We have 4 levels of play within the Mite (co-ed) program and 3 levels of play for the U6/U8 (girls) program. ACYHA groups players by their experience level, but does make some adjustments for age. We strive to balance teams within each level to ensure competitiveness. The number of teams at each level will be based on player registration numbers.
All players ages 4-9 (born after June 1, 2014) in their initial year of hockey will register as a "New Mite Skater". These first year players are our Mini-Mites, and they will be broken into 4-6 teams at the beginning of the season. All Mini-Mites practice together. Older players or those ready to move up to another level may be moved throughout the season.
Boys ages 4-9 in their second year of hockey should register for Mite 1. Mite 1 players will be broken into 4-6 teams at the beginning of the season. All Mite 1 players practice together. Older players or those ready to move up to another level may be moved throughout the season.
Boys ages 4-9 in their third year of hockey should register for Mite 2. Mite 2 players will be broken into 4 teams at the beginning of the season. All Mite 2 players practice together. Older players or those ready to move up to another level may be moved throughout the season.
Mite 3 teams are our more experienced Mite players. These teams do being some travel to other arenas to play non-ACYHA teams. In general, we strive to move all 3rd graders to this level by the end of season to give them a chance to play together before advancing to Squirts as 4th graders.
U6 players are girls ages 4-9 in their first year of hockey (Beginning skill level).
House U8 players are typically in their 2nd or 3rd year of hockey. (Intermediate skill level)
Travel U8 players are typically in their last year of U8 hockey. (Advanced skill level)
Is your player born before June 1, 2014 and wants to try hockey? We had several new players last year who started out their hockey career at Squirts (boys) or U10 (girls)! Please contact our Squirt or U10 coordinators for more information on how to get started! It is never too late to start hockey!