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EVHA MITE PROGRAM - 2023-2024 Season

The EVHA mite hockey program is designed to introduce children to the wonderful sport of hockey, develop basic skating/hockey skills, and most importantly, to make hockey fun for the kids and their new friends. 


NEW EVHA Mite Levels

Based on comments we have received over the past few years, we have restructured the EVHA Mite program.  We are no longer determining mite levels on grade level.  The program will be based on hockey experience and skill level for the older mites. Evaluations will be held over the first 2-3 weekends of the mite season (late Oct-early Nov) and used to form skill-appropriate teams. 

 

MITE 1

All first-year hockey players must begin here.

This level will typically be made up of 4-5 year olds that have little to no hockey experience, with some 6-7 year olds.  6-7 year olds that start at this level may be moved up by the PDC based on skills they demonstrate in the evaluation period. Target is 3-5 teams of 6-10 kids per team. (Compare Mite 1 to past season, preK-K group)

MITE 2

This level will typically be made up of 5-6 year olds that have completed mite 1, or 7-8 year olds new to hockey that have demonstrated they can skip mite 1. Target is 3-5 balanced teams of 6-10 kids per team.

(Compare Mite 2 to past season, 1st grade group)

MITE 3 

This level will typically be made up of 6-8 year olds, at least 2 years of hockey experience,  or have demonstrated skills to move on from mite 2. Target is 3 balanced boys teams of 10-13 players and 1 girls team of 10-13 players.

MITE 4

 Typically 8 year olds or 7 year olds that have demonstrated they can move up to this level. 2+ years of hockey experience required. Final mite 4 participation will be based on the determination of the PDC during the evaluation sessions.  Players must opt-in to the cost/commitment of mite 4 at the time of registration. Target is 1 top boys team and 1 top girls team of 11-12 kids.

 


FAQ's About The Mite Program

When is the mite hockey season?

Mites will generally play from late October through the beginning of March.

 What days of the week do mites play?

Mite 1-2 will skate 2 times per week, generally only Saturday-Sunday.  Mite 3 will skate 2-3 times per week and Mite 4 will skate 3 times per week.  All mites will skate on Saturday and Sunday each week.  The additional night(s) will vary each week for the groups that skate 3+.

Where will the practices be held?

Most of the indoor practices will be held at the Hayes Ice Arena in Apple Valley or at the Apple Valley Sports Arena (AVSA) attached to Apple Valley High School.  Occasionally we need to travel to Eagan Civic Arena or Burnsville Ice Arena when ice is not available at our usual rinks.

 What is the cost of mite hockey?

Mite hockey costs are kept as low as possible so young players can try hockey to see if they like it.  The registration fee for returning mites (prior to early registration deadline) is posted on our website prior to the season and is based on grade level.  All players must register with USA Hockey before registering with EHVA.  The USA Hockey fees are generally $50 or FREE depending on birth date.   First year mites receive a free equipment package that includes most items except for skates, stick, and mouth guard (see itemized list handout). Mite 4 will skate more frequently so you will pay the mite 3 cost at registration, with an additional fee should a player be selected for mite 4.

Do the boys and girls play together?

Boys and girls do play together.  Mite 1 & 2 will be mixed teams of boys and girls. For Mite 3 & 4, boys and girls teams are formed in preparation of 10U and squirts. Even though the boys and girls are separated on teams at the higher mite levels, they will still share the ice on the weekends for station- based practices, but will  typically split up for the additional ice each week.

What will beginner mites learn?

The emphasis of the mite program is on the development of skating/hockey skills and less on playing structured hockey games.   A typical practice might have 5-10 minutes of warm up, 30 minutes of station- based skills training, and 20 minutes of in-house scrimmage against other mites of a similar skill level.  The games are informal and the mites are not allowed to check.  Beginner mites will also play tag and other games that will be used to emphasize skating and having fun.

What if my son or daughter has not skated before?

Many first year mites are new to skates.  Mites that are learning to skate will be placed with other beginning skaters and will learn to skate together.  Most new skaters should register for Mite 1.

 How many mites are on each team?

Mite 1-2 will have teams of 6-10 kids while mite 3-4 will have 10-13 kids per team.  Mite teams will share the ice with other mite teams at practice.

 How old does a mite need to be?

Generally, we want our mites to be 5 by January 1 of the current season.  Our player development team recommends younger players participate in skating lessons if younger.  Exceptions can be made if they already have skating experience - contact our mite coordinators for more information.

What is the evaluation period in EVHA mite hockey?

The evaluation period will be held over the first 2-3 weekends of the mite season (late Oct-early Nov). They will be used for the PDC to form teams and make any adjustments to teams/levels a player signed up for.

 When will mite rosters be locked for the season?

By 12/31, as USA hockey requires teams to have submitted and approved rosters before the new year.

My classmate is on mite 4 and I’m on mite 3, will I still skate with them on the ice?

Yes, but on a rotating schedule.  Mite 3 teams will rotate in with the mite 4 teams to skate together on the weekends.


Mite & EVHA News

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Mite Contacts



Joe Gabriel

Mite Lead, EVHA Player Development Committee

Eric Nilsen

Mite Coordinator, EVHA Board