Summer Plans?

The Billings Bulls camp information and registration form has been added to the website on the youth hockey page – get your registration in early!

Boys & Girls Festival:

The annual festival will be held March 10-13 in Helena.  On the main page of our website is a download link for more information on the festival and the application necessary for attendance.  The festival is open to players born in 1993-1998. 

Billings Community:

A project to improve Swords park on the rims in Billings is up for a $250,000 grant through the Pepsi Refresh Project.  If you are interested in voting for this project, please visit this link:  http://www.refresheverything.com/swordsforkids

Until next week!

Chandra Picicci

Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

Centennial Ice Arena

256-1192

www.centennialicearena.net

Hello From The BAHL Office! 

Tomorrow night our Varsity team will get our weekend of hockey off to a start at 7:00 pm.  Saturday begins with the Squirt A team at 8:30 am, Varsity game at 2:45 pm, and the Peewee A team at 5:00 pm.  Sunday morning at 9:00 am the Peewee A team plays followed by the Squirt A team @ 10:45 am. 

The Bulls take on the Butte Roughriders Saturday beginning at 7:30 pm.

MITES:  Reminder to Mite parents that practice on February 4^th is cancelled and on February 5^th, your practice will be at 11:15 am with the learn to play program and the Bulls coaching staff. 

Parking Lot:

Unfortunately our parking lot has become a favorite target for thieves.  We have had numerous vehicles broken into and personal items stolen from those vehicles in the past month.  Please do not leave any valuables in your vehicle.  There is a parking lot light near Bench Boulevard that is not working that we will be checking into and seeing about getting the other lights as bright as possible, but the best defense against these thieves is to not give them anything to break-in for.

Casino Night:

The board is excited to announce the return of our fundraiser, Casino Night, set for April 30^th.  This is a big opportunity for the league to raise funds for our must-do arena projects such as painting the beams.  Your help is needed for this event to work.  A committee is being formed to make the arrangements for this event.  Please contact me or a board member right away if you are interested in serving on this committee, or if you would be willing to head up the committee for this event.

Member Feedback Wanted:

Please take the time during your listed practice to give the board feedback on your hockey experience this season and make suggestions on ways we could improve our program. 

February 22:  Varsity @ 4:45 pm; Squirt House @ 6:00 pm

February 23:  Mites @ 6:30 pm; U16 @ 7:45 pm

Februar y 24:  Squirt Travel @ 6:00 pm; Peewee Travel @ 7:15 pm, U15 House @ 8:30 pm

Boys & Girls Festival:

The annual festival will be held March 10-13 in Helena.  On the main page of our website is a download link for more information on the festival and the application necessary for attendance.  The festival is open to players born in 1993-1998. 

Until next week!

Chandra Picicci

Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

Centennial Ice Arena

256-1192

www.centennialicearena.net

See below for Planet Hockey’s early registration offer!  Planet Hockey is also looking for local hockey persons who would be interested in representing Planet Hockey for this camp.  You would be a local contact for fielding questions and helping spread the word about the camp.  In exchange for your efforts, your skater would receive camp registration discounts.  If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact me.

The February BAHL Board meeting has been moved to Tuesday, February 15^th 6:00 pm.

Chandra Picicci

Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

Centennial Ice Arena

256-1192

www.centennialicearena.net

Fun Foto has uploaded all team and individual photos to their website for viewing and ordering.  Please go to:  http://www.photoreflect.com/store/store.aspx?p=22375

You can either type BAHL into the “find your photos” area (date not needed) or you can choose the “more” option in the recent photos portion of the website to find the BAHL photos.  They are in albums by team so you can easily find your skater.  Ordering directly through the site is very easy and secure.  Photo orders will be mailed directly to you or whatever address you choose.

If you have trouble with the website or have photo specific questions, please contact Fun Foto directly at 248-3546.

Thank you,

Chandra Picicci

Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

Centennial Ice Arena

256-1192

www.centennialicearena.net

Hello From The BAHL Office! 

We have a pretty light schedule this weekend.  Saturday at 2:45 pm and Sunday at 10:15 am our U16 team has home games.  Saturday evening the Billings Bulls host the Bozeman Ice Dogs, game time at 7:30 pm.  Come support your Billings Bulls as they enter the final month of the season!  Just a handful of Bulls regular season games remaining, with playoffs scheduled to begin March 1^st!

We need your help!  Our annual fundraiser, Casino Night, is in jeopardy of not happening.  This is a fairly large project that needs a team of members along with our board to put together.  Please consider helping out with this important event.  Without fundraising efforts, much-needed projects in the arena will not be completed.

