Squirt C FAQ’s

New Squirt C Program Q & A

Attention parents of boys and girls going into third grade and all other Squirts:

Eastview and Apple Valley Hockey Associations are changing our Squirt C programs.  In past years, third graders were not allowed to play Squirt hockey unless there was a shortage of players at the squirt C level.  In such cases, a handful of the oldest players from the previous years’ advanced Mite team were invited to play Squirt C hockey.  These kids would then play three years of Squirt hockey.

As a board, we wanted to improve the Squirt C program and, at the same time, provide third graders with the option of playing three years of squirt hockey.  The changes to our program are described more fully in the following frequently asked questions:

What are the primary changes to the Squirt C program?

First, teams will be smaller.  Depending on the number of players that register, we hope to have 11 or 12 players per team, including goalies.  This is only a goal - registration numbers will dictate team size.  Smaller team size will mean more game time per player.

Second, league games will be played against only Apple Valley and Eastview Squirt C teams.  Because of smaller team sizes and the addition of third graders, we project six to eight teams in the league.

Third, with smaller team sizes, most of the practices will be shared by two to three teams.  Coaches will be required to coordinate practices pursuant to a program established by Pat Westrum of the AVHA, who has extensive experience with coaching.  These practices will focus on individual skills and small area games.  The practices will be designed to be competitive and fast-paced.  Eastview and Apple Valley Squirt C coaches will be required to attend training sessions.

Why aren't we playing league games against other District 6 teams?

With six to eight evenly matched teams with home ice at the same rink, we would rather save the gas and travel time.  We want to avoid travel to Victoria, Chaska, Shakopee or Minnetonka, especially on week-nights.  Plus, we think our kids will enjoy friendly rivalries against each other and (for many) their classmates that will go to Apple Valley High.  Our Squirt league games will still be “official” league games officiated by  referees.

Does my third grader have to play Squirt C hockey instead of Mites?  My third grader may not be ready.

No.  In fact, we would recommend that players going into third grade with little or no hockey experience play Mites in third grade.  Third graders have the choice to play Mites or Squirts.  If you have questions about whether your child is ready, please call Chris Carlson (Mite Coordinator; 952-997-2232).

What are the differences between Mite and Squirt C hockey?

Historically, Eastview Mite hockey generally provided 2 hours of indoor ice per week, starting in mid-November until the first week of March.  Included in this ice time were approximately four to six scrimmages outside the association, with no referees and no score being kept.  Per district rules, these scrimmages cannot start until after January 1.  There is an optional jamboree at the end of the year that teams would fund themselves.

In Squirts, there is significantly more ice time, with three to five hours of indoor ice per week.  There are also optional clinics beginning in September.  Practices start in early October.  Our C teams will play in 3 tournaments, with one out of town tournament.  There will be approximately 14 to 16 officiated league games and it is planned that there will be a league play-off at the end of the season.  Additionally, teams will receive a few hours of ice to set up scrimmages with teams from other associations.  The total number of Squirt games, by MAHA rule, cannot exceed 35.

What about third grade girls?

Per USA Hockey, girls can play on all-girls teams or play with the boys.  As a result, third grade girls can play U10 hockey, Squirt C hockey, boy’s Mite hockey or girl’s Mite hockey.  Any fourth or fifth grade girl that is Squirt-aged can play U10s or Squirts.

Can third graders try out for the squirt A or B teams?

No.  We will continue to allow only fourth and fifth graders play A or B hockey.  Squirt C hockey is a small step above advanced Mite hockey in terms of the speed of the game.  In the past, Squirt C hockey has been an enjoyable experience for our association's strongest third graders.

My fourth or fifth grade son would likely make an A or B team, but he wants to play with and against his buddies and I don't want to travel for league games. Can we choose to play in the Squirt C program?

Yes, there is no requirement that players try-out for Squirt A or B teams.  Throughout our association if traveling aged players do not try-out they are automatically placed on C teams.

What are the cost differences?

The cost differences can be significant for some families because the association partially-subsidizes Mites to help grow our program.  We project that it will cost approximately $750 for Squirt C hockey.  This is only an estimate and the final costs could be greater or lower depending on many factors we cannot control, such as team size and whether your team makes additional commitments. 

Including the end-of-the-year mite jamboree and the MEA clinics, Mites will cost approximately $250. 

All Mites and Squirts must participate in the pizza fundraiser and the volunteer program. 

What about jerseys?

Squirt C players will be purchasing the newly redesigned Eastview jerseys -- that $120 cost is included in our projection.  The jerseys can be used year-after-year until the player outgrows the jersey (player picks their number). Mites will continue to receive the same light-weight jerseys good for one year.

Why are you projecting the squirt C program will cost less than last year?

We are combining multiple teams on the ice for practices.  There is little reason for a Squirt C team to be alone on the ice for a practice.

How are you picking the squirt C teams?

We will evaluate the teams and make them as even as possible.  Because we are trying to make the teams even, we will not be able to accommodate team requests.  Siblings that are both at the C level will be placed on the same team.