Purpose: The D-League at the Rinks at Shelton is the premier developmental hockey program in the state. The focus is on player development in a fun and competitive atmosphere.
Positioning: The D-League is an environment where your child can compete at the proper level and get the focus needed to develop their skills. This is a low-cost, low-travel option for the player that wants to eventually play high school hockey but does not have the current skills to play A level hockey. Also, the D-League is perfect for the travel hockey player that has been “pigeonholed” as a forward and defenseman and would like to expand their game beyond their current comfort zone.
Leadership: Paul Lavoie is the General Manager of the D-League at the Rinks at Shelton. Paul Lavoie is longtime Board Member and former President of the Connecticut Riverhawks. From 2001-2007, Paul ran one of the most successful house programs in Connecticut and many of his graduates have enjoyed successful high school and college club hockey careers.
Target Audience: The D-League is for the hockey family who is looking for an alternative to the expense and time investment of a travel hockey team and would like their child to enjoy a positive and growth oriented hockey experience. In addition, the “B” level travel player who would like additional development to move outside their comfort zone are welcome to play.
Geographic Area: The D-League is a USA Hockey and Connecticut Hockey Conference (CHC) Independent program and we will take players from all local travel programs and will allow the players to be registered with their local programs. A player can start in the D-League and move up to travel with their local program.
Playing Time Philosophy: The D-League is developmental; all players will receive fair and equitable shift times, have the opportunity to play forward, defense or goalie (if they wish) and will have the opportunity to play special teams. While the games will be competitive and we all know it is more fun to win than lose, we will not attempt to win games at the expense of player development.
