Statement on Spring Tournament Hockey

The Shamrock organization does not operate formal spring tournament teams. 10U-14U Girls Spring "AAA" hockey has unfortunately become largely a mix of "super teams and checkbook teams." As a result, tournaments are often unbalanced (either you're winning by a lot, or getting crushed) and the entire operation gets quite expensive for families. As a true non-profit, the Shamrocks have always focused on doing what was right for our athletes' development over doing what would turn a profit and/or be cost-prohibitive. 

We believe that after a long fall/winter travel hockey season, springtime is a great time to work on skills with G4H or play another sport. We believe -- and long term athlete development (LTAD) science shows -- that time spent traveling and at hotels would be better spent at a local skills clinic, in the weight room, playing in the Girls 4 Hockey 'Rocks 3 v. 3, league, or taking a break from hockey to play lacrosse, baseball/softball, or run outdoor track.

If there is an opportunity for the club to help support Vermont girl players via a local opportunity we could hastily organize a team at a specific level. This summer may find some Shamrock teams entering worthwhile events at the 10U-14U level. However, at this time we feel a shift toward skill development and exploring other sports is more aligned with our core mission and better for all players in these age brackets.

 Keep checking the G4H links shared above for information on age-appropriate Spring programming.