Read the actual actual article on IYHA.com here: 

http://www.iyha.com/news_article/show/747951?referrer_id=1212698

60-YEAR-OLD ORGANIZATION NOW OFFERS RECREATION THROUGH ELITE TRAVEL HOCKEY PROGRAMS

The Indianapolis Youth Hockey Association is pleased to announce a merger with the Indianapolis Strong travel hockey organization. The IYHA will now offer all levels of youth hockey -- recreational through elite travel -- under one banner.  

Players and families will benefit as the IYHA -- now 60 years old -- bolsters its position as the leader in the growth of youth hockey in Central Indiana.

What's changing?

• In addition to its house-recreational hockey programs, the IYHA will house Central Indiana's premier travel hockey organization in Indianapolis. Beginning in the 2017-2018 season, all travel teams will compete as the Indianapolis Racers, with home ice at the Carmel Skadium and Arctic Zone.

• IYHA will have year-round programming dedicated to hockey development at all levels (recreational through elite travel).

• Derek Edwardson becomes the IYHA's executive director. Derek has been executive director of the Indianapolis Strong since 2014. He will oversee all hockey operations, including coaching and hockey development. Derek played more than nine years of professional hockey in the U.S. and Europe and served as an assistant coach for his alma mater, Miami of Ohio, before joining the Strong. Wendy Esterline will continue working with the IYHA as business manager. Wendy has been with the IYHA for six years, overseeing day-to-day operations and serving as a liaison among parents, players and coaches. She will continue to be "the face of IYHA" to our members and the community. 

• The IYHA board, which now comprises individuals selected from the existing IYHA board and the former Indianapolis Strong, will provide the strategic direction for the organization. Derek Edwardson will report to the board.

What's not changing?

• First and foremost, the IYHA remains committed to its mission statement of creating opportunities that allow youth hockey players to develop their skills and enhance their enjoyment of the game.

• The IYHA will continue the Indianapolis Strong's commitment to providing best-in-class coaching. This means recruiting and retaining the best coaching for travel hockey, as well as choosing and developing the best volunteer coaches for house/recreational hockey.

• IYHA will continue the Strong’s commitment to developing players by playing at the highest level of competition possible

• The IYHA will continue its strong tradition of house/recreational-level hockey. 

• Travel hockey tryouts will take place in May.

• In August, IYHA will hold house-select team tryouts. The select teams give U10 (squirt), U12 (peewee) and U14 (bantam) house-league players the opportunity to play additional competitive games in the Buckeye Travel Hockey League and non-house tournaments.

Details to follow

In the coming weeks, the IYHA will release more details about its programming. Be on the lookout for information about the following:

• Spring skates and other opportunities for off-season hockey development at all levels (recreational through elite travel).

• A more detailed description of Indianapolis Racers travel hockey program, such as the number of teams planned at AAA, AA, A levels and where those teams will play (i.e. leagues and tournaments).

• The tryout schedules for spring and fall travel teams. 

• An open-house event where you can learn more about IYHA's expanded programming

The IYHA now provides a "one-stop shopping" destination for hockey players and families in Central Indiana and we hope you're as excited as we are about the opportunities that lie ahead.

Please don't hesitate to direct your questions to Kurt Detamore, IYHA President; Derek Edwardson, Executive Director; or Wendy Esterline, IYHA Business Manager.