SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Tahoe Grizzlies Ice Hockey club is starting a new season. There has already been some pre-season action at the Squirt, Pee Wee and Bantam levels. Most importantly, the in-house Mite program is seeking new players to start playing ice hockey. Mites are all ages under nine years old. Typically most Mites will be in the 7 to 8 year old range. But sometimes there are kids interested that are 6 years old or even younger. The object is to introduce the kids to hockey.

First practice was Monday at the South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena (1176 Rufus Allen Blvd.), but players can continue to register and participate now. Players must have a current 2011-2012 USA Hockey membership and a copy of their birth certificate to practice. Please contact STAHA (South Tahoe Amateur Hockey Association) on how to obtain a USA Hockey membership (it can be done on-line at http://www.usahockeyregistration.com).

Regular practices are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m. at the ice rink. There is some loaner gear available, but players are encouraged to have their own. Skates can be rented at the rink. Cost of the program is $395.00 per player. This covers all practices through mid-March.

STAHA will be organizing the coaches for the year. Coaches must be USA Hockey certified. If you are interested in helping please contact STAHA directly.

The 2011-2012 season marks the first time in many years that there were three travel teams in the same year. The following levels will be competing at the competitive level across Northern California: Squirts, ages 9 and 10, Pee Wee, ages 11 and 12, and Bantam, ages 13 and 14. Official league schedules will be released soon.

The STAHA has a new President this year as well. After several successful years at the helm Michael Newberger decided to retire.

STAHA would like to welcome Phil Sorensen who was recently elected to succeed Newberger as President. Sorensen is a local educator and brings many years of experience coaching and working with youth to the position.

For more information on the Grizzlies, and to view videos, please visit the Tahoe Grizzlies Facebook page or contact Sorensen at 530-545-8707 or tahoesorensen@gmail.com.