8U Mites
The 8U House Program (House Mites) is the next step after completion of Learn-to-Play sessions and discussion with your player's coach. A player needs to have their own equipment. It is targeted at further developing the skills of the beginner to the intermediate player to both enjoy the game and eventually progress to the more competitive levels. Practices consist of hockey drills interspersed with fun games utilizing the skills they are taught in accordance with the USA Hockey ADM (American Development Model). Some intrasquad games are organized by the coaching staff during the season to introduce players to the cross-ice play that is recommended for this age group.
The 8U Travel Program (Travel Mites) is designed for those players ready for the more competitive nature of playing games against other programs at both Iceland and their home rinks. Players compete in 1-day jamborees or weekend tournaments throughout the season. Depending on the number of players, there are three levels of competitiveness. Red, White, and Blue.
Ages
When
This level is for birth years 2015, 2016, and 2017 (2023-2024 season) after the player has learned basic skating and stick skills and has completed one of the following prerequisites:
1) Learn To Play or
2) Learn To Skate
(Exceptions will be made for 2018, 2019 birth years based upon skating ability and maturity level.)
First ice session runs after Labor Day to mid-December
Second ice session runs early January to mid-March
Where
Practices
House Mites Practices are held at Iceland Sports Complex.
Travel Mites Practices & games are held at Iceland Sports Complex and other rinks.
2 practices per week (days and times are TBD and can be on the weekdays or weekends). Some weekend practices will be canceled due to holidays and tournaments held at Iceland throughout the season.
Games
Program Cost
Travel Mites games are scheduled on weekends after the season begins once teams are formed. The coaching staff determines the level of play for each team and communicates with parents on interest in tournaments/jamborees.
Jerseys
House Mites- jerseys are loaned and must be returned at the end of the season. No socks are provided.
Travel Mites purchase jerseys that are theirs to keep. Jerseys include Home/Away and 2 pairs of socks for approximately $120.00.
All programs require registration with USA Hockey and KAIHA. Those costs will be detailed on the registration link.
The cost for the 8U programs (house and travel) will be $575.00 and includes 2 practices per week, a minimum of 40 practice sessions for the season. 44-50 are typically scheduled.
Travel Mites have additional costs depending on the number of games scheduled, jamborees, or tournaments in which the team(s) participate.
Questions?
Please contact the KAIHA age representative if you have any questions about these programs.
TBD
Mite Coordinator