Register your player(s) for a Snowbelt program by clicking HERE.
For players ages 9 and up, IYHA forms Snowbelt teams. Snowbelt teams are a step down in the number of games and commitment level of a travel team, but do require a modest amount of travel in the Central New York area.
Snowbelt teams compete in the Central New York Snowbelt League. The Snowbelt League is a recreational hockey league with an equal ice time objective. Teams are placed in various divisions with the intent to create fair and balanced competition where everyone can play.
IYHA will typically field 1 to 3 Snowbelt teams at each level. The number of teams that are formed at each level depends on the number of registered players at the start of the season. Snowbelt teams do not require try-outs, all players are rostered on a team.
Snowbelt teams are formed at the beginning of the season after a short player evaluation and teams practice and play as a team. Teams practice 2x during the week in the evenings and will typically play around 8-12 away games and 8-12 home games on the weekends during the 16 week season. Every Snowbelt team is placed in a season ending tournament (JAMS tournament) that may require an overnight stay depending on where the tournament is hosted. Total games (including the year end tournament) for a Snowbelt team may range from 24 to 30 in a typical season. Some teams may only play 8 away games, and others may play 12 or more, many Snowbelt teams have played in extra mid-year or post season tournaments as well – this is a team based decision and not a required part of the IYHA planned season.
2023-2024 Season Specifics: The Snowbelt Program will hold all ice sessions at Cass Park. All participants are required to have a USA Hockey registration prior to registering with IYHA, (USA Hockey registration is $43). The IYHA program cost is as follows:
Please contact Snowbelt coordinator, Jen Christianson if you have any questions regarding the Snowbelt Program.