Pony Game Information for Parents

Our Pony players will soon begin playing games. This memo is meant to inform parents on how we will be executing the games. We are making a significant change this year so all parents should read the new game philosophy/procedures listed below.

Nearly all of the Pony coaches recently attended training provided by USA Hockey. During this training we learned that USA Hockey was strongly encouraging the use of reduced-sized rinks for Pony games. They recommend using a rink divider system to split the rink up into smaller sections. I presented this concept to the BPYHA board of directors and it was unanimously approved. We, therefore, have purchased some of these rink dividers and will be running our Pony games on a half rink for the first month or two of games. The end-of-season Pony and Mite Jamboree will most likely be played on full sheets and, therefore, we will play full sheet games prior to the Jamboree.

Philosophy behind reduced-rink games

USA Hockey recommends reduced rink games for Ponies because it allows more players to get into the game. Using full ice for games tends to only involve the better skaters.

General Game Procedures

  • We do not keep score.
  • Players will take 2-minute shifts and everyone changes shifts at the same time.
  • There is a face-off at center ice after each shift change.
  • There is no checking, off-sides, icing, or slap shots.
  • Players will take turns playing goalie but we do not use goalie equipment. A player is rewarded for playing goalie by staying on the ice for the next shift and playing the center position.
  • Game will be played either 5-on-5 or 4-on-4 depending on how many players are there.
  • Every attempt will be made to get players of similar ability playing against each other. (We will try to not have beginners skating against 2nd-year players.)

For half ice games there will be two games going on at the same time. They will both use the same clock and make shift changes at the same time.

If you have any questions or comments about this, please feel free to talk to me.

Brian Schipper
493-2461
Brooklyn Park Youth Hockey Association News