Speaking of fundraising, the magazine fundraiser is in full swing and due to finish up at the end of next week, February 11^th.  This is a very easy way to raise money for our off-season projects so please consider participating.  If you did not receive a magazine packet, extras are available in the upstairs office hallway.  Return your packet to the league office on or before February 11^th.

Annual Meeting:

My last update stated an incorrect date for the annual meeting.  The annual meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 5^th at 6:00 pm.  Later this month we will begin taking nominations for the available board positions next season.  Please take some time to consider running for a position or nominating someone you feel would be a good asset to our leadership.

Member Feedback Wanted:

Please take the time during your listed practice to give the board feedback on your hockey experience this season and make suggestions on ways we could improve our program. 

February 22:  Varsity @ 4:45 pm; Squirts @ 6:00 pm

February 23:  Mites @ 6:30 pm; U16 @ 7:45 pm

Februar y 24: Peewee Travel @ 7:15 pm, U15 House @ 8:30 pm

Thank you:

It has been fun watching our Learn to Play skaters each week learning new skills from the Bulls coaching staff and players.  I am not sure who is having more fun, the new kids or the Bulls players!  A huge thank you goes out to Chris Hartley and his players who volunteer each week to help out with this vital BAHL program!

Boys & Girls Festival:

The annual festival will be held March 10-13 in Helena.  On the main page of our website is a download link for more information on the festival and the application necessary for attendance.  The festival is open to players born in 1993-1998. 

Chandra Picicci

Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

Centennial Ice Arena

256-1192

www.centennialicearena.net

Hello From The BAHL Office! 

Championship hockey is here this weekend!  The MAHA Squirt A State Champion will be crowned at the tournament this weekend:

Friday: 

9:00 am Bozeman vs Billings 2

10:45 am Billings 1 vs Havre

2:30 pm Bozeman vs Missoula

4:15 pm Billings 1 vs Billings 2

Saturday:

7:00 am Billings 2 vs Havre

8:45 am Billings 1 vs Missoula

12:30 pm Havre vs Bozeman

2:15 pm Missoula vs Billings 2

6:00 pm Billings 1 vs Bozeman

7:45 pm Havre vs Missoula

Sunday:

9:00 am Consolation game

10:45 am Championship game

A great weekend for some hockey!  Along with the above games, we have the Billings Bulls tangling with the Butte Roughriders Friday @ 7:30 pm.

Magazine Fundraiser:

Please don’t forget to return your magazine order packets to the league office tomorrow, or this weekend at the latest.  The orders and forms will be sent in on Monday.

School Out Schedule:

School District 2 is not in session February 17 and 18, next Thursday and Friday.  So the arena will hold some extra public skate and “stick n’ puck” sessions those days. 

February 17 and 18:

Stick n’ Puck:  11:00 am-12:00 pm

Public Skate:  12:00 – 2:00 pm

COST:  $5.00 per session.  Skate rental is included in this fee.

Stick n’ Puck:  Just what it sounds like!  A chance to skate with a stick and puck.  Helmet, gloves, stick is required!  Full gear is not necessary, but can be worn.  These sessions are open to ALL ages.

Boys & Girls Festival:

The deadline is here to get your skater registered for the annual MAHA Festival to be held March 10-13 in Helena.  On the main page of our website is a download link for more information on the festival and the application necessary for attendance.  The festival is open to players born in 1993-1998.  This is a great opportunity for skaters to work with guest coaches, meet some new skaters and improve their skills!

Scheduling Notes:

The Billings Bulls are playoff bound!  It looks like they will face Missoula in the first round which means two home games, March 1^st and March 2^nd.  This will change our weekly practice schedule for the teams on those days.  Your team manager or age group director will have the changes available for you.

Member Feedback Schedule:

Please take the time during your listed practice to give the board feedback on your hockey experience this season and make suggestions on ways we could improve our program.  If your skater is moving up to a different division next season, please attend that division’s time as well if you would like to hear that discussion.

February 22:  Varsity @ 4:45 pm; Squirts @ 6:00 pm

February 23:  Mites @ 6:30 pm; U16 @ 7:45 pm

February 24: Peewee Travel @ 7:15 pm, U15 House @ 8:30 pm

Until next week!

Chandra Picicci

Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

Centennial Ice Arena

256-1192

www.centennialicearena.net

Attached is the registration form for the Billings Bulls summer camp!  There are discounts available if you register early.  Contact me if you have any questions!

Hello From The BAHL Office! 

