However, due to differences in the number of teams in any given CBHL or CCHL division there may be nuanced differences in the game allocations for league games. So, if your team is in a division with 10 teams and you have to play each twice then you'll have 18 league games (9 opponents x 2 games each). Likewise, if you're in a division with 8 teams with two-games-per then you'll have 14 league games. While we are often asked to vote on the number of teams in a division, the leagues have final say and they determine the
game-play requirements.

While we are sympathetic to concerns about teams who may perceive their game slot allocations are insufficient, or down from last year, we can only offer that the perception is inconsistent with the actual schedule. In other words, most teams will play the same number of games they have played in the past when the season is ultimately complete. Some age levels, especially Midget and Bantam, experienced gaps in their schedules due to league miscues on the front-end of the season. However, those teams are now setup to
receive their allocated game slots between now and the conclusion of the season and will likely benefit come playoff time from not having their entire season front-loaded.

In addition, many of the team managers and coaches have already been advised that they are free to seek non-reciprocal away games against opponents from around the region. Several of our teams are very successful about finding willing opponents and will likewise have more non-league games on their schedule than other teams who rely solely on the single NYH scheduler to do that work for them.

However, it is important that the team consider the collective interest of the coaches, manager and families before making a commitment to travel for non-league games. That conversation must take place in advance of booking non-league away games because NYHA will not be responsible for your team's failure to meet an away game commitment due to lack of player interest and availability. Team schedulers must also coordinate with Beth Petenbrink, the NYH scheduler, to avoid double-booking the team for any given day.

We also think it is valuable to remember that the young men and women who play hockey at NYHA should be afforded time to do other things . . . an occassional break from hockey on a winter weekend is a healthy way to ensure your young hockey player continues to be passionate about hockey come February or March. Ours is a long seven month season, far longer than any other sport these youngsters will participate in.

Providing a break from twice-per-weekend game committments is appropriate and something that USA Hockey asks us to consider in order to keep the fun in the game during the protracted youth hockey season. In the past we may have been less-than-diligent in meeting that requirement. This season's scheduling circumstances, coupled with an increase in Midshipman home games that reduced our home weekend ice options, created a scenario where we can better distribute our game committments across the entire seven-plus months of hockey thus ensuring your young hockey player will still be interested in the game when playoffs and year-end tourneys come around in March.

So, please know that the budgeted number of games is the same as it has been for the past several years; that there may be some fine-point differences between league game allocations based on the number of teams in a given division; that each team is permitted to seek non-reciprocal away game opportunities; and that giving your young hockey player a chance to do something other than hockey on a saturday or sunday morning is something we consider important and necessary to keeping the fun and passion in this great game.

We hope this is helpful and thank you for understanding.

Your NYHA Board