On August 25th, at the meeting of the Land of Enchantment Amateur Hockey Association (LOEAHA - our NM USA Hockey chapter) it was determined that statewide our hockey associations simply do not have enough players to field teams at all U14, U16 and U18 levels for the 2024-25 season. As a solution LOEAHA settled on the following approach: The three age tiers - Bantam, JV and Varsity (U14 through U18) - will be consolidated into two tiers. LOEAHA focused on providing opportunities for all of our statewide players to enjoy a competitive environment while ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
This consolidation means the first tier will be birth years 2009, 2010 and 2011 (13, 14 and 15 years old). The second tier will be birth years 2006, 2007 and 2008 (16, 17 and 18 years old). These tiers will apply to all games involving New Mexico teams. The coaches will have some latitude to allow "play-up" based on skill level, physical size and maturity. This change was approved by the LOEAHA Board for the 2024-25 Season only, and will be revisited next year as needed.
To stay with USA Hockey conventions, these 2 teams will be designated as U16 and U18 teams. No U14 teams rostered in New Mexico.
The two age groups will conduct their own practices, either full sheet or split ice, and will play teams within the same age classification in the State. Please note that this change does not imply that 13 or 14 year old players will be put on the ice with larger, stronger 17 and 18 year olds.
To implement this important change, our SFHA Board concurred on the following criteria:
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The U16 registration fee will be reduced to $650. The U18 fee will remain at the current $800. This reduction is based on the lower game fees for the U16 team.
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The U18 team will retain the Blue Jackets name for the 2024-25 Season. This name will be phased out over the next two years. The U16 team will be renamed Santa Fe Capitals to be consistent with the other Association teams and allow reuse of jerseys.
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A special discounted registration rate will be established for new and inexperienced players at the U16 level. Players registering as a “developmental” player will be able to attend all practices and team events but will not be eligible to be rostered for games. If the player develops sufficient skills to participate in games, they may be rostered as a full team member and would pay a prorated registration fee based on remaining games in the season.
Please Register as soon as possible Here ! Registration forms have been updated for the revised age tiers and registration fees. Please fill out the Jersey number request form. We recognize that other details will need to be worked out as we move forward. Please bear with us as we work through this process to ensure that all players have a rewarding season. Questions and comments may be directed to any board member.
Bearclaw Shipe - President
