The enclosed team descriptions are designed to help parents understand the different levels of our program. Coaches, with approval from NAHA’s Coaching Coordinator, have the right to make choices about how to manage the individual teams.
Learn-to-Skate (Any Age): Introduction to skating and learning basic FUNdamentals, beginning stick handling, familiarity with equipment and introduction to the game of hockey in a non-competitive environment.
House-Mites (Age 8 and Under): This program is for those kids who know how to skate and want to learn the fundamentals of hockey. Using skills learned at the Learn-to-Skate level, the goals are to begin coordinating those skills into passing, receiving and shooting the puck. Drills will be simple, emphasizing skating ability, turning, stopping and skating backward. There will be an introduction to the rules of the game, in-house games and perhaps a few games against programs in very close proximity.
Travel Mites (Age 8 and Under): Improve basic skills while teaching sportsmanship and the value of teamwork without sacrificing fun. We will utilize drills that make the skaters move faster, develop quick responses and develop technique. The Mite level is the beginning of competitive play against other programs. Travel is required.
Squirts (Age 9 & 10): Tryouts at the Squirt level will determine whether a player will be assigned to the "A/B" or "B" team. It is expected that players at the Squirt level will have been introduced to hockey and will have experienced competitive play at the Mite level. However, it is possible for a novice skater to begin playing at the Squirt level and make rapid progress. Our Squirt s will focus on continued development of basic individual hockey skills via drills and scrimmaging. The Squirt level is designed to help develop the highest possible level of abilities, skills, performