NRLH 2026-27 SEASON
Registration for 2026–2027 NRLH tryouts is officially open.
As we prepare for the 2026-27 season, we’re excited to welcome both returning and new families to New Rochelle Lightning Hockey (NRLH). Below is important information about tryouts, team placement, and our Skills & Development Program.
• Tryouts for 8U, 10U & 12U take place earlier than 14U-18U as directed by NY State.
We follow USA Hockey and NYSAHA guidelines for tryout dates and structure.
ABOUT NRLH
Our mission is to provide a competitive, development-focused hockey experience for players of all skill levels. We focus on skill development, teamwork, and fostering a love for the game, following USA Hockey guidelines.
2026–27 Season Team Goals
8U -Three teams competing primarily in the Stamford Wings Arena Cross-Ice & Half-Ice leagues, plus a Northeast tournament and jamborees.
10U -Two teams competing in the tri-state area and attending a minimum of two Northeast tournaments.
12U -Two teams competing in the tri-state area and attending a minimum of two Northeast tournaments.
14U -One team competing in the tri-state area and attending a minimum of two Northeast tournaments.
Non-Travel Skills & Development Program Available for 8U–14U players.
TRYOUT INFORMATION
The tryouts and evaluations are taking place in March to determine next season’s teams. The season runs from September 2026 through March 2027.
Tryouts are designed to evaluate a player’s skills, hockey sense, work ethic, and teamwork to ensure they are placed on a team that best supports their development.
Tryout Process
• Arrive 20-30 minutes early for check-in, registration, and jersey assignment (jersey’s will belong to the player and should be worn for all tryout sessions).
• Players who participated in a NY travel hockey program other than NRLH for the 2025-26 season must provide a release from their prior organization in order to tryout.
• Tryout sessions for teams 10U and older are conducted by Erik Nates Euro Hockey, with a combination of independent evaluators and NRLH certified coaches.
• 8U players are evaluated to assess skill level placement only– there are no cuts made at this age level. In September we revaluate skills and make team adjustments accordingly.
• Parent coaches will not evaluate their own children.
• Privacy: Evaluators will not be available for discussion during tryouts.
• Team Formation: The number of teams at each level depends on the number of players trying out and offers accepted.
• Makeup Tryouts: first-round offers for 8-12U will go out after the 2nd tryout out date, so roster spots may be limited for makeups.
USA Hockey Registration Requirement
All players must have a valid USA Hockey registration to participate in tryouts. This is required for insurance purposes and applies to players, coaches, and volunteers.
Tryout Fees: 8U: $75; 10U-14U: $125 (include jersey)
- Non-Refundable & Must Be Paid Before Tryouts
- Players with outstanding NRLH balances must clear them before trying out.
TRAVEL TEAM PLACEMENT PROCESS
NRLH strives to conduct fair and transparent tryouts. Evaluators assess players based on:
✔ Skating & Hockey Skills
✔ Hockey IQ (Game Awareness)
✔ Work Ethic & Coachability
After Tryouts:
1. Evaluators and coaches finalize team recommendations.
2. Families receive roster offers via email within one week of final tryout.
3. Families must accept their offer via registration link within 48 hours. Failure to do so may result in the spot being offered to another player.
Important Notes:
• The best fit team for a player is based on their development and playing experience, not just skill level.
• Players may be offered an Alternate spot (Skills & Development) based on skill level or roster availability. Alternates practice with the team and may participate in non-league games as determined by the coaching staff based on readiness and team needs. This pathway supports long-term development and provides an opportunity to move to a full roster position when the player is ready and a spot becomes available.
• NRLH reserves the right to adjust placements in the fall if a player's performance changes significantly after tryouts.
Ages
What aged players are tryouts appropriate for this program?
8U: Ages 6 thru 8 (2018-2020)
10U: Ages 9 and 10 (2016-2017)
12U: Ages 11 and 12 (2014-2015)
14U: Ages 13 and 14 (2012-2013)
When
While tryouts take place in March & April, the official NRLH hockey season begins in late August and runs through March of the following year.
Where
Practices and home games take place at our local partner rinks Westchester Skating Academy (WSA), Playland Ice Casino, and EJ Murray's, offering our players a consistent and supportive training environment in convenient Westchester locations.
Practice & Player Development
Players typically practice twice per week, with each session lasting approximately one hour focused on team building skills and emphasizing skating, puck control, and individual skill development.
At the 10U and older level, a third practice session (on and/or off-ice training) is incorporated to support continued development and performance.
Goaltending Development & Specialized Training
We are committed to developing young goaltenders and proudly offer a tuition waiver to encourage players to take on this vital position. On designated skill days, goalies get specialized instruction with experienced goaltending coaches.
Games
Teams primarily play on weekends, with occasional weeknight games for special events.
The majority of games are local (within a 40-minute drive), though some away games may require travel up to 1–3 hours to ensure a competitive season.
Full Season: Approximately 25 home and 25 away games.
Game Formats: 8U teams compete in half-ice or cross-ice formats while 10U and older play full-ice games.
Tournaments, Showcases & Jamborees
Each season, travel teams have the opportunity to participate in exciting tournaments, showcases, and jamborees—playing multiple games over a fun and competitive weekend.
Most teams plan for 2 to 3 events per season, offering players valuable experiences and unforgettable memories both on and off the ice.
Tournaments: Competitive, bracket-style events that typically span a full weekend and may begin as early as Friday morning. Teams play several games leading to playoffs or championship rounds. These are often overnight travel events requiring hotel stays.
Showcases: Multi-game weekends focused on balanced matchups and player development rather than standings. While still competitive, showcases are designed to evaluate team and individual performance. Like tournaments, they may begin on Fridays and involve travel and lodging.
Jamborees: Short-format events usually designed for younger age groups (such as 8U), with an emphasis on fun, sportsmanship, and skill-building. These often take place in a single day or over a single weekend, with a more relaxed structure.
Please note that participation in these events may involve additional expenses, including event fees, travel, lodging, and meals.
LEAGUE PARTICIPATION
New Rochelle Lightning Hockey proudly competes in the following leagues, providing players with structured, competitive gameplay and development opportunities.
Uniforms & Team Apparel
In addition to uniforms and warm-ups, the Team Store is open year round and includes NRLH-branded apparel, gifts, and fan gear—perfect for players, parents, and supporters to show their Lightning pride all season long!
Preseason Order Window (July): The main ordering period for game jerseys, practice jerseys, and game socks. This window is open for two weeks and will be shared via email. Ordering during this time ensures gear arrives before the season begins.
In-Season Order Window: Opens after the season starts for families needing to replace or supplement uniform items.
Players are required to wear official NRLH uniforms for all games and practices to maintain a unified and professional appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Learn to Play program, in collaboration with the NHL and New York Rangers, introduces children aged 5–10 to hockey fundamentals through fun, station-based activities. First-time participants receive free head-to-toe equipment, including skates.
2. How can I register my child for NRLH programs?
Registration details and forms are available on the NRLH website under the "Registration" section.
3. Are there tryouts for team placement?
Yes, NRLH conducts evaluations for 8U placement and tryouts for 10U and above. Tryouts for upcoming seasons are scheduled between March and April. If tryouts have been missed , individual assessments can be arranged prior to season start in August.
4. What is the American Development Model (ADM) that NRLH follows?
NRLH adheres to USA Hockey's ADM, emphasizing age-appropriate skill development, long-term athlete growth, and a fun, engaging environment for players.
5. Where are NRLH's home rinks located?
NRLH utilizes local ice rinks for practices and games. Specific rink locations can be found on the NRLH website under the "Our Rinks" section.
6. What equipment is required for participation?
For the Learn to Play program, first-time participants receive full equipment. For other programs, players are expected to have their own gear, including skates, helmet, pads, stick, and appropriate attire.
7. How can I contact NRLH for more information?
You can reach out to NRLH via email at info@nrlh.org for any inquiries or additional information.
2026-27 TRYOUTS
8U
Sun 3/8 4:40PM WSAWed 3/11 6:30PM Playland
8U tryouts are evaluations - every player will be assigned to a team provided they meet the basic skating requirements to safely participate.
10U
Tues 3/3 4:20PM WSAThurs 3/5 4:15PM Playland*Makeup Sun 3/8 5:30PM WSA
12U
Tues 3/3 7:30PM PlaylandWed 3/4 6:30PM Playland*Makeup Sun 3/8 6:30PM WSA
14U
Wed 4/1 5:40PM WSA
Thu 4/2 7:30PM WSA
*Makeup Mon 4/6 7:20PM WSA
*First round offers will go out prior to makeups.
For information regarding our programs, please email info@nrlhockey.org.
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