ALL NELSON HOCKEY ACTIVITIES TEMPORARILY PAUSED

March 23, 2020 

PVAHA Announcement Regarding 2020–2021 Tryouts 

PVAHA is postponing all 2020–2021 team tryouts until further notice. This restriction applies to all Tier I, Tier II and Travel team tryouts that were scheduled to be held within Maryland, Virginia or the District of Columbia starting on or after April 8, 2020 for Tier I and April 25, 2020 for Tier II/Travel. 

As everyone should be aware all ice rinks within PVAHA are currently closed based on state or local restrictions. The PVAHA board of directors will continue to monitor Federal and State restrictions and recommendations and reschedule 2020–2021 tryouts as soon as possible. 

Until new 2020–2021 Season tryout dates are announced by PVAHA, and started for each level of play (Tier I, Tier II and Travel), no association or teams shall have any player or parent execute any player agreement or contract for the 2020–2021 season. 

If any PVAHA association holds team tryouts for 2020–2021 teams or requests player contracts or agreements for the 2020–2021 season before PVAHA authorized tryouts start, that Association and all association teams will be sanctioned through PVAHA discipline proceedings. Sanctions will result in all association teams being ineligible for National Championship, District Championship and Affiliate State Playoffs. If PVAHA determines that an association violated PVAHA 2020–2021 tryout restrictions, all players with that association will be released from that association by PVAHA without any financial obligation and (subject to roster deadlines) be free to join other eligible teams. 

Hello Again Nelson Hockey Family,

At this time, we have decided to PRESS PAUSE on all Nelson Hockey activities as we continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and attempt to make decisions that are in the best interest of our players, families, and community.  While we all want to continue playing the game we love, right now we must recognize the seriousness of this pandemic, respect the advice of experts and act accordingly.  We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available and decisions are made.  

We will be issuing refunds for those who are registered for the spring clinics scheduled to take place this week as the system does not provide an option to issue credit for future sessions.  We will begin this process immediately but ask for your patience as we are dependent on the processes in place with SignUpGenius. 

Let's all hope that this passes quickly so we can get back life as we know it which includes hockey.  In the meantime, get outside for some fresh air and exercise, practice your stick skills and shot in the yard and enjoy this time with your families. See below for some off-ice training links.

Thank you for your support and understanding. Be safe and well!

Speed--https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLuZkR9yqZ0

Stick Handling--https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdxSPOo2s1c

Shooting--https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipo96iWQh-E

Please be aware that registration and payment for all Nelson Hockey activities including but not limited to spring clinics, scrimmages, Give it Shot, Fundamentals, etc., MUST be done via SignUpGenius.  In light of the COVID-19 situations, we are limiting money handling and direct physical contact to the extent possible. 

Nelson Hockey to Rebrand All Youth Teams as Jr. Black Bears starting Spring 2020

All Teams 8U-18U Will Incorporate New Name

ODENTON, MD – After more than 20 years as the Metro Maple Leafs, Nelson Hockey will rebrand its entire youth program and begin a new chapter as the Jr. Black Bears. The rebranding will begin in March. Formerly known as the Maryland Machine, spring tournament teams will bear the new name and logo. Tryout for spring hockey will take place the week of March 9th at the Piney Orchard Ice Arena. More info HERE.

Fall teams will follow suit with opportunities for every age and skills levels from beginners through the most competitive upper A and AA teams. Tryouts for the fall will take place week of April 25th.

 "The time is right for this change. We've built a great relationship with the Maryland Black Bears organization and we're looking to expand upon it moving forward. The change in name is just a small piece of that." said Nelson Burton, Director of Nelson Hockey and former Washington Capital’s Winger.  Maryland Black Bears players will be integrated into practice plans at all levels.  "We want our coaches to take full advantage of the gift of having these talented young men included in some of our practice sessions.  Not only are they an inspiration to our youth players but they can demonstrate skills that can help them raise their game," said  Burton.

The rebranding has the endorsement of the league. “My son started playing hockey in 2004 as a Metro Maple Leaf. As a hockey mom, former team manager and present CBHL Commissioner, I have personally watched the club grow through their various learn to play hockey programs and rink expansions,” said Debbie Moon, Chesapeake Bay Hockey League Commissioner.  “We, at the Chesapeake Bay Hockey League, are excited to have the Metro Maple Leafs rebranded as the Jr. Black Bears and welcome the Jr. Black Bears into the CBHL,” she added.

In addition to the name change, the Jr. Black Bears will have an increased presence at Maryland Black Bears games and events.  They will co-sponsor a kickoff fundraiser for the Maryland Black Bears’ Guns & Hoses at the Sky Zone in Bowie on February 19 with the team. "We love sharing our Piney Orchard home with the Maryland Black Bears and are beyond excited to continue growing this relationship," said Burton.

Nelson Hockey will continue to offer team opportunities to players at all levels.  They also offer “Learn to Play” and Adult League teams to players in Central Maryland.  The introduction of the Jr. Black Bears will complement and expand Nelson’s current programs.