My heartfelt thanks to the Swords board of directors and entire community for the lovely engraved charcuterie board.  It will come in very handy entertaining in our new home.  It touched our hearts and to know that it was created by Joe DiGorgio who was one of my son’s last hockey coaches makes it even that much more special. 

My best wishes to all the Swords families both current and past.  The twenty plus years I spent working with the old CAHA and new Swords organizations has been very rewarding and I know that the organization will continue to grow and be successful.

Melanie

https://www.digiorgiowoodworks.com/

CINCINNATI SWORDS 2021-22 COACHING ANNOUNCEMENT

The Cincinnati Swords is pleased to announce the coaching staff for our 2021-22 teams.   These coaches bring the desire and expertise to help our hockey players continue their hockey development. 

SPECIAL NOTE:

1. Final team numbers and league placement will be determined based on registration numbers and evaluations.
2. Coaching prospectuses will be linked to the coach as they become available.
3. Our tryout schedule, tryout instructions and program details are now posted on the website at www.swordshockey.com

U10 Level (birth year 2011 and 2012)

AAA/AA Team         Kevin Brennan/Rod Rayner

Mixed Team           Mitch Mahoney

Mixed Team           Zach Gjestvang

U12 Level (birth year 2009 and 2010)

Mixed Team            Dale Bogard

Mixed Team            TBD -- Coaches will be determined after player placement

Mixed Team            TBD -- Coaches will be determined after player placement

U14 Level (birth year 2007 and 2008)

2008 Team             Kirk Andreae

2007 Team             Danny McDonald 

Remaining 3 teams:  Coaching pool is Brian Shiverdecker, Kurtis Lindemann, Doug Alcorn

                                  Coaches will be determined after player placement

U16 Level (birth years 2005 and 2006), 2003, & 2004)

Tier 2 AA Team      Greg Tetzlaff- Head Coach

                            Danny McDonald -Player Development Coach

Varsity & JV Level (birth years 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006) 

Varsity        Randy Petruk

JV                Kyle O'Connor       

U8/ADM Program - We will not announce the coaching staff for our 2021-22 U8/ADM program until early summer. However details about the fall/winter programs can be found on the website.

FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY!

Eastside Motivators has a fundraising opportunity for you! They are looking for volunteers to work consessions at the Reds, Bengals, and FC Cincinnati games.

Please contact Stephanie Norris at stephnorr@aol.com with any questions.

CLICK HERE FOR PDF VERSION 

Changes to the schedule will be bolded

2021-2022 TEAM TRYOUT INSTRUCTIONS & PROGRAMS

APPLICABLE TO ALL U10 (2011-2012), U12(2009-2010), U14(2007-2008),

U16 (2005-2006), JV AND VARSITY (2003-2006) TEAMS

Not Applicable to the U8/ADM AND GIRLS programs.  (See specific program descriptions)

The Cincinnati Swords is pleased to kick off our 2021-2022 hockey season with our team tryouts and formation of our 2021-2022 teams.  

General Information: Teams begin practicing in early September but some may start in August.  Games may start in September for some or all teams with the season concluding in late February or early March.  Each team will present a team prospectus to the parents which will include information on practices, league/non-league games and anticipated tournaments.

Coaches:  We anticipate announcing our 2021-2022 coaches in the next couple of weeks.  We will announce under separate email and posted to the website.  Coaching prospectuses which detail the coach’s background and team plans will be posted online prior to the tryouts. 

Team Formation:  We anticipate having U10 teams, U12 teams, U14 teams, U16 team, and a High School Program (JV and Varsity teams).  The number of teams is dependent on the number of players that register, the number of available coaches and the skill set of the registrants.

U16 Team:  This team will compete as a U16AA team with travel consisting of trips to Chicago, Pittsburgh, Cleveland / Columbus, Indy and Nashville for tournaments or as part of our independent game schedule.  We are looking to have an ultimate goal of this team of making a run at the national tournament for the next two years building on the foundation of the U14AA teams recent run at the state championship, making it to the championship game.  We are anticipating starting practices the first of August 2021 with games scheduled from start of September 2021 through the end of March 2022. If the border opens up there might be a trip up to play teams in Canada at the start of the season. We are looking to fill the team to the max. 20 roster spots including two goalies.  There will be a separate registration for those players who are interested in trying out for this team.

League Play:  Each year we strive to have our teams playing at the highest level possible.  Again, this year we anticipate teams playing in Little Caesars, Buckeye Travel Hockey League, Cincinnati High School Club League and Independent. 

Tryout Schedule:  All tryout sessions are being held at Sports Plus, 10765 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH  45241.  There will be at least three evaluation sessions for each skater and goalie.  The first session will be a skills assessment by USA Hockey age group for ALL skaters and goalies.  The second session will be a battle drills session again by USA Hockey age group for ALL skaters and goalies.  The last session(s) will be our team scrimmages.  Team scrimmages are invite-only and skaters and goalies may be invited to multiple sessions.  The tryout schedule will be posted on the website at www.swordshockey.com.  As a reminder, the tryout schedule is subject to change based on registration numbers.  We will communicate updates through the website.

Goalie Evaluation Schedule:  In addition to the three evaluation sessions with the skaters, there is an additional assessment for our goalies on Friday May 7^th.

Registration:  Registration will open on Thursday April 1, 2021.  You must have a 2021-22 USA Hockey number to register on our website.   The registration fee will be $150 if paid by Friday, April 23rd.   After April 23, the registration fee increases to $175.  Once offered a spot on a team, all families must process a non refundable initial deposit of $500 no later than 48 hours after the team selections are posted on the Swords website, which will hold your player’s team spot. 

Note: The Tri-State Spartans are affiliated with the Swords.  If a Swords player is selected to a Spartans team during the tryout period and the player accepts, the Swords will transfer the $500 deposit to the Spartans. 

Excused Absence:   It is expected that all players trying out for any team attend the tryouts.  However, if a player is injured or unable to attend a tryout, the player must contact the office at    for an excused absence.   The Swords will work to provide an opportunity for an evaluation within a reasonable timeframe.  The tryout fee is collected for approved excused absences.

Checking Clinic:  All players birth year 2008 and older must have already attended a checking clinic OR attend one of the checking clinics held on April 5.  Information about the clinic will be included in the online registrations for our U14/Bantam and U18/Midget/High School age registrations.  Only spring participants and those players registered for our 2021-22 try out will be allowed to participate in the checking clinic.

Playing Up an Age Level:  If a player would like to be considered for a team out of their USA Hockey age group, they must 1) register and pay for the tryout in their current age bracket and 2) send an email to  to obtain a Player Movement Waiver from the Swords office.  The waiver must be completed and submitted before the player can take the ice with the older age group.  Please note, for a player to be offered a position on an older team, the independent evaluators in conjunction with the coaching committee must evaluate the player to play up.  The decision of the coaching committee is final.  All Mid-Am play up guidelines will be followed including the constraint that no roster can include more than 25% of players “playing up”. 

Jersey/Equipment Order:  Due to our time constraints with ordering and receiving custom jerseys, we ask all families to have their player(s) sized for jerseys, socks and team warm ups during tryouts.  Each team will be assigned an individual time for sizing of uniform pieces, the dates will be communicated once teams are selected.  You will not need to place an order until after you have been notified about your player’s team placement.  Team equipment requirements will be set by the coach and communicated to the parents immediately after we receive your initial deposit.  All purchases will be made through an online store on the website.  Our order deadline this year will be Friday May 21.

Next year is the end of our contract and will be reviewing our uniform package for the 22-23 season.  Please keep that in mind when ordering uniforms and warmups. 

Team Fees:  Fees vary based on both the number of team participants and the coaches’ program.  In addition, we are not able to determine ice allocation until after the conclusion of our tryouts.  Therefore, we will not have final team costs until early fall.  Team fees are set by coaches and generally range from $1,500 to $3,500.  Please review the coaching prospectuses for specific details and plans for individual teams.

Fundraising:  The Swords offers fundraisers though Kroger and Charity Mania to help offset costs.  In addition, teams are also permitted to hold team fund raisers.

Team Financial Information:  As stated above, we need all families to process an initial deposit of $500 no later than 48 hours after the team selection is posted to the Swords website, which will hold a player’s team spot.  With all teams being announced in the same timeframe, it is critical that players do not delay confirming their intentions so we can make any appropriate roster adjustments.  No refunds (or transfers) will be given for the initial team payment which signifies a player’s acceptance of a spot on the team.  Additionally, all Swords teams will have a monthly payment due on or before the first of each month (July through November).  The Refund Policy is included in your initial registration and also posted on the Swords website at www.swordshockey.com for your review.

We are very excited about the upcoming 2021-22 season.  If you have any questions, please contact the Paul Benkner, hockey commissioner or Jennie Tiemeyer at office@swordshockey.com.

SWORDS GIRLS PROGRAM

The Cincinnati Swords is pleased to announce that we will have a Girls program again for the 2021-2022 hockey season.                                   

There is no tryout planned for the Girls program.  Teams will be created once all interested players have registered for the 2021-2022 season.

Registration:  Registration will open on Thursday April 1, 2021.  You must have a 2021-22 USA Hockey number to register on our website.  All families must process an initial non-refundable deposit of $300, which will hold your player’s team spot.

Jersey/Equipment Order:  Due to our time constraints with ordering and receiving custom jerseys, we ask all families to have their player(s) sized for jerseys, socks and team warm ups in May.  Sizers will be available at an assigned time for each team.  This date and time will be communicated in early May.  Team equipment requirements will be set by the coach and communicated to the parents immediately after we receive your initial deposit.  All purchases will be made through an online store on the website.  Our order deadline this year will be Friday, May 21.

Next year is the end of our contract and will be reviewing our uniform package for the 22-23 season.  Please keep that in mind when ordering uniforms and warmups. 

For the U12 and U14 girls teams, the Swords anticipates purchasing Swords jerseys with a custom logo for the Lady Swords.  These will be separate/additional cost from the standard Swords jerseys that you will have if you play with one of the regular Swords teams.  The girls team will not be requiring warm-ups, but they are certainly welcome to purchase them if they like.

Estimated Team Fees will be announced before registration opens on April 1

U10 Team Tournament Team -- Team fees $700-$850 depending on roster size

Anticipated practices twice per month

We plan on playing in three or four tournament and/or showcase weekends throughout the season.

U12 Tournament Team -- Team fees $800-$900 depending on roster size

Anticipated practices twice per month.

We plan on playing in three to four tournament and/or showcase weekends throughout the season.

U14 Tournament Team-- Team fees $800-$900 depending on roster size

Anticipated practices twice per month.  

We plan on playing in three to four tournament and/or showcase weekends throughout the season.

U14 Tournament Plus Team

Anticipated practices two-four times per month.  

We will have one tournament or showcase weekend per month from September through March.

This team is subject to a minimum roster size, if we do not get the minimum number, we will only do the U14 Tournament team.

We are very excited about the upcoming 2021-22 season.  If you have any questions, JennieTiemeyer at office@swordshockey.com.

SHARPEN YOUR HOCKEY SKILLS BEFORE TRYOUTS!

The Cincinnati Swords are excited to offer a 4 day Power Edge Pro Camp exclusively for Swords players! Nick Quinn, founder of Power Edge and TRAINER TO THE PROS will be leading this camp!

Each session is limited to 24 skaters. Reserve your spot today!

Click here to register.

U8 group

Tuesdays CAN 1, 2, 3, and 4

U8 group

Tuesdays CAN 1, 2, 3 and 4

U10 group

Thursdays CAN 1, 2, 3, and 4

Saturdays CAN 1, 2, 3, and 4

U12 group

Tuesdays LOBBY 1, 2, 3, and 4

Saturdays LOBBY 4, 5, and 6

U14 -2008 group

Thursday LOBBY 1, 2, 3, and 4

Saturdays USA 1, 2, 3, and 4

U14-2007 group

Wednesdays CAN 1, 2, 3, and 4

Saturdays LOBBY 1, 2, and 3

U18 group

Wednesdays LOBBY 1, 2, 3, and 4

Saturdays USA 1, 2, 3, and 4

2021 SPRING TRAINING GROUPS

Times that are bolded have been updated

U8/Mite 2013-2015                                                 Mike Falk, Matt Francis & Staff

Tues CAN rink 5:45-7:15pm

March 16, 23, 30

April 6, 13(USA), 20, 27(USA)                    

May 4, 11(USA), 18(USA)

U10/Squirt 2012 and 2011                                     Kevin Brennan, Rod Rayner &Staff

Thurs CAN rink 5:45-7:15pm                               Sat CAN rink 10:00-11:30am

March 18, 25 April 1, 8, 15, 22                              March 20, 27, April 10, 17 & 24

U12/Peewee 2010 and 2009                                   Chris Sample & Staff

Tues CAN rink 7:15-8:45pm                                 Sat CAN rink 8:45-10:00am

March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13(USA) & 20              March 20, 27, April 10, 17 & 24

U14/Bantam 2008                                                   Ron Sochocki & Staff

Thurs CAN rink 7:15-8:45pm                                Sat USA rink 7:45-9:15am

March 18, 25 April 1, 8, 15, 22                               March 20, 27, April 10, 17 & 24

U14/Bantam 2007                                                   Danny McDonald & Staff

Wed CAN rink 5:45-7:15pm                                  Sat USA rink 9:15-10:30am

March 17, 24, 31 April 7, 14(USA), 21                  March 20, 27, April 10, 17 & 24

U18/High School                                                    Greg Drach, Danny McDonald & Staff

2006-2003 (2007-Rising Freshman)                       Sat USA rink 10:30-12:00pm

Wed CAN rink 7:15-8:45pm                                  March 20, 27, April 10, 17 & 24

March 17, 24, 31 April 7, 14, 21                

Please note as part of the tryout registration, families agreed to the Swords refund policy.  While we do understand that COVID-19 presents the Swords and our families with a certain amount of uncertainty, we believe the current rink policy and our refund policy will be followed and includes:

1. Rink closure per Sports Plus (level 3 emergency or State of Ohio mandate) – Sports Plus will only close in the event of a level 3 emergency or by a State of Ohio mandate.  If they do not close, we are obligated to pay for our commitment.  If the rink closes, we will be able to stop payments to Sports Plus and work on refunds based on time closed, etc. 
2. Injury/Illness – if a player misses more than 1/3 of season and we have doctor’s confirmation of diagnosis we do a pro-rated refund.  COVID-19 diagnosis would fall under illness. 

Beginning this year for the 2017-18 season, all skaters, at least one parent and all coaches (head, assistant, on-ice helpers) must comply with OH Senate Bill 252 (Lindsay’s Law).  Below is general information about the bill and the requirements.  Even if you do not live in Ohio, if you are participating on a Swords team, you must complete the requirements. 

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Lindsay’s Law: Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Youth Athletes

What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

A Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, cutting off blood flow to the brain and other vital organs.  Sudden cardiac arrest is fatal if not treated immediately, most often by a defibrillator.

Who is Lindsay?

Senate Bill 252 is named for national heart health advocate and former Miss Ohio Lindsay Davis who suffers from a heart condition and has since dedicated her career to raising awareness of this potentially fatal condition.

"Sudden cardiac arrest is the number one killer of student athletes," said Davis. "At any moment I could have died because coaches and teachers had no idea this was even a possibility for someone who looked as healthy as I did at that age."

Lindsay’s Law

Lindsay’s Law, Ohio Revised Code 3313.5310, 3707.58 and 3707.59 went into effect in 2017.

In accordance with this law, the Ohio Department of Health, the Ohio Department of Education, the Ohio High School Athletic Association, the Ohio Chapter of the American College of Cardiology and other stakeholders jointly developed guidelines and other relevant materials to inform and educate students and youth athletes participating in or desiring to participate in an athletic activity, their parents, and their coaches about the nature and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest.

The following resources were developed to implement Lindsay’s Law:

For parents/guardians and youth athletes:

• Required video
• Required SCA Informational Handout
• Required Signature Form

For coaches:

• If you are a coach for an interscholastic sport and are licensed by the Ohio Department of Education, please visit their website for information about their training requirements around Lindsay’s Law.
• If you are a coach in a community program, please use the following resources:
  • Required video
  • Required SCA Informational Handout

ODH Contact Information

Ohio Department of Health
School Nursing Program
246 North High Street, 7th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215

Telephone: 614-466-1930

Email:     

Page Updated: 7/10/2017