Coventry Blaze Ice Hockey Academy was formed to give young people throughout Coventry and Warwickshire the opportunity to play ice hockey. We play in junior and youth leagues administered by the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA). The EIHA age groups are Under 10, Under 12, Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18. For the 2011 - 2012 season we have one team at U10 and U18's two teams at U12, U14, U16 (Coventry Blaze and Mercian Menace). In order to play in an age group, a player must be under the age limit on 31st December. For example, for the 2011-2012 season and Under 10 player must be born in 2000 or later. 

Coaching

James Pease is the Head Coach of Hockey Development for which he brings a wealth of experience from playing both Elite League and National Level and is on the ice most night's helping our junior coaches within the Academy. The Level 2 head team coaches listed below are supported by an ever growing number of parents and older players who are registered as Level 1 Coaches or Managers. 

Our current team coaches/managers are:

• Head of Hockey Development - James Pease

To contact any of the above coaches or Managers go to the Contact Us page 

Training September 2011 onwards

We now have over 13 hours of ice time at the Skydome Arena, this has enabled us to give each age group and the beginners group an hour of training a week, and groups are organised to share training sessions when appropriate.

Training Up 
To view training up policy - CLICK HERE

The manager of the invited team will give the names of players proposed for 'training up to the manager of the team issuing the invitation one week in advance. The coach who has made the invitation will then confirm that he accepts the proposed selection, or not, so that players can have plenty of notice.

The coaches' decision is final. Players' safety should be of prime concern.

(Note: Players normally train up one age group. Girls may also train down one age group at the coaches' discretion.)

Costs 
Lets not pull any punches here - ICE HOCKEY IS AN EXPENSIVE SPORT.

Membership costs are as follows (for the 2011-2012 season):

There is an Academy registration fee of £35. All players must also have insurance through the EIHA. We are currently recruiting for players for our U10 and U12 age groups. For more information about joining 'Beginners', U10's and U12's please contact James Pease details at the bottom of this page. 
The Coventry Blaze Academy from August 1st 2011 are no longer accepting monthly cash or cheques as a form of payment for monthly fees. Please see below payment options 

These monthly club membership subscription fees are payable whether you turn up for training or not - the only exceptions are for players who are 'long term' ill or injured and is at treasurers final and total discretion.

Equipment 
To start training, as an absolute beginner, you only need a throat guard, which is around about £10 and can be bought from the Coventry Blaze Hockey Locker in Coventry. The Club has invested a considerable amount of money in "starter" kit and this is used to provide beginners with an easy, cheap, route into the sport. This consists of helmet (with face cage) and stick (skates are available to hire from the Arena).

Beginners that have been attending training for 6 weeks are expected to then provide their own kit. No player will be able to play league games or in house games without a full set of kit:

HELMET		THROAT GUARD
BODY ARMOUR		ELBOW PADS
SHORTS		BOX/PELVIC PROTECTOR
LEG GUARDS		SOCKS
SKATES		HOCKEY GLOVES
STICK		KIT BAG

*Throat guards and face guards are required by the rules of the IIHF and by the insurance company.

A player will NOT be allowed to train or play in matches without these.

This is obviously an expensive set of equipment to purchase. Bought new, this can amount to several hundreds of pounds. Frequently, there is second hand equipment for sale from players within the Club, and also the surrounding Clubs (Solihull etc). We will endeavour to put buyers and sellers in touch with each other - so please let us know when you have kit for sale! Also junior club members are entitled to 15% off hockey equipment purchased from the Coventry Blaze Hockey Locker.

Skating Ability 
You will need to have achieved level 5 skating skills before you will be able to join U10/U12 beginners. Although our 'Beginners' will help develop basic skating skills you should be attending skating lessons run by Planet Ice to obtain level 5.

Joining 
If you wish to join Beginners/U10/U12 then please come down to the Skydome Arena on a Wednesday at 6.30-7.30pm when the beginners training is on and you will be able to ask any questions you may have and also pick up the necessary forms to join the club.

If you are older than 12 years old please contact the Head of Hockey Development via email in the first instance - it may be that there are spaces depending on ability and experience.

Coventry Blaze Ice Hockey Academy

Head of Hockey Development - James Pease