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 that 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.

Announcing this year's Spring Shamrocks 10U and 12Ucoaching staff:  

10U White Spring Coaches

Sally Heorr, Current Professional Player (Montreal Force - PHL)
- Two-time College National Champion (Liberty University, GVSU)
- Former Shamrock

Buzz Heorr, Former St. Mike's Player
-Long time VT youth and select coach 

10U Green Spring Coaches

Meghan Sweezey, Played & Coached NCAA for St. Mikes
- Owner/Head Girls 4 Hockey

Savanna Poole, Played NCAA for Saint Anselm College
- Coached at Vermont Academy for 4 Years
- Coaches at G4H currently

Erin Turner, Played ACHA for UVM
- Coaches currently for G4H
 

12U Spring Coaches

Chelsea Ellis, Played NCAA for Stevenson University 
- BFA Comet Standout
- Won USA Hockey National Championship with VT Shamrocks

Jade Remillard, Played NCAA for Castleton State Univ.
- BFA Comet Standout
- Won USA Hockey National Championship with VT Shamrocks

Kayleigh Clark, Played for Essex Hornets
-Won Vermont State Championship

The teams will play in 2-4 Spring Tournaments and have 9 on-ice skill sessions/practices. Fees will be our costs divided by the number of players. 

Skill sessions for all Shamrock players will again be conducted by Coach Sweezy and Girls 4 Hockey. Team-based practices will be directed by coaches.

Tournaments:

March 31-April 2 Queens of the Ice Tournament, Massena, NY (10U White only) 

April 14-16: Lady Flames, Marlborough, MA (10U Green, 12U)

April 28-30: Shamrock (Boston) Elite, MA (10U Green, 12U)

May 12-14: Green Mountain Avalanche, Jay Peak VT (10U Green, 12U)  

June 2-4: Green Mountain Avalanche, Jay Peak VT (12U only)

June 2-4 Girls Skaters Edge Tournament, Marlborough, MA (10U White Only)

2023 Spring/Summer Shamrocks Teams Forming

Leader/Coach Indication of Interest/Application

The VT Shamrocks are in the process of starting to organize spring/summer teams for the 2023 spring/summer hockey season. Spring hockey is select hockey and only Vermont's top players will be selected for our teams. We expect to run spring teams in the 10U and 12U age groups with summer showcase teams for high school student-athletes (14U, 16U, etc).

The Spring teams will play their own schedule (2 or 3 AA/AAA tournaments + pre-tournament practices) and will access skills via Girls 4 Hockey.  

Email Patrick Burke pburkevt@gmail.com to indicate your interest and apply to organize or coach 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 coaches are volunteers and they are responsible for all aspects of their team. This includes helping to hold tryouts, getting clearance for participation in events, communicating with families and 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.