Congrats to the Billings Squirt teams!  It was a weekend of great hockey with a wonderful group of parents and volunteers.  Our Billings Chirrick team skated to a second place finish with the Billings Coleman team finishing fourth in the MAHA Squirt A State Championship.

On tap this weekend are two Bulls games!  Friday against Helena and Saturday they take on Missoula.  Both games begin at 7:30 pm.  Also this weekend is our Peewee B team with two games on Saturday 9:30 am and 2:45 pm.  It will be a somewhat quiet weekend at Centennial.

Your Age Group Director or Team Manager forwarded a link to you earlier this week.  This link will take you to our BAHL Membership Survey.  This is a very important survey that we need every family to take a few minutes to complete.  The survey will be available until February 28^th.  A summary of survey results will be available at our BAHL Annual Meeting April 5^th.  In case you missed it, here is the link:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GP72MCY

BAHL Registration:

New for next season:  Online Registration!  The BAHL will now handle all registrations through an online registration system.  This will make your registration much simpler, save a lot of paper and make it easier for the league to track the necessary information for each player.  With this registration system, you will make a personal log-in where you can view your account at any time, make payments, etc.  This new system will also take the place of our current Yahoo Group for emailing.  Everyone that registers will provide an email address which I will use to communicate with you – this way no one misses out on information pertinent to your group!  We hope to have this system ready to go by April 1^st which is when we will start accepting registrations for next season.  More specific information on the system will be available in March and will include your registration information for next season.

Zero Tolerance:

Just a reminder to every BAHL member, coach, player and official:  We are a Zero Tolerance association with a focus on our players, your children.  Their enjoyment in the game of hockey is the goal of the BAHL and I hope is a common goal for all groups in our association.  We are in the state championship stage of the season which can be a very exciting time where emotions run full-out.  Please support your skater in every way possible through the end of this season.  If you find yourself, or your neighbor, getting too excited with their comments and/or actions, take a walk outside to cool off, asking your neighbor to join you and remember your skater wants you to enjoy his or her game as well.

School Out Schedule:

School District 2 is not in session February 17 and 18, next Thursday and Friday.  So the arena will hold some extra public skate sessions and “stick n’ puck” sessions those days. 

February 17 and 18:

Stick n’ Puck:  11:00 am-12:00 pm

Public Skate:  12:00 – 2:00 pm

COST:  $5.00 for any of the sessions.  Skate rental is included in this fee for any of the sessions.

Stick n’ Puck:  Just what it sounds like!  A chance to skate with your stick and puck.  Helmet, gloves, stick is required.  Full gear is not necessary.  These sessions are open to ALL ages.

Member Feedback Schedule:

This next week is when you will have the opportunity to talk directly with BAHL Board members about your age division – this is a great time to bring suggestions for improvement, compliments on the season, etc.  This is not the time to bring out a grievance or discuss another parent, player, coach or official.  If you have a serious issue that needs handling, please direct it privately to a board member or myself.

February 22:  Varsity @ 4:45 pm; Squirts @ 6:00 pm

February 23:  Mites @ 6:30 pm; U16 @ 7:45 pm

February 24: Peewee Travel @ 7:15 pm, U15 House @ 8:30 pm

Until next week!

Chandra Picicci

Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

Centennial Ice Arena

256-1192

www.centennialicearena.net

Hello From The BAHL Office! 

Thank you to all the parents who attended your age division’s parent meeting with the BAHL Board this week.  Tonight is the U16 and U15 parent meetings.  We have had a lot of great discussion and feedback to work with so far!

This weekend we are host to the Figure Skating Club of Billings Annual Competition.  Beginning Friday afternoon with a test session and continuing through Saturday afternoon skaters from all across Montana, Wyoming and the Dakotas will be in town to showcase their skills. 

After some delay, the board room remodel is back on track with a lot of progress this week on the new ceiling and lighting installation.  What a wonderful improvement to the room – a thank you goes out to Andrew for getting this installed for us!

The BAHL Survey is available for just a few more days!  Please make sure you take a few minutes to complete this survey so your feedback can be used to help shape our decisions.  The survey will close Monday, February 28^th  - click here to take the survey:   https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GP72MCY

Schedule Changes:

Please make note of the following changes to next week’s practice schedule! 

February 28^th:  Peewee A team will share practice ice with the Peewee B team @ 7:15 pm.  The U15 team will NOT have practice ice this day.  Instead, the U16 team will practice at 8:30 pm on the 28^th.

