07/21/2025
Hello again Falcons Family.
Well, it's still hot and humid. But walking through the stores with back-to-school stuff in stock reminds us of the incredible hockey season approaching us. To continue with the email from two weeks ago, the expectation and anticipation for the 2025/2026 season continues to grow with a lot of thought and work done by the Board. They have been tremendous and I'm really proud of the thought and caring that everyone has put into making this a great season for everyone involved. I'd also like to acknowledge their sacrifice for time as we have had frequent work and meetings to put this together. Thanks again to them and please feel free to give them a pat on the back. Save the kicks in the knee for me.
Let's get to it. We have secured ice for TWO upcoming placement skates for the JV / Varsity players. These skates will be used to assess the team placements as we navigate the roster options. Coach Boone has also organized some external evaluators to be present and assist this process from a neutral position.
The dates are:
August 3rd, 7-9 PM at Palmer Imaging Arena in Delmont
August 10th, 6:30-8:30 PM at CFS Bank Arena in Rostraver (home rink)
JV/Varsity players are encouraged to attend both sessions, if possible. If you cannot make at least ONE session, please let us know. There is no charge for these sessions.
Further, we are working to have sample jerseys available for sizing and orders. Further communication, including pricing will be shared prior to the August 3rd session. Along these lines, we will also have an online apparel store available at the same time. This will allow us all to score some nice Falcons Hockey gear to support our team. Logos and concepts have been shared, and we are excited to launch this.
Regarding the abovementioned placement skates, it is imperative for us to have our signups completed prior. You must be registered to attend the placement skate(s). Therefore, we will have the early bird tuition pricing of $1250 valid through July 31st. After July 31st, tuition will move to $1500 for the season. Look for an invite to the team app to mark availability.
We are also actively discussing fundraising and are exploring ideas to make some changes here. And, drumroll, we are looking for a Fundraising Coordinator. If you are interested, please reach out. We would love to have some fresh ideas for the organization!
We are bringing a lot of structure to the roles, including Team Manager for the upcoming season. In the interest of standardization and coordination, we will have a Manager Coordinator for the Organization. Please let us know if you are interested in this role. This role involves setting the expectations, organization of information, procedures for games, communication, etc... Basically, the one that sets the standard for what the role is and how each team executes this role.
We are also asking for a Middle School Team Manager. If you are interested, please let us know. Will hold off on Varsity and JV managers until the placement skates are concluded.
The Managers for the upcoming season will also act as Team liaisons and will be included in the board meetings to give input, share concerns and be part of receiving the first-hand information. This will streamline our communication and allow us to assess new ideas and concerns quickly.
Regarding Little Falcons... we are excited to report that we will continue the program with enthusiasm. Registration will be $650 for the season and will include roughly 16 hours of practice time with 4 home games in addition (away games can be added as desired). Here's the fine print: we believe that we have enough for a 10U team. 12U remains unknown, so, here's the deal: if you sign up as a 12U player, and we don't have enough for a team, you will be offered to attend all Little Falcons practices, but your player will not be able to play in the 10U games. In this case, we will refund $150 of the tuition money to 12U players which brings the total to $500 for the season. We are working every angle to grow this program.
Ok, that's a lot to take in. Please let us know if more clarity is needed or if you have questions.
Have a great week.
Jason Stull
President - Connellsville Falcons Hockey
412-393-9447