Club Contacts

Montclair Hockey Club - Established 1963
 

History of the Club

Youth hockey is about kids, and the Montclair Hockey Club takes a unique position when it comes to youth hockey.  We understand that winning is important, and everyone, from our coaches to the players and parents, wants to win every game.  We also try to remember that winning a game is not the ultimate goal of youth sports, but a means to an end. That end is the development of each and every player’s character, his sense of sportsmanship, his skill level, and overall love and passion for the game. To accomplish this end, we emphasize teamwork, respect for players, coaches, and officials, and, above all else, having fun.

The Montclair Junior Hockey League (MJHL), the predecessor of the Montclair Hockey Club, was formed in the early 1960s by a small group of residents - fathers who had played hockey in their earlier years and who were willing to give of their time, knowledge, and civic leadership to form a program. A year of activity was consumed in determining community interest and collecting demographic data, arranging for ice and so forth.

Four teams of fifteen players each were formed, balanced by skill, age, and size as best as possible. Each player was outfitted with a color-coded shirt (somewhat ill-sized) and the program was launched. Over time, the number of teams grew to six, with seventeen players per team. By the late 1960s, the better players who met the age qualifications for Squirt, Pee Wee and Bantam were selected from the six teams. These boys also played on All-Star travel teams, although the number of leagues and teams was very limited.

It is interesting to remember that the Montclair Rink was an “open air” facility; therefore, before playing many of the games, the players, coaches, and often fans, assisted the rink personnel in the removal of snow, sleet, and other elements to make the ice playable. Around 1973, a decision was made to restructure the MJHL. The goals were to expand the program to accommodate all boys and girls in Montclair (and the adjacent towns) who had a desire to play. The plan would eliminate the “waiting list,” have three separate and distinct tiers (beginners, house league, and all-stars), change the name to the “Montclair Hockey Club,” incorporate, create by-laws, and concentrate on enhancing the quality of the coaches, thereby enhancing the individual and team skills.

The Montclair Hockey Club quickly grew to a large program serving 400 to 500 players. With improved coaching, better officiating, more administrators, expanded leagues and better competition, there was more enthusiasm expressed by the young people, who were learning and growing in an organized sport while “having fun.”

Today, The Montclair Hockey Club programs are based at Montclair State University Ice Arena on the campus of Montclair State University. This state-of-the-art facility boasts two top notch rinks, comfortable and spacious locker rooms, a snack bar and offers year-round skating opportunities for players and their families. Over 600 players strong, the Club is proud to continue its strong tradition of offering quality ice-skating and hockey programs to boys and girls.

Mission Statement  

The Montclair Hockey Club endeavors to teach children that commitment, perseverance, and passion are what transforms dreams into goals realized; this process of achieving should be fun; how one conducts oneself in this process is as important as achieving the goal itself. Teamwork, fair play, and respect for others on and off the ice are what define a true champion. Our programs stress the development of skills and teamwork that will create a solid foundation for any hockey player.  

Our Philosophy

Youth Hockey is about the players, and MHC takes a relatively unique position in this regard. We understand winning is important and everyone from our coaches to the players want to win but we must also remember that winning in youth sports is not the ultimate goal; it is a means to an end. MHC focuses on the development of each player’s skill level, character, sportsmanship and passion for the game. To accomplish this, we emphasize teamwork, respect for others, and overall having fun.   

Our Facility  

Our home rink is Floyd Hall Arena which is a state-of-the art twin ice surface facility, situated on the campus of Montclair State University. The facility is easily reached from the Garden State Parkway, Route 46, Route 3, and Interstate 80.   

Our Coaches  

Each season, the Montclair Hockey Club puts together a highly experienced staff of coaches. Our coaches are all experienced and have the hockey knowledge and skating ability to develop your children in the sport of hockey. Some have played professionally, some at the collegiate level, some are local high school coaches, many still continue to play today, all are focused on helping players become better hockey players.  

General Information

Travel team hockey is an intensive level of competition comprised of teams organized according to USA Hockey-sanctioned age levels. The Montclair Blues participate in the New Jersey Youth Hockey League (NJYHL) as well as the Mid Atlantic Women’s Hockey Association (MAWHA). Our travel teams typically play games throughout the tri-state area. Each team practices twice a week and on average play one home game and one away game per weekend.  Our home rink is Floyd Hall Arena but some teams may end up with some home practice or game slots at other local arenas.