The Tahoe Grizzlies Ice Hockey club season has started with preseason action at the Squirt, Pee Wee and Bantam levels.

The in-house Mite program is seeking new players to start playing ice hockey. Mites is for anyone 9 and younger. Typically most Mites will be in the 7- to 8-year-old range. But sometimes there are kids interested that are 6 years old or even younger. The object is to introduce kids to the joys of playing hockey.

First practice is Oct. 3 from 6-7pm at the South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena (1176 Rufus Allen Blvd.). Players must have a current 2011-12 USA Hockey membership and a copy of their birth certificate to practice. Contact STAHA on how to obtain a USA Hockey membership.

Regular practices are Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-7pm at the ice rink. Players are responsible for providing their own hockey gear (parents and coaches will be on hand at practice to help advise what is required). There is some loaner gear available. Skates may be rented at the rink. Players need to bring their own sticks, although there are also a limited number of sticks available for use by first time players.

Cost of the program is $395 per player. This represents double the ice time for the same price as last year. This covers all practices through mid-March.

STAHA (South Tahoe Amateur Hockey Association) will be organizing the coaches for the year. Coaches must be USA Hockey certified. If you are interested in helping, contact STAHA.

The 2011-12 season marks the first time in many years (the Club historians could not resolve when) that there were three travel teams in the same year. The following levels will be competing at the competitive level across Northern California:

• Squirts — ages 9 and 10

• Pee Wee — ages 11 and 12

• Bantam — ages 13 and 14.

STAHA also has a new president. After several successful years at the helm, Michael Newberger decided to retire. Phil Sorensen was elected to succeed Newberger.