8U Mite Program
Our 8 and under program follows the USA Hockey ADM (American Development Model). To ensure quality ice time for every level of player, they are divided into 3 groups based on skill, not age. These divisions make it easier for kids to play with others at the same skill level and pace. Movement is allowed, players can move up to continue to advance their skills.
Red, kids with more advanced skill and can compete at the higher levels of this age group, as well as commit additional time and cost.
White, intermediate stage, some experience.
Blue, players that are just beginning to learn the concepts of hockey and team play.
Ages
Players 8 years old or younger when the season starts.
Players should be able to skate end to end or have completed at least one session of Learn-to-Skate.
When
Players register and attend evaluations for team placement the first week of September. The season culminates with the MAC Attack in late February, early March.
Practices
Blue and White teams get 40-50 ice sessions per season (about 26 hours).
Red teams get 50-60 ice sessions per season (about 36 hours).
Practice occurs 2-3 times per week, mostly on weekends with one weekday sheet.
*dependent on ice availability and team size
Games
Teams will play a minimum of 16 cross-ice/half-ice games over the course of the season and they will usually fall on the weekends.
Teams will also attend the Toys for Tots Tournament in December, I Heart Hockey Tournament in February, and MAC Attack at season's end.
Costs
Cost varies year to year depending on many factors. The anticipated Registration fee for the upcoming season is $450, subject to change when the new annual budget is set in June.
This fee also includes entry into Fall Development, the I Heart Hockey Tournament, and the MHA-hosted MAC Attack at season's end.
Additional Costs
Reds will incur an additional cost near season's end as they receive additional hours of ice. Exact cost is determined by additional ice time over allotted hours and the number of rostered players.
Teams may decide to participate in additional tournaments or jamborees. Expect Team Managers to request funds to cover entry fees.
MHA Jersey kit (reversible jersey and socks).
Jerseys
MHA jerseys (sublimated reversible, $90) and socks ($32/pair) are required and will be purchased directly from the Team Shop. Your Team Manager will verify player numbers and schedule a time for sizing and ordering at the Team Shop in Anchorage.
Also available for individual purchase:
- Warmup Coats, $90
- Warmup Pants, $50
Where
Evaluations, practices, and most home games are held at the Harry J. McDonald Memorial Center. Games may be played across Anchorage, as well as the Matsu-Valley.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available, and packets can be found under Resources on our homepage. Please fill out and turn in/postmarked by July 12, 2024 to MHA Office Manager.
A drop box can be found at the MAC on the wall outside of locker room 1.
Additional Questions?
2024-25
Birth years for 2024-2025 season:
2016, 2017, possibly 2018
REGISTRATION for 24-25 season open!
EVALUATIONS:
September 3 and 4
September 4, 6:30 - 7:30
BLUE PRACTICE:
Saturdays @ 8:00am
Sundays @ 1:30 or 2:15pm
some Wednesdays @ 6:00
WHITE PRACTICE:
Saturdays @ 9:15am
Sundays @ 2:45pm or 3:30pm
some Wednesdays @ 6:00
RED PRACTICE:
Saturdays @ 9:15am
Sundays @ 2:45pm or 3:30pm
some Wednesdays @ 6:00
*Practice times may need to be adjusted due to MAC programming and games. Please verify with Crossbar schedule before attending.
*Prior to registration and evaluations, register your player at USA Hockey, linked HERE. Print and keep their USA Hockey number.
*If registering more than one player from the same family, use SIBDISCOUNT for all registrations after the first.