Youth Hockey FAQs
Youth Hockey Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
about
What youth hockey programs are available to my child in
The local youth hockey association in
What is the goal or focus of youth hockey in
The goal of youth hockey is to provide proper hockey instruction in a safe and fun environment. There are both competitive travel programs and recreational house programs.
For young beginners, the focus is on teaching the basic skills of hockey, including skating forward and backward, stick handling, passing, puck control, shooting, positioning, teamwork, and good sportsmanship. It is important that each child feels he or she is an integral part of the team, has equal time on the ice, and has a tremendous amount of fun playing hockey. No score is kept at Mite or Termite games. Termites and Mites play cross-ice, while Squirts and older players play full ice.
Beginners are welcome at all levels of house programs, up to and including High School.
What is a "Mite" and a “Squirt”?
Termite (age 4-6) Mites (age 7-8 ) Squirts (ages 9-10), Peewees (ages 11-12), Bantam (ages 13-14), and High School (ages 15-18). Girls U14 (ages 11-14), Girls U19 (15-19.)
How these particular names evolved is a mystery to most living humans but most of
In
Our house program starts with our “Termites” for ages 4-6 who are beginners, and our “Mites” for ages 6-8 who are a little older or who have played before. The next age divisions in our house program for are Squirts, ages 9-10, followed by Middle School, and finally, High School. Most of these programs are open to both boys and girls.
At what age can my child start to skate in a hockey program?
It is highly recommended that your child be at least four years old to start playing hockey. Beginning skaters are welcome at all levels of in-house hockey in Missoula, whether it is Termites, Mites, Squirts, Middle School, or High School for boys; or U8, U11, U14, or U19 for girls. It is never too late to start playing hockey. In fact,
What equipment will my child need to play hockey?
Each skater will need a pair of hockey skates, a helmet with a facemask and mouth guard that attaches to the helmet, a hockey stick, shin pads, supporter and cup (boys) or abdomen protector (girls), elbow pads, shoulder pads, breezers (padded pants), socks, and hockey gloves. MAYHA provides jerseys for termites and up. Good quality, properly-sized skates make learning to skate easier. If funds are limited, buy these first.
A full set of new equipment for a Mite can cost $100-$200. MAYHA has full sets of equipment available for rent for $50 for the year. Our rental gear is pretty high quality and is the most economical option for most families. Many families rent, borrow, or purchase used equipment at first until their son or daughter gets a bit older. MAYHA also has an equipment swap for families to swap away their too-small gear and get different gear that fits their growing daughter or son.
Is the sport of hockey safe for my child?
Youth hockey is a safe sport, especially at younger ages such as Mite and Squirt levels where no checking (intentional collisions or hitting) is allowed, although incidental contact does occur. Each skater must wear protective equipment. Ice is hard, and falling on the ice without the proper protective equipment can really hurt. Parents and coaches should make sure that equipment is worn properly. Coaches, referees and parents make safety a top priority on the ice and in the locker rooms.
While injuries in any sport can and do occur, in the youngest age groups hockey is quite safe for children and injuries are very rare.
Is the youth hockey program open to boys and girls?
Yes. Both boys and girls are encouraged to play.
In 2009-2010, we will have single-sex programs for all girls, from U8 to U11 to U14 to U19. Girls’ and Women’s hockey, from the youngest beginner to College to Olympic champion, is a no-checking game. Checking is allowed for boys beginning only at the Peewee level. Some girls choose to play in the boys’ programs because they seek tougher competition, and girls are welcome to try out for all boys’ teams.
Does my child have to commit to traveling all over the state to play hockey?
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The U14 program is primarily in-house, with several travel opportunities. The U19 program offers significant competitive options for both in-house and travel games.
What will it cost for my child to play hockey?
Ice hockey can be expensive - but the costs are much lower for U8, Termites, and Mites than for the older groups. Travel hockey is more expensive because the kids use more ice time for practice and games, and families should also account for gas and hotel expenses as well.
In 2009-2010, the costs for in-house programs are
Boys
Termites -- $140
Mites -- $215
Squirts -- $270
Middle School -- $280
High School -- $300
Girls
U19 Girls -- $300
House programs are two hours per week from November through February. In 2009-2010, the season will run from November 9th through February 28. Payment plans are available to allow families to spread out payments. All players must also join USA Hockey, which can be done online at www.usahockey.org.
Hockey in
What is the time commitment that will be required for my child to play hockey?
Generally, kids in all house programs will skate for two one-hour sessions weekly. Please check www.glaciericerink.com for specific times for each age group. While it is not mandatory that your child attend every practice and every game, it is important that your child attend as many practices and games as possible, because they will have more fun the more they play.
Is there a volunteer time commitment for the parents/guardians?
A commitment is necessary to bring your skater to practices and scrimmages throughout the season. Allow an extra 15-30 minutes before practice to help your skater into the equipment and to lace up skates (other parents and coaches will show you how.) Many parents choose to dress their Termites and Mites at home and transport them to the rink ready to play.
MAYHA is a volunteer organization, and parents and guardians are always encouraged to participate. MAYHA requires each family to volunteer at least 12 hours of time over the course of the hockey season, or to “buy out” of the volunteer commitment. Participation may take the form of a Board position, coordinating a level of play, managing a team, coaching, running the clock during games, or simply selling concessions, for example.
Each family is also required to participate in a fundraising event, either selling cookie dough, parking cars at UM games, working concessions for Maulers, participating in the scrip program, or other fundraising efforts, to help offset costs for the program.
Who will be coaching my child?
In-house teams are generally coached by volunteer parent-coaches. All coaches must undergo a standard background check as required by MAHA. Coaches must be certified by attending coaching clinics at the start of each hockey season. If you are interested in becoming a coach, please contact Gary Jahrig,
What levels of play are available, and how are teams selected?
Generally, skaters will participate in programs based on their age. Skaters are placed at the appropriate level of play by the coaches. Players are split into teams of roughly equal ability by the coaches to assure that everyone has an enjoyable experience. Beginners are welcome at all levels of the house program.
Where will my child play?
MAYHA has both an indoor and an outdoor rink at the Missoula County Fairgrounds. Kids will generally be scheduled to play on both rinks.
When are practices and games scheduled?
In 2009-2010, Termites will skate on Mondays and Wednesdays from TBA. One of these sessions will be a practice, while the other session will be split between a short practice and a game. The Termites will primarily focus on skating and skills during the months of November and December, and will not begin playing “games” until January. Termites play cross-ice, 3-on-3 with no goalie.
In 2009-2010, Mites will skate after the Termites on Mondays and Wednesdays. Mites will focus on skills for the month of November, then will begin playing “games” in December or January, depending on skill development. Generally, one session will be a practice, while the other session will be split between a short warm-up and a game. Mites also play cross ice, 3-on-3 with no goalie.
Squirts will also have one practice and one game each week, and will skate on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Squirts play 5-on-5 full ice with a goalie.
U11 also skate on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and play 5-on-5 full ice with a goalie.
Please check www.glaciericerink.com for the full ice schedules.
How will my child get to and from practices and games?
It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to transport his or her child to practices and games. Carpooling arrangements can often be worked out for the convenience of many parents.
What is the ratio of practices to games?
Generally, the ratio of practice time to game time over the course of the season is roughly 3:1 for younger kids, and closer to 2:1 for older kids.
How long is the hockey season?
The season generally runs from early November until March. There are generally both pre-season skating opportunities in the fall and a spring program beginning in March or April.
If I am unable to afford the fees for my child to skate, is there financial assistance available?
MAYHA does have limited scholarship funding available for its travel programs.
Can I come to a practice and check things out?
Yes. Watching a practice will give you an idea of the skills necessary to play at that level, how the coaches conduct a practice, and generally what youth hockey is all about. Coaches and parents are always willing to talk with new parents and skaters about the program. Clinics and tryouts are conducted at the beginning of each season. To obtain schedules of clinics, tryouts and practices, please check www.glaciericerink.com.
How do I register my child to skate?
There are forms at www.glaciericerink.com that you can download and fill out, or you can simply drop by the rink during operating hours and get forms. Either drop the forms off at the rink or mail them to
Travel programs have strict deadlines and tryout dates.
Registration should be completed by November
Who is "in charge" of youth hockey?
The national governing body is USA Hockey. USA Hockey is responsible for all youth hockey, and for selection of the USA National and Olympic teams. MAHA, an affiliate of
In addition to MAYHA’s youth hockey programs, there are also adult recreational leagues and competitive adult traveling teams for men and women. The Glacier Hockey League (GHL) features six recreational leagues with over 40 teams and over 600 players, while the Womens Hockey Association of Missoula (WHAM) features recreational leagues for women. The
