Hello All,

I just wanted to take a moment and share with everyone our experience with Cross-Ice. Honestly this experiment couldn't be more successful. BAHA (Burlington, Colchester, Winooski) couldn't be more pleased with how well this program is doing. Our players, parents, coaches, and everyone involved are so extremely happy.

The kids love the play. All of them get to make great plays, make great passes, score goals, etc ... It can be a little tough on a goalie to give up so many goals, but if you keep rotating them they get over it quickly. :)

I have to say that we have seen a dramatic advancement in skating ability, puck handling, passing, shooting, etc ... that I just don't think would have come about with the travel system. These kids play incredible team hockey. I can't say this enough these kids play incredible team hockey. Whereas the travel system for mites seemed to often turn it into a game of individual play with many left out. It has raised the level of play, I honestly don't believe we have any weak kids.

Many parents have come to me and said something of the sort of my kid liked hockey before, now they love hockey. They get sad if there isn't a game or a practice. They are so attached to their teammates.

The games are incredibly fun to watch with such great team play ... and I have seen parents from different organizations intermingling and getting together ... reducing the competitiveness has been a huge benefit. To be frank, I am a super competitive person, and have never been a huge fan of reducing competitiveness. I have seen the light ... reducing the competitiveness by eliminating scoreboards and referees has been a wonderful thing.

I couldn't be more pleased, and all of the many people involved in Cross Ice from other towns that I have spoken to express to me that they are also extremely pleased.

Chris Tan who is the coordinate of CSB (South Burlington, Shelburne, and the South Chittenden County area), and I were joking a little bit that Cross Ice has been so fantastic that we should develop Cross Ice squirts as well. We were joking a little, but now that I have seen it in action I think it would be a great move for hockey in Vermont. Yes I know, many of you may hate me know that I have said that. It's OK.

my two cents

Mark Houle
Vice President - Burlington Amateur Hockey Association
House Director