Frequently Asked Questions:
When are try-outs for the Varsity Team?
Tryouts begin on the first Monday in November. We are on the ice every day (M-F) from 3:30-5:15 at Clifton Park Arena. 1st Cuts are made on Wednesday after practice.
How many players are selected for the Varsity Team?
This number can vary from year to year. In the past we have carried anywhere from 18-23 players (10-12 forwards, 6-8 defensemen and 2-3 goalies).
Does Shen Have a JV Team?
Unfortunately, NO. We have the numbers to field a JV Team at Shenendehowa but there are not enough teams locally to form a JV league. Efforts are being made to make this happen in the near future. Some of the logistical requirements that would need to be met are: available ice, enough participants (13 skaters + 1-2 goalies), funding, etc. Some programs have the numbers but not the ice. Others have the ice but don't have enough skaters
Players who do not make the Varsity Team at Shenendehowa are encouraged to roster on a CPYHA team of their age group. Please visit http://www.cliftonparkyouthhockey.com/ for current offerings.
Does the Shen Hockey Team carry “Practice Players”?
Yes. The number of Practice Players varies from year to year and is usually based on the size of our senior class. Example: If we anticipate losing 8 forwards & 2 defensemen to graduation at the end of the season, we will consider carrying more forwards as practice players for that particular season. Some seasons we have carried as many as 5 players on the “P-squad” and other years we have only carried 2 players. The varsity coaching staff reserves the right to call any/all of these players up to the Varsity Team at any point during the season.
Are Practice Players afforded the opportunity to compete in scrimmages/games?
YES. Practice Players will have a schedule of "JV Scrimmages" to participate in throughout the course of the season. Beginning in 2018-19, in an effort to generate interest in forming a JV League, 5 local HS teams participated in a pilot program that offered their players an opportunity to see more competition. The spirit of this initiative was to give playing time to kids who were not seeing a regular shift during their respective varsity games. These players ranged from 4th or 5th line players to "practice players". To be considered for these "scrimmages", players would need to be medically cleared & eligible to tryout for their Varsity Team. At Shenendehowa, these players would be listed on the Varsity roster under the capacity of a "practice player" (at the very least).
During the 2018-19 season, 5 teams (SHEN, Queensbury, Saratoga, CBA & GMSSV) were able to provide 8 "JV scrimmages" for each program. These "scrimmages" were played using a 4v4 format (3 periods @ 18:00 running time); typical roster size for teams participating in these scrimmages were 8-10 skaters & 1-2 goalies.
What are the roles & responsibilities of a Practice Player?
For developmental reasons, Practice Players are strongly encouraged to participate on a Youth Hockey Team and are excused from the Varsity Team responsibilities for Youth Hockey conflicts (practices & games). Otherwise, Practice Players are expected to practice with the Varsity Team every day there is no youth hockey practice. Practice players do not dress for Varsity scrimmages & games unless “called up” by the coaching staff. Practice players are still expected to attend “Media Day” for individual & group photos but may not be included in the Team Photo. Practice players are encouraged to attend all scrimmages & games, pasta parties, team building activities, community service opportunities, road trips & end-of-season banquet.
Are players allowed to play for their Junior Team or Youth Hockey Team while playing for SHEN?
Generally speaking, all players who do not receive a “regular shift” at the HS level are encouraged to continue to play for their youth hockey team. All of these cases are handled on an individual basis and should be discussed directly with the HS Coaching Staff.
What equipment/support is provided by the school?
The Athletic Department pays for the following: 2 coaching salaries, 1-way shuttle transportation to practice, 2-way transportation to all Section 2 games and security for games.
The school also provides the team with the following team equipment: helmet, mask, practice jersey(s), practice socks, practice shells, game shells, home & away socks, home & away jerseys and team bag. Mouth guards, neck guards, laces and tape are also provided.
*Items listed above are property of the Shenendehowa Athletic Department and are turned in at the end of the season.
Team gloves and team warm-up suits are available for purchase from the booster club.
What amenities does the booster club provide?
Over the past 20 seasons the booster club has made significant improvements towards the Varsity Hockey Program. The most notable improvement came in 2003 with the construction of a 640 square ft. addition to the existing locker room. The new 1100 square ft. Team Room boasts 23 custom wood lockers, a ceiling mounted projector & screen for viewing game film, locker room scoreboard clock, a coach’s office, TV, a skate sharpening room, stick rack, bathroom and showers. The program also provides a portable ProSharp skate sharpener that travels with the team to all away contests.
In addition, the coaching staff uses video editing software from XOS Digital called “Thunder HD” to aid in breaking down game film. These film sessions are conducted with the team 1-2 times a week. Players are also given their own ThunderCloud account where they can log-in and view their own shifts of every game. Thunder HD is the same software used by many notable NCAA & NHL teams. Shenendehowa became the 1st HS team in the Nation to partner with XOS Digital proving, once again, our commitment to excellence for our student-athletes. Click Here to read about the Shenendehowa Hockey Program in the customer spotlight section of the XOS quarterly newsletter.
For more information on the Shenendehowa Hockey Booster Club click here.
