Frequently Asked Questions
1. WHEN DO TRYOUTS BEGIN?
Usually, each regional camp is held during the first week of August. Please check the BCMML website in late June early July for registration details.
2. WHAT CITIES DOES THE ICE REGIONALLY REPRESENT?
The Ice represents all Minor Hockey Associations in the Kootenay region. This includes all East and West Kootenay Associations such as: Nakusp, Nelson, South Slocan, Castlegar, Trail, Fruitvale, Grand Forks, Christina Lake, Midway, Creston, Yahk, Cranbrook, Kimberley, Marysville, Fernie, and more. Any address in a Kootenay region is represented by the ICE BCMML program.
3. WHAT IS THE AGE GROUP?
The BCMML is a Midget aged league, so going into 2013/14 season, it will represent all kids born in 1998, 1997 and 1996
4. WHO WILL BE THE COACH?
Each year, BC Hockey reviews the performance and feedback of the coach from the previous year, and makes decisions typically in May of the year before. It is our expectation that Coach/GM DiBella will return for his 3rd season behind the bench next year.
5. HOW MANY RETURNING PLAYERS ARE EXPECTED BACK NEXT YEAR?
We have the ability to return as many as 11 forwards and 3 defensemen. As for Goaltenders, we could possibly return both. That means competition will be tough. We do however, expect several graduations to Junior programs. Unfortunately, we don’t know year to year on those signings until after tryout camps in late August and early September.
6. WHEN DO YOU HAVE TO DECIDE ON YOUR FINAL ROSTER?
Typically, the BCMML would like our roster to be submitted by mid- September each season. We have to have our final carded roster in each year by October 15. We carry 12 forwards, 6 defensemen and 2 goalies, as well as, some Affiliate players.
7. WHAT IS THE COST OF THE PROGRAM?
This may vary from season to season. In 2012/13 our budget was based on fees as follows that you could use as a guideline: $4,700 to BC Hockey. That includes team equipment bag, track suit, bus trips, hotels, ice rentals, referee costs, team jerseys, socks, pant shells, helmets, gloves. $1,500 team fee. This includes meals on road (Fri and Sat), extra ice and some miscellaneous costs. $250 sponsorship responsibility. This goes toward web page maintenance and play by play team and webcasts of games at home and away games. Each player is responsible for snacks on the road and dinner on Sundays. In most cases budget for an additional $50 or more per road trip.
8. WHAT IS THE TEAM TRAVEL LIKE?
Unfortunately, the ICE program has an extensive travel program. 12 weekends a year, playing doubleheaders each weekend, the ICE travel to Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Kamloops and Prince George. We play each of the other 10 teams, at their home arena, 1 time per season. We play a 40 game season. We do make sure each player has the appropriate amount of study time on the road as well, and encourage them to do homework on the bus. Each player will miss half or all of each Friday of school before a road trip, and arrival is late on Sundays most trips.
9. IF WE LIVE OUTSIDE THE REGION, CAN WE ARRANGE A BILLET?
Yes. This season we have several billets for players in 2012/13. The cost of this program is $600 per month and covers all food, transportation to home games and practices and accommodation with a private room.
FOR ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT MARIO DIBELLA AT 250-304-7520