The Initiation Program, also known as Mites, is open to boys and girls who have reached the age of 4 or older by July 1st of the year they want to start playing hockey. The Initiation Program will be divided into four classifications based primarily upon skating skills and hockey experience, which serves as the foundation for the development of all young hockey players. The placement of the player into one of the four classifications outlined below is based mainly on ability, rather than age or grade.

 

Classifications:

 

A. “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 ten hours of ice time - once a week for ten weeks - and usually starts in mid-October.  After completing LTS, players may be placed on an Initiation 1 team for the remainder of the season at their parents discretion.

 

B. Initiation 1 (I-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.  Indoor practices will start around the first weekend in October and 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.

 

C. Initiation 2 (I-2)

 

This program is designed for those who have either completed Initiation 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; younger players may be allowed if their skating skills are appropriate.  This program will be conducted in a team format, focusing on continued individual skill development and additional team concepts.  Indoor practices will start around the first weekend in October and be held with two (and occasionally three) 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.

 

 

D.  Initiation Program Plus (IP+)
                                                                        

The IP+ program is generally for players in their last year of Initiation 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 Initiation 2).  It is designed as an introduction to the Squirt program and requires a larger time and monetary commitment than the other Initiation 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.

IP+ is not a required level for last year Initiation 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 Initiation 2 program.  MVYHA promotes thorough development of basic skating skills.  If you feel your child is in need of basic skill development, the IP+ program should not be considered.  MVYHA reserves the right to designate IP+ registrants to Initiation 2 based on level of ability.

 

For more information on the Initiation Program, please contact the Initiation Coordinator located under the "Board" tab of this website.