CROSS ICE (X-ICE)

After a player has completed the Learn to Play program or an equivalent program, they are ready to progress to X-Ice. Skaters do not have to be completely fall‑free to participate. The X-Ice program is run in conjunction with the Valley Hockey League and Marblehead Youth Hockey Association coaches.

For players who are unsure whether to choose X-Ice or Mites: we recommend one season of X-Ice before moving to Mites. However, if a player is age-eligible and will become a Squirt after X-Ice, it is recommended they go straight to Mites and forgo the X-Ice season (for example, a player born in 2018 who has completed Learn to Play should enter Mites so they play a season of Mites before becoming a Squirt).

X-Ice details: The season runs from September through March. Practices begin in September. In October the season will begin with Saturday and Sunday sessions at the Raymond J. Bourque Arena (Endicott College) in Beverly. Several other area youth hockey programs will be on the ice at the same time as Marblehead. On Saturday the ice is split into stations, each with a different small-area drill; each team rotates through the stations. On Sunday the ice is divided into three X-Ice games with a coach from each team on the ice.

Objective: The smaller playing surface allows players of every skill level to be involved in the action, increasing each player's time with the puck and therefore improving skill development for all. All of this occurs in a collaborative, supportive, and fun environment.