March 1^st:  4:45 pm: Varsity, 6:00 pm: Squirt Rec., 7:00 pm: Bulls Warm-ups, 7:30 pm:  BULLS PLAYOFF GAME

March 2^nd:  5:30 pm: LTS and LTP, 7:00 pm: Bulls Warm-ups, 7:30 pm: BULLS PLAYOFF GAME

March 3^rd:  6:00 pm:  Mites (instead of Squirt A/B)

Skate with the Bulls:

Come skate with the Bulls after their last regular season game this Saturday!  The Yellowstone Quake will be in town – game time is 7:30 pm and skate rental will be available for $3.00 if needed.  Tuesday and Wednesday next week will be the Bulls first two playoff games against Missoula.  Game time is 7:30 pm both nights.

3 on 3 Tournament:

March 11-13 the BAHL and our adult hockey league (Magic City Adult Hockey Association-MCAHA) will be hosting an adult 3 on 3 tournament at Centennial.  Registrations are now being taken – forms are available on the adult hockey page of the website.

Volunteers needed!  During this tournament we would like to have a 50/50 raffle.  This is a great way to raise some extra money for our summer projects before our season is over.  Having our youth players in their team jerseys selling the tickets is hard for spectators to turn down!  If you and/or your player could help out for an hour or two for this event, please let me know. 

Until next week!

Chandra Picicci

Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

Centennial Ice Arena

256-1192

www.centennialicearena.net

Attached is the Montana Festival schedule for those that are registered to attend.  You can still register for this great weekend of hockey instruction by contacting Larry Urban.

Thank you,

Just a couple of quick reminders and announcements that cannot wait until my usual Thursday update:

SURVEY:  Tomorrow is the last day for you to participate in the BAHL survey.  Please make sure you take a couple of minutes to complete this for us. 

SQUIRT AGE PARENTS (AND THOSE MOVING INTO SQUIRTS):  With the possibilities of a major structure change to the Squirt division for next season, Al Bloomer will be giving a shortened ADM presentation and present squirt-specific information to all who would like to know more about the direction USA Hockey is moving with their youth formats.  All squirt age parents are welcome to attend the presentation, Thursday, March 3^rd @ 6:00 pm.  This will be a very informative session with plenty of time to ask questions directly to a USA Hockey representative.

BULLS PLAYOFFS:  Tuesday and Wednesday, March 1^st and 2^nd @ 7:30 pm will be the first two home playoff games for the Bulls.  This is also a great chance to finish off your volunteer hours if you haven’t done so already.  Please let me know asap if you are interested in volunteering during one of these games.

CONGRATS:  Your Peewee A and Peewee B team competed at their respective state championships this weekend in Havre and Miles City.  Sounds like some great hockey which lead to a state championship for the Peewee A team and second place (in overtime) for the Peewee B team!  Congratulations to both teams on a great weekend of hockey!

Until next time!

Chandra Picicci

Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

Centennial Ice Arena

256-1192

www.centennialicearena.net

Hello Everyone!

It’s pretty quiet at the arena this weekend.  There will be our regular schedule on Saturday of Mites, Learn to Play and Public skate.  Following public skate is a Stampede game @ 2:45 pm.  Sunday will have public skate followed by Learn to Skate and adult hockey.

SQUIRT PRESENTATION:  Don’t forget to attend the Al Bloomer Squirt Hockey presentation tonight at the arena, 6:00 pm.  He will have a shortened ADM presentation for you and will be available to answer questions about the direction USA Hockey is headed with their youth program.

LEAGUE SERVICE HOURS:  Your Age Group Director or Team Manager has an updated listing of all hours performed for each skater this season.  Please check on your hours.  If you are in need of a few more hours to meet the goal, we need help this weekend at the Adult Classic 3 on 3 tournament.  This is a tournament that directly benefits the BAHL with all entry fees going to us.  During this tournament we will be holding a 50/50 raffle and need skaters to sell tickets along with a parent to supervise the selling.  Please let me know if you would be interested in covering a game for this event.

REGISTRATION:  Coming at the end of March will be information on registration for next season.  Keep an eye on your inbox for this!

Until next time!

Chandra Picicci

Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

Centennial Ice Arena

256-1192

www.centennialicearena.net

BAHL Members –

April 5, 2011 is our annual meeting.  At this meeting we will elect board members for any open board positions.  For this election, 3 members are needed to fill terms that have expired.

Nominations are being accepted for the open board positions (each position is a 3-year term).  Please send nominations to me or any board member, no later than this Friday, March 11^th to be considered for the ballot.

Thank you,

Chandra Picicci

Director, Billings Amateur Hockey League

Centennial Ice Arena

256-1192

www.centennialicearena.net