In what might be an unprecedented event, the Hicksville Ice Hockey Club will offer a free clinic to ice hockey players from Hicksville who are entering 7th, 8th or 9th grade next year.

Hicksville's is "Long Island's Oldest High School Hockey Club." Founded in 1961, they celebrated their 40th anniversary this past season. It's history and reputation offers Hicksville hockey players an opportunity to learn individual skills and team concepts in an environment of camaraderie, responsibility and competition. Not only is it fun, but success has become a tradition for Hicksville Hockey. The varsity team has been to the finals 7 of the past 11 seasons and the freshman team has been to the playoffs two of the three seasons since their inception in '98.

"The success is due in part to two factors in our philosophy ... provide a carefully planned mix of instruction and a healthy environment to learn. The learning to participate, compete and succeed responsibly and in a sportsmanlike manner is quite simply, 'the result,'" commented Head Coach Bill Alonge.

Alonge, (class of '72), enters his 30th season as head coach. He has an advanced coaching accreditation with USAHockey and has attended NHL Coach Roger Neilson's Coaches' Clinic six times since 1994. He shares his expertise with the rest of his staff, all of whom are parents and certified coaches with USAHockey. This ensures quality instruction and leadership in preparing today's youth for tomorrow's adulthood as well as in learning and enjoying the sport of ice hockey in their quest.

Last season's freshman team was without any 7th graders. It was comprised of six 8th graders and seven 9th graders. Every one of these players will move up at least to the JV level. A few of the 9th graders will look to make the varsity team. This will leave Hicksville virtually without a freshman team.

If Hicksville is to field a "freshman team" next season, it will create a unique and wide-open opportunity for some 15 to 18 players entering 7th, 8th and 9th grades next season. Coach Alonge has vowed that if he cannot effectively staff the team he will personally "tutor" the team himself. This is a great chance to learn many of the intricate skills and team concepts not found in "House League" hockey and perhaps, even in "travel hockey." The team will play a 20-game schedule with a minimum of 15 (unshared) practices as well as organizational clinics. Their season traditionally kicks off with tryouts the last two Sundays in August followed by weekly practices for the next eight weeks in preparation for competition. This consistent and progressively planned period has been instrumental in Hicksville's teams arriving on the scene at the season's opener as a respected contender.

The clinic is open to any Hicksville 7th - 9th grade hockey player to experience the learning environment provided. It will be held on Sunday, Aug. 5 from 5:45-7:15 p.m. at Cantiague Park in Hicksville.

The clinic will be free to all pre-registered Hicksville residents entering grades 7-9. Attendance will be limited to 40 participants. (A mailing went out to 70 Hicksville players entering grades 7-9, so be sure to pre-register.) After the registration deadline of July 29, the clinic will open up to 7th-9th graders from neighboring towns. (A fee of $10 will be charged at the door for those who have not pre-registered or who are not from Hicksville. Walk-ins will only be permitted if registration has not reached the maximum of 40 participants. This will be strictly enforced to maintain the instructional value of the clinic.) One may visit www.hicksvillehockey.com on the Internet for registration and more details, or call 516-249-2583.