TEAM Formation

Learn to Play (LTP)

This program is designed for both boys and girls (ages 4-8, older than 8 is welcome) who are new to hockey. Kids will learn to play hockey in a fun, casual environment without a significant time or financial commitment. Practices will be held once a week, offered in two sessions throughout the fall/winter. Age-appropriate kids will typically move up to 6U or 8U upon either completion of a season of Learn-to-Play Hockey or upon gaining the necessary skills and abilities to keep up with the appropriate age-level players and requirements.

6U / In House

It is recommended that players participate in our Learn to Play program before starting the In-House (Mini-Mites) program.

In this program, agility, balance and coordination are the primary focus for this age group.

• The 6U program uses skill repetition with weekly progressions in a relaxed, fun environment. 
• Skaters will be evenly divided into groups or "teams." 
• Limited travel, local associations only for "jamborees" or friendly games.
• 6U will practice once during the week as well as practice or scrimmage on the weekend.
• 6U participates in one tournament throughout the season.

8U / Red, White, Blue (RWB)

It is recommended that skaters participate in our In-House Program prior to starting the 8U (Mites). Participants that begin playing competitive ice hockey at 8U or older will be placed on teams appropriate to their combined age-skill.

8U Mites is further divided by skill into Red (advanced), White (intermediate), and Blue (beginner) teams following the USA Hockey ADM Model. This is why 8U is sometimes referred to as Red-White-Blue or RWB hockey as well. Agility, balance and coordination continue to be the primary focus for this age group. 

• Teams generally consist of 8-12 players. 
• The 8U program focuses on skill repetition by utilizing stations and small area games. 
• Full-time goalies are not recommended at the 8U age level. All players should rotate through the goaltender position. 
• 8U participants will practice one to two times during the week with a practices or games on Saturday and Sunday.  
• Games are played with neighboring associations within 5 - 40 minutes.
• Teams participate in up to 3 tournaments per season, with potential hotel for tournaments.
• Teams are determined during evaluations end of October. Offered for both Co-Ed and Girls Team options.

10U / Squirt

The 10U (Squirt) program consists of teams divided by skill into A, B and C levels. Teams are determined during Evaluations in late September/October. 

• Teams generally consist of 11-14 players with the objective of equal playing time for all players.
• Teams practice 2-3 times per week for approximately 60 minutes at each practice.
• Teams are encouraged to have 1-2 off-ice training sessions per week for 30-40 minutes. 
• Teams play 35-40 games. League & Division games are played against neighboring associations (5-40 mins), and additional games may require travel to further distances.
• 3 Tournaments which may include limited travel with overnight stays in hotels.
• Offered for both Co-Ed and Girls Team options.

12U / Pee Wee

The 12U (PeeWee) program consists of teams divided by skill into A, B and C levels. Teams are determined during Evaluations in late September/October.

• Teams generally consist of 11-14 players with the objective of equal playing time for all players.
• Teams practice 2-3 times per week for approximately 60 minutes at each practice.
• Teams are encouraged to have 1-2 off-ice (dry-land) training sessions per week and 1 "chalk talk" / video session per week.
• Teams play 40-45 games, travel can vary dependent on teams. League & Division games are played against neighboring associations (5-40 mins), and additional games may require travel to further distances.
• 3 Tournaments which may include limited travel with overnight stays in hotels.
• Offered for both Co-Ed and Girls Team options.

14U / Bantam

The 14U (Bantam) program consists of teams divided by skill into A, B and C levels. Teams are determined during Evaluations in September/October.

• Teams generally consist of 13-18 players.
• Teams practice 2-3 times per week for approximately 60 minutes at each practice.
• Teams are encouraged to have 2 off-ice (dry-land) training sessions per week and 1 "chalk talk"/video session per week.
• Teams play 50 games. League & Division games are played against neighboring associations (5-40 mins), and additional games may require travel to further distances.
• 3 Tournaments which may include limited travel with overnight stays in hotels.
• Offered for both Co-Ed and Girls Team options.

Please review EYHA Policies and Procedures for more information on coach selection, player evaluation process, and team size.

Questions about the appropriate level for your player? Please contact EYHA VP On Ice.