Like many things these days, tryouts will look a little different this season due to COVID-19.  In order to comply with social distancing requirements, the first session of tryouts for U10, U12, U14 and U16 will be divided by last name A-K and L-Z. Please see the complete schedule below. The call back sessions will be based on evaluations by coaching staff during the first tryout. Players will receive an email indicating which call back they are requested to attend. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS to the dates for tryouts or call backs as ice time is limited. All U18 players will attend sessions 1 and 2 as indicated below. Parents will not be permitted in the building during tryouts due to social distancing policies set by Piney Orchard Ice Arena (see attached).

All players wishing to be considered for a Jr Black Bears team must complete

TRYOUT REGISTRATION

NOTES FOR PLAYERS WHO CANNOT ATTEND TRYOUTS:

If you are returning Nelson Hockey player (2019-2020 regular season) and are unable to attend tryouts, you may schedule an evaluation during the Pre-Tryout Clinics. You must first complete TRYOUT REGISTRATION and then email Nelson (nelsonkburton@gmail.com) to request an evaluation. Please note that you will be required to pay the fee for Pre-tryout Clinics (only open to returning Nelson Hockey Players) but will be refunded the clinic fee following tryouts. Your tryout jersey will be available the week after tryouts.

Returning players who are unable to make tryouts or evaluations during Pre-Tryout Clinics but still wish to be considered for a Jr Black Bears team must first COMPLETE TRYOUT REGISTRATION and then contact Nelson at nelsonkburton@gmail.com no later than July 20th. If there are OPEN SPOTS on a Jr Black Bears team at the appropriate level, an evaluation can be scheduled by Nelson. 

Players from other organizations who were not registered with Nelson Hockey for the 2019-2020 season that are unable to attend tryouts and would like to be considered for a Jr Black Bears team must first complete COMPLETE TRYOUT REGISTRATION and then contact Nelson at nelsonkburton@gmail.com no later than July 20th. If there are OPEN SPOTS on a Jr Black Bears team at the appropriate level, an evaluation can be scheduled by Nelson.

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. 

Registration for tryouts for the 2020-2021 Jr Black Bears is now open. Tryouts for all players 10U-18U will take place the week of July 20th. Tryouts for 8U (players born 2012 or later) are expected to take place during the first week of August. The tryout fee will be $75 and will include a Jr Black Bears tryout jersey which will be yours to keep. All players wishing to be considered for a Jr Black Bears team must register. 

Registration for 2020-2021 Jr Black Bears

As you are aware, the ongoing situation with COVID-19 is impacting all hockey operations including tryouts. At this time, we are unable to provide a schedule for tryouts, but rest assured we are working on it and anticipate having a schedule by the end of next week. 

Due to the evolving situation and uncertainty regarding the upcoming season, we are unable to accurately predict the pricing for the 2020-2021 season. We can tell you that the season fees will not exceed the fees for 2019-2020. We know that COVID-19 has taken a financial toll on many families and our goal will continue to be to provide an affordable, quality hockey experience for our players. For those who may need some extra help covering hockey expenses, the Black Bear Youth Hockey Foundations is accepting applications for the 2020-2021 season. There are also scholarships available for goalies (ages 8-16) through the Martha Kennedy Memorial Goalie Scholarship. This funding is specifically for families impacted by the Corona virus.

The safety of our players, coaches and families continues to be of utmost importance and as such, we will continue to act in accordance with all state and local guidance, USA Hockey recommendations and Piney Orchard Ice Arena Procedures (see attached). While we recognize that the current situation is less than ideal, much like many of you, we are so grateful to be back on the ice and getting back to the sport we all love. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this unprecedented scenario.

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.