What are the goals of the travel hockey program?
The goal of the Texas Jr Stars is to help our players achieve excellence in hockey through team work,
goal setting and development . We strive to create leaders and team players out on the ice and in our
communities. Our focus is making sure we are creating a fun and educational environment for the kids
to play in.
Who is in charge of the Texas Jr. Stars travel hockey program?
Chaparral Ice is running the program. Jason Maurer ([email protected]) is the director of youth
travel hockey and Angie Vaught ([email protected]) is the rink General Manager, Ryan Raya
head of player and coach development ([email protected]), Dave Morrison ADM player
development director . We also rely on the advice and guidance of leaders within the hockey
community to assist in many of the decisions we make for the hockey program. We embrace all those
that reach out to give up their precious time to assist with various volunteer duties.
How many teams will the Texas Jr. Stars field in the 2015-16 season?
Preliminary projections are based upon enrollment from the previous season. This looks to give us one
team each at Squirt, Peewee, and Midget Minor age levels and two teams at the Bantam age level.
However, the number and composition of teams can change if registration and skill warrant such
changes. There is also the possibility of including practice squad players who would be officially rostered
on Rec teams but put in extra practice time with a Jr. Stars team.
When are tryouts and who can tryout?
Texas Jr. Stars’ tryouts will begin June 20 and conclude no later than June 26. The specific date and time
for each age group is still being determined. We will announce those specifics as they become available.
All players seriously interested in playing select hockey for the Texas Jr. Stars are welcome to tryout. We
do not require any sort of personal player application that we use to screen players prior to the tryouts.
All that is required prior to tryouts is that you register during the registration period (May 7 – June 6)
and pay any applicable tryout fees (TBD).
What are the options for my player if he/she does not make a Jr. Stars team?
The house league at Chaparral Ice, possible tournament teams, and high school hockey are potential
options for players not on Jr. Stars teams. Also, as mentioned above, we are looking at the possibilities
of including practice players to give those players not quite ready to be on the Jr. Stars a chance to get
more valuable ice time and instruction.
Which teams do the Texas Jr. Stars play against?
The Texas Jr. Stars travel hockey program is under the umbrella of the Dallas Stars Travel Hockey
League. This league is select hockey competing against similarly skilled teams. These teams are playing
toward a common goal-winning a championship at each respective age group. There is a preseason
leveling tournament over Labor Day weekend in which all teams are required to play in order to
accurately place teams in competitive divisions. It is possible for our teams to be placed in divisions with
teams from Dallas/Fort Worth, San Antonio, Houston, Odessa, and Oklahoma.
Who are the coaches and how are they selected?
Our coaching staff consists of a mix of veteran and new coaches, with the veteran staff working to
groom future head coaches. Ideally, our goal is to select highly skilled, non-parent coaches where
possible who are able to objectively lead parents and players. However, if the most qualified applicant is
a parent, then we will look very closely at that option. Our coaches focus on development; not winning
at all cost. Their goal is to support players as they strive for personal and team excellence. Coaches for
the 2015-2016season will be announced by May 1st or shortly after.
How much does it cost to play travel hockey and what is included in the fees?
Cost depends on many factors including the number of players end up being on a team, the amount of
ice time per week (ex. Shared ice vs. full ice), location of practices, team building events, cost of
uniforms, etc. Fees include:
-DSTHL fees
-Goalie training
-Game fees (ice, scorekeepers, officials)
-Team building
-Leveling tournament plus one other tournament
-Practice ice
-Game/practice supplies
-Uniforms
-Coach/manager expenses, including stipend, USA Hockey registration, background check, education,
warm-up, etc.
Fees for the 2015-2016 season are estimated to range between $3200-$3600 per player. There will be a
refundable deposit required at tryouts. This way, if your player is accepted to a team, the funds are
available up front to process. No funds will be processed through if your player does not make a team.
After the initial deposit, payments will be made in monthly installments per a posted schedule TBD prior
to the try-outs.
What does a typical week of practice look like? Where do the teams practice?
Practices may be held at Chaparral Ice, The Cedar Park Center or The Pond Hockey Club. The goal is to
be as consistent as possible with the practice schedule. This will depend on when and where ice ends up
being available, especially at the Cedar Park Center due to events they may be hosting. We maximize ice
time in August when there is more ice available to kick start the season. Typically, teams are on the ice
2-3 times per week. Goalies receive additional goalie specific training every week in addition to their
regular team practices.
How much travel will there be?
The amount of travel varies from team to team. Many factors go in to that amount such as tournaments
your team may vote to attend, how well the team scheduler does at the scheduling meeting, etc. But,
historically, teams typically travel: 2 tournaments, 4-5 times for league games, and possibly play-offs.
That equates to about an average of once per month (August – March).
How can parents or other members of the hockey community volunteer to help?
We have several areas that we have identified a need in – some listed below. If you feel you could
possibly help contribute in a positive manner with a specific area, please contact Jason Maurer
([email protected]) .
-Safe Sport Coordinator
-Disciplinary
-Age Group Representatives
-Marketing
-Tryouts/Player Registration
-Specialty coaches, i.e. power skating, goalies,strength and conditioning, body contact,
camps/clinics
-Communications
-Fundraising
-Team Managers
-Apparel/Spirit Wear
-Team Building
-Community Involvement
-Advisory Group/Disputes