We have some exciting updates and enhancements to our CGHL (Connecticut Girls Hockey League) program, which comprises the majority of our members with multiple options at most ages (U8 - U19). Our organization is unique in that we will tailor the competitive level to the team, adding CHC (Connecticut Hockey Conference) or NEGHL (New England Girls Hockey League) play to those looking for additional challenges. We continue to add additional focus on this important aspect of our program.

Steve Bernard has accepted the position of Director of CGHL Hockey and will act as a dedicated leadership resource overseeing all aspects of our CGHL program. Steve has been with the Sharks for six seasons in a variety of roles from parent, to coach, to board member and now operations. 

Serving as the Sharks CGHL league representative this season, Steve, along with Bill Greim,  is working with the league and its new president to make changes that will improve the hockey experience for our players who play in the CGHL. 

Other plans and enhancements for the upcoming season include the following:

New Program Offerings

• Last year, we successfully added NEGHL league play to one of our U19 CGHL teams. This season, we plan to do the same for our CGHL1 U14 team. A CGHL-NEGHL team requires an extra level of commitment, as teams will be playing across New England with typically at least one game out of state each weekend.  Interested players will need to affirm their commitment to the added travel required. 

• The Sharks hope to launch a hybrid U14/16 team this season as well, similar to what some other programs in the CGHL offer. This team would play a full season in the CGHL. This will be a good option for players who are newer to travel hockey in this age range and looking to focus on skill development. 

Coaching & Team Managers

• Our goal is for every CGHL team this season to have at least three coaches. We recognize the importance of having more coaches, particularly at practice, as we focus on skill development and maximizing our ice time. If you are interested in coaching (and did not coach this season), please complete our coaching application.

• Team managers are also a vital part of our structure. They work as a liaison between the coaches and parents throughout the season. We need dedicated volunteers to step up as team managers as a way to improve and strengthen communications for our teams. If you are interested in volunteering as a manager (no hockey experience needed!), please contact Steve Bernard at sbernard@shorelinesharkshockey.com.

Practices
We are aiming to have all practices, including IPH skills sessions, start no earlier than 5:30 pm and end no later than 9:00 pm for the upcoming season. We recognize that certain practice times were hard on players and parents this season, and we want to make it easier for everyone to participate and commit to attending practices. This will require us to practice at multiple rinks. 

Team Sizes
Our priority is to place players in environments where they can thrive, which means matching the player to the proper competitive level. We want to find a place for everyone in our program, but it needs to be the right place to ensure the best experience.

• Should tryout numbers allow, we will target roster sizes that give us the flexibility to deal with the inevitable illnesses, injuries, school projects, and family obligations and still run efficient practices and play competitive games without being caught shorthanded.  

• We are also making a big push to increase the number of goalies in the program. There is a shortage of goalies in the region, so if your child is interested in playing in net or you know someone who might want to join our organization as a goalie, please reach out via email.  

As always, we strive to help our players develop as both hockey players and people. We want to create a fun and exciting atmosphere for that development. We believe all the plans above will help us toward achieving that goal.

We are excited about the 2023-2024 season and announcements about our national-bound program and development program, including our new Mite Development program.