FAQ & Resources

NYEHA is a full-time hockey development program based at Capital Ice Arena in Clifton Park, NY. We serve student-athletes in grades 6–12, combining elite on-ice training with rigorous academics. Our philosophy: develop the human being first, the hockey player second.

NYEHA does not hold open tryouts. Enrollment is by request and conversation. Families reach out to Ryan Waltman, and we evaluate fit based on a player’s goals, character, and readiness for a full-time academy structure. The right fit matters more than a single on-ice audition.

NYEHA is open to student-athletes born 2009 through 2016, covering grades 6 through 12. On-ice groupings are based on development level, not birth year. Younger players who are homeschooled are welcome to reach out directly to discuss fit.

NYEHA has partnered with Saratoga Central Catholic School as our primary academic provider — in-person classes with real teachers and real classrooms, not the purely online model common at most hockey academies. Athletes bus from Capital Ice Arena to SCC at 9:15 AM and the school day runs 10:00 AM–2:30 PM.

Yes. NYEHA offers access to Edmentum — a flexible, accredited online school platform with accessible teachers for every class. The Edmentum option is $3,175 for the full school year. Students may bring a computer and work at the rink during school hours.

We work with families on a case-by-case basis. Some athletes transition fully into our academic partner school; others may maintain enrollment at their current institution depending on schedule compatibility. Reach out to Ryan and we’ll walk through the options.

Yes. Bus departs Capital Ice Arena for SCC at 9:15 AM. At 2:30 PM, athletes bus back, arriving at the rink around 3:00 PM. Families may also pick up directly at SCC at 2:30 PM, or athletes may take a public bus if available. Transport will be via a converter van or full bus depending on enrollment.

The school day ends at 2:30 PM. Rink pickup is available from 3:00 PM with no strict deadline — athletes are welcome to remain at Capital Ice Arena until their family arrives.

NYEHA does not currently operate a formal housing program. Players who need a billet or a place to stay during the week should contact Ryan Waltman directly — chances are there will be a family in the program willing to help.

Each program day includes one 75-minute focused session — either on ice or in the gym, never both on the same day. Two days each week are dedicated off-ice training days. Optional open ice is available 7:00–7:45 AM every program day. The full 2026–27 Training Calendar, showing every session and coaching assignment, is available on our Training Calendar page.

Yes — all NYEHA athletes compete on AAA or club teams. The academy day ends with the school day, leaving evenings and weekends free for those commitments. The program is built around this reality.

Not every session is mandatory — and that is intentional. Athletes who aren’t participating in the focused session on a given day are still expected to come to the rink. They can work with a coach on video, do a rehab session, or take a light skill day. Being present and engaged, even on recovery days, is part of the culture.

Load management is structural, not reactive. Each day is either on ice or off ice — never both. Off-ice days are never back-to-back and never on Fridays. Heavy training weeks are balanced with lighter recovery periods tied to the game schedule. We do not believe in 12-month, never-stop hockey.