First Goals

The Valley Youth Hockey Association Recreational Hockey Program (aka “First Goals”) offers players in the Syracuse area a low cost - no travel - low commitment hockey alternative. First Goals focuses on teaching basic hockey skills and sportsmanship in a no check, low-pressure environment that fosters a love of hockey. Players with limited hockey experience are welcomed!

First Goals is an in-house recreational hockey program for boys and girls aged 9-13 (but a younger or older child could be considered) who are not involved in organized hockey leagues (First Goals players cannot be on an existing hockey team). Recreational hockey emphasizes fun along while learning valuable hockey skills. It is an ideal program for those kids who either want to start hockey or for youth who still want to be involved in the sport.

First Goals unique approach to hockey provides players the opportunity to pursue other sports or activities in the winter and allows players to play with their friends with the goal of maximizing each player’s experience and limiting travel/cost for families.

First Goals will meet one night a week each Wednesday with a skill session & pond hockey style-of-play. The program will hit the ice in October and run into March.

EQUIPMENT: All children are required to wear full equipment (VYHA may have some equipment that can be loaned, however participants need to plan on having their own equipment, including sticks. Ice skates can be rented at the rink if needed).

FEES: $100 (to VYHA) USA Hockey registration is required.

LOCATION: Meachem Ice Rink

GOAL: To have fun and enjoy/learn the great game of hockey!

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Travis Hayden (First Goals Coach) – thaydenhockey@gmail.com // (315) 663-4147

---VYHA First Goals Program---

Welcome to First Goals! We’re excited to begin another season of introducing young players to the sport of hockey. This will be our 12th year of the First Goals program!

--First practice: Tentatively Wednesday, October 7, 2026 (pending final ice confirmation)

--Practices: Wednesdays, 5:15–6:15 PM

--Location: Meachem Ice Rink

(Any holiday/days-off will be posted on the VYHA Crossbar)

--What Is First Goals?

First Goals is designed to provide children with a positive, supportive introduction to hockey. Players will learn the fundamentals of skating, stick handling, passing, shooting, and teamwork while developing confidence and having fun.

No prior hockey experience is required. The goal is to meet children where they are, help them become comfortable on the ice, and build skills through play and practical application.

Coach Brian and I have been coaching First Goals since its inception in 2015 and have enjoyed every minute of it. We have been involved in youth hockey for more than a decade and are USA Hockey Level 4 certified and combined have had experience coaching players from introductory hockey through mites, house and travel hockey, girls and boys hockey, and college club hockey.

Our coaching approach emphasizes support, encouragement, structure, teamwork, resilience, and learning through play.

--More Than Hockey:

First Goals is about more than learning to play hockey. It is an opportunity for children to build confidence, determination, resilience, teamwork, friendships, and a sense of community.

Over the years, First Goals players have gone on to play house, travel, high school, and even college club hockey. Some began with little or no hockey experience.

There is no single path in hockey - and it is never too late to start.

--Questions or Want to Learn More?

Parents are encouraged to connect with us before the season begins. A brief conversation helps us learn about your child's experience, comfort level, and any medical, learning, developmental, or emotional considerations that may help us provide the best experience possible.

We are looking forward to welcoming a new group of First Goals players to the ice this season!