Classifications:
Learn to Skate
The Learn to Skate (LTS) program is designed to teach the most basic development skills of hockey skating. It is intended for those who have never been on the ice or had no previous formal skating instruction. The program consists of approximately eight hours of ice time - once a week for eight weeks - and usually starts at the beginning of October. After completing LTS, players may be placed on a Mites 1 team for the remainder of the season at their parents discretion.
Mites 1
This program is designed for those who have either completed the “Learn To Skate Program” or previously mastered the following skills:
- Forward skating with minimal falls
- Ability to get up by themselves after falling down
- Snow plow stops
Most players in this category will be in kindergarten or 1st grade; older players will be allowed who have not played organized hockey before or are less skilled. This program will be conducted in a team format, focusing on continued individual skill development and an introduction to basic team concepts. Practices start in October and will be held with multiple teams on the ice, primarily on weekends. There will be an average of two hours of indoor ice per week and an additional one to two hours of outdoor ice, weather permitting. Games will be played cross-ice with multiple teams on the ice against other teams from our association. There will be a practice-to-game ratio of about 3-to-1 over the course of the season.
Mites 2
This program is designed for those who have either completed two years of Mites 1 or previously mastered the following skills:
- Backwards skating proficiently, including transitions from forwards to backwards with minimal falls
- Controlled hockey stops in each direction
- Forward crossover turns
Most players in this category will be in 2nd and 3rd grades; 1st graders will be allowed if they have completed two years of Mites 1 and are skilled appropriately. This program will be conducted in a team format, focusing on continued individual skill development and additional team concepts. Practices will start in October and be held with one or two teams on the ice, primarily on weekends. There will be an average of two hours of indoor ice per week and an additional one to two hours of outdoor ice, weather permitting. Games will be played against teams in our association as well as against other age and skill appropriate teams from other associations. There will be a practice-to-game ratio of about 3-to-1 over the course of the season.
Mites Plus
The Mites Plus program is generally for players in their last year of Mites and consists mainly of 3rd grade players (2nd graders may be allowed if space permits, they are skilled appropriately, and have completed at least one season of Mites 2). It is designed as an introduction to the Squirt program and requires a larger time and monetary commitment than the other Mite levels.
There will be three to four hours of indoor practice per week, and an additional one to two hours of outdoor ice, weather permitting. Full-ice games will be played against teams from other associations within District 2.
The team will be formed around the middle of September during several one hour "warm-up" sessions. Formal try-outs will generally not take place unless interest is so high that numbers must be limited.
Mites Plus is not a required level for last year Mite players. Parents who wish for their child to develop at a slower pace and at a reduced cost may choose to keep them in the Mites 2 program. MVYHA promotes thorough development of basic skating skills. If you feel your child is in need of basic skill development, the Mites Plus program should not be considered. MVYHA reserves the right to designate Mites Plus registrants to Mites 2 based on level of ability.
Cost of Mite Hockey
Initial registration cost for 2009-10 was $106 for all of the Mite levels. Charges for ice time are collected at the end of the season. For 2009-10 the Mite 1 players were charged $170 each ; the Mite 2 players were charged $380 each. The actual amounts will vary each year based on number of players at each level, cost of the ice per hour, and the number of hours of ice time used.
For more information on the Mites Program, please contact the Initiation Coordinator located under the "Board" tab of this website.
