We at Ames Minor Hockey Association (AMHA) pride ourselves on our motto of "Raising the Bar". This year is no different, and we are excited to announce several new opportunities within the AMHA community, while also reminding you of the already existing programs we provide our players.

The following are included in annual registration fees:

• AMHA summer hockey program
• AMHA weekly specific goalie practice called "Behind the Mask"
• Team tournament fees
• A highly trained and experienced coaching staff
• All volunteers directly interacting with youth receive background checks and are Safe Sport certified
• House leagues and travel opportunities
• Up to three (3) practices a week with additional game time opportunities on the weekends
• AMHA incorporates both the USA Hockey ADM model and the Power Edge Pro (PEP) development system for practices.

AMHA also supports our coaching staff in providing additional training and practice opportunities for optional purchase:

• Stickhandling sessions by our Bantams coach
• Dryland strength, endurance, and conditioning for Squirts-High School offered by our High School coach
• On ice skating and goalie camps offered throughout the year by Top Shelf Hockey Academy
• Summer travel teams offered by Top Shelf Hockey Academy
• Power Edge Pro (PEP) camps offered throughout the year
• Additional technical skills through the Learn to Skate (Hockey) sessions offered by the Ames Figure Skating Club

The Executive Board met with Keith, Kellee, and Taylor with the City of Ames on Wednesday evening.  Here are the following changes that will be taking place immediately at the Ames Ice Rink:

• Each skater is allowed 4 spectators during games
• Each Non-parent coach is allowed 4 spectators for games
• As before, the House league is allowed spectators during their Sunday games
• Mites, LTP, and House league is allowed 1 spectator and a younger sibling if necessary during practice.  Seating will be available in the bleachers
• The Social Distancing markers (Dots) will be removed from the stands, spectators must still social distance

We are very happy to announce these new changes.  These changes were agreed to by the Executive Committee after a productive discussion with the City.  However, in order to keep this; we need to make sure that everyone continues with the mask mandate, 15-minute early entrance, and maintain the 6-foot social distance. 

Thank you,

Rachelle Bristow | AMHA Board President

On Saturday, January 30,  2021 the AMHA Board of Directors issued an updated policy change to the AMHA COVID 19 Policy. The updates can be found within the COVID-19 tab under the Exposure and Positive Case section.

Welcome back AMHA!  A board meeting was held on Wednesday, Dec. 9 with the City of Ames to make sure that we are meeting the expectations and rules set to continue playing hockey.  We are trying our best to keep the ice that is available but need help from all parents and players in order to continue with the sport we love. The biggest issues of the season have been wearing masks, entering/exiting times of the building and additional people in the rink.

Here are the rules that we need to pay special attention to:

1. Must wear a mask when entering the building, both nose and mouth covered at all times

2. Masks can be removed once the helmet is fastened prior to entering the ice, the skater needs to remain seated until time to get on the ice.

3. No Locker rooms during practice

4. Do Not enter the building prior to 15 minutes

5. Exit the building 10 minutes after practice ends

6. Only 1 parent/guardian in facility if needed for younger skaters (must social distance 6ft from all others) for practice

7. Only 2 spectators per player for games, this does not include the volunteers, coaches and coordinator

8. No siblings are allowed in the facility (we are working on a system for those that don't have any other option)

9. No borrowing gear from storage room #2, make sure you have everything you need including an extra stick

To help, we will have volunteers monitoring each level, they are to report any noncompliance to the Conduct committee for individual review and disciplinary action.

We will also have a volunteer at the door prior to practice, they will allow the players to enter at the appropriate time and ensure that a mask is worn.  If you do not have a mask, you DO NOT enter the building.  Parents please put a few extras in the skater's bag so they will always have one available.

The Conduct Committee will be overseeing all reports and dealing with them on an individual basis.  The disciplinary actions being put into place will start with a warning and then will go to player suspension of game time, possibly the remainder of the season.

In honor of Athena and the many strong female hockey players that have played with AMHA, we are proud of the growth within the association related to female players. This past season AMHA had more female participants throughout the association than has been seen in years past.