Armstrong Cooper Youth Hockey

Question: How old should my son/daughter be to play? Are they too old?

Answer: Many non-players and parents have the mistaken impression that if the child did not start playing hockey before 5 years old, it is too late. There are many Mite players who did not start playing until they were in second or third grade. At the Mite level, we attempt to place starting players at a level most appropriate for their ability and skill level to insure a fun and positive hockey experience. If you are less than 9 yrs old, and your birthday is before July 1 of this year, you qualify for the Mite Hockey Program.

Mite (1, 2, and 3) Age Levels: 7/1/02 to 6/30/07

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Question: Is Mite Hockey just for Boys, or can Girls play too?

Answer: The answer is BOTH!! Despite the dramatic increase in the number of Girl hockey players over the last few years, some are still not aware that girls can play Mite hockey. Girls make up a significant number of ACYHA's Mite program. We encourage participation of any player, boy or girl, who wants to learn to skate and play hockey.

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Question: If I am new to Hockey or my child is; how do we learn more?

Answer: At the beginning of each year we have an orientation for all the families. We introduce all the new families to the program and give them an overview

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Question: How long is the Mite Hockey Season?

Answer: The Mite Hockey season runs from the first weekend in October to the first weekend in March.

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Question: Where are all the Mite Hockey Practices?

Answer: Most of the ice is at New Hope Ice Arena with some of the Mite 2 and Mite 3’s also playing the Plymouth Ice Center and Victory Memorial Ice Arena.

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Question: What days and times are the Mite Hockey Practices?

Answer: The Mites typically skate on Saturday and Sundays of most weekends (or just one day depending on ice availability). The practices can be as early as 8 A.M. and as late as 6 P.M. Some Mite 3 teams may play occasional games during the week.

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Question: What is the goal of the Mite Hockey Season?

Answer: The ACYHA prides itself on the development of its coaches, players, and its hockey curriculum. Our goals are to teach all kids to skate, introduce them to the game of hockey, and most importantly have fun. We do this in an environment that fosters the individual development of each player. We place kids at the most appropriate level based on their skill, allowing them to develop as hockey players at their own rate.

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Question: What are the Mite Hockey Practices like?

Answer: The overall emphasis in all the Mite Hockey Practices is FUN! We want to teach all the kids to love the game of hockey. The curriculum used for the practice for the Mite has been in place for 4 years. The on ice curriculum has been repeated year over year, and it's proven to be effective. All the practices are a balance of skating drills, puck handling, competition drills, small area games, and, most importantly,  pond hockey. All of these practices are led by qualified and certified parent coaches.

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Question: Are the coaches certified and have they passed background checks?

Answer: All coaches who participate in the program for the ACYHA are background checked and a minimum of Level 1 Certified.

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Question: What is Pond Hockey?

Answer: Pond Hockey is the way Mite Hockey Players learn the game the best. The rink is divided in 1/2 or 1/3’s with Border Patrols. The kids are split by skill level and then play a game of 3 on 3 or 4 on 4 hockey. There is no coaching and no stoppages of play. The pond hockey game teaches kids to score quickly and then get back on defense, just like we used to do at the Parks and Frozen Ponds of years past. This free flowing game teaches the kids to handle the puck, play with teammates, all in an unstructured environment. All kids in the ACYHA Mite program get an exposure to Pond Hockey beginning at Mini Mites and all the way to our highest level.

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Question: What does my Mite Hockey Season Fee Include?

Answer: Your fee for the season includes:

1. Registration with Minnesota and USA Hockey
2. Game Jerseys and Socks for All Players
3. Free Rental Equipment for New Mite I Players Only
4. Mite Jamboree Participation

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Question: What and When is the Mite Jamboree?

Answer: The Mite Jamboree is an end of season celebration for the Mite Hockey Players. Each team plays at least three games over the course of two days. All players receive a program, t-shirt, participation medal or trophy. The two-day event is filled with fun activities for the kids and the families like face painting, chuck-a-puck, and of course the games. This event is designed to celebrate the year and the success of each child’s development in hockey, and of course, get them excited for next year. The Jamboree usually takes place the the second or third weekend in March depending on the year.

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Question: Do I need the players’ birth certificate to register?

Answer:   Yes. According to USA Hockey rules, we cannot complete a registration without a copy oft he players’ official birth certificate. Hospital or baptismal certificates cannot be accepted. If you registered your child with AYHA or CYHA last year, we will have a birth certificate on file. If you are new to the program, USA Hockey requires us to get and keep a copy of the child’s birth certificate before processing the registration forms. 

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Question: What Hockey Equipment is needed?

Answer: Players are required to wear the following Equipment:

Certified Helmet
Shin pads
Elbow pads
Shoulder pads
Breezers
Mouth guard
Skates
Stick
Cup or Pelvic Protector

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Question: Is Mite Rental equipment available?

Answer: Yes, for 1st year Mite Families.  Sign up for rental equipment during the registration process. 

The association provides in rental bags:

Certified Helmet (we have some available)
Shin pads
Elbow pads
Shoulder pads
Breezers

The familiy must still provide:

Certified Helmet (if not provided in Mite Bag)
Mouth guard
Skates
Stick
Cup or Pelvic Protector

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Question: Are Scholarships available?

Answer: Limited scholarship funds are available for families needing special financial consideration. The ACYHA Board will approve all scholarships. Please note that a family’s participation in the school’s reduced/free lunch program is the prime criteria for scholarship consideration. Contact Kevin Conway, ACYHA Director with questions.