NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!

The Vermont Shamrocks bring together some of the most competitive hockey players from all across Vermont and neighboring states.  The goal is to provide a high level of hockey while promoting participation at the local level.  The emphasis is on skill development and teamwork by fostering a spirit of cooperation and unity, as well as individual self-growth.   We create a fun environment which focuses on important values such as sportsmanship, friendship, and love of the game.  The lesson at the end of the day is that succeeding is really more about how they play the game – win or lose.

Ten Shamrocks Named College Academic All Americans

Ten NCAA student-athletes who played for the Vermont Shamrocks 19U Junior team have been named as 2019 Academic All-stars by the American College Hockey Coaches Association. For the past decade, the Vermont Shamrocks program graduates have filled college hockey rosters as over 75 former players have gone from the Shamrocks directly to playing college hockey. The Shamrock model focuses on a balanced approach to player development on and off the ice. This model is clearly showing results as Shamrock players are achieving significant success on the ice and in the classroom.

"The list of honorees represents the best of the NCAA, student-athletes who excel on and off the ice," said AHCA Executive Director Joe Bertagna. "The sport demands a great deal from these athletes so it is a great statement they make, individually and collectively, with their ability to attain this level of academic achievement."

Shamrock co-founder Patrick Burke echoed Bertagna’ sentiment, “We’re proud of our former players' success on the ice and in the classroom. These women serve as magnificent role models for all the girls playing hockey in Vermont. Our former players have proven beyond a doubt that playing for the Shamrocks and your high school will set you on a path to achieve your academic and athletic goals after high school. Being honored certainly validates the hard work of these players.”

Nine of the ten honored scholars graduated from their public school and enjoyed the thrill of representing their school and community by playing high school hockey in Vermont. The list of honorees includes Michaela Martin, Becker College (MVU), Claudia Gee, Becker College (Northfield HS), Jessie Scott, University of New England (Spaulding HS), Meghan Hamilton, University of New England (Rutland HS), Brianna Doty, Southern Maine (Lyndon Institute), Julia Ormsby, Southern Maine (Spaulding HS), Sadie Kuhn, Colby College (Woodstock HS), Laura Rollins, Hobart-William Smith (NHM), Whitney Bernier, SUNY-Canton (No. Country Union HS), Ricki Haab, Utica College (Stowe HS).

This list only includes players who played for the Shamrock split season program through high school.   

Spring Shamrocks Team Leader/Coach Indication of Interest/Application

The VT Shamrocks are in the process of starting to organize spring teams for the 2020 spring hockey season. 

Please use this form to indicate your interest in organizing and coaching a Shamrock spring team.

Spring Shamrock teams operate under strict parameters set by the Shamrock By-Laws but rely HEAVILY on the organizational skills of volunteer coaches and team leaders who must also commit to the Shamrocks' core values. Spring teams usually play in 2-4 tournaments with some practices.

Spring coaches are volunteers and they are responsible for all aspects of their team. This includes holding tryouts, finding events, getting clearance for participation in events, updating the team webpage, communication with Shamrock Board about fees, distributing and collecting jerseys and socks, making sure all player fees are paid. 

While financial aid is available all Shamrock fees are set using a formula that is in line with our non-profit (501c3) status. All players pay the same low fee.  

Criteria for coaching selection include evidence of alignment with the following core values:

SHAMROCK COACHING CORE VALUES

Our coaches are all volunteers yet have extensive coaching and/or playing experience at the youth, high school, junior, and NCAA levels. 

We expect all our coaches to: 

• focus on the kids
• be good communicators with players, parents, and referees
• be good motivators
• focus on team play
• have well thought out game plans and managed practices
• be able to control emotions
• always have a positive attitude
• be alert
• be confident
• continue to learn

All 'Rocks Coaches must be USA Hockey certified and pass a VSAHA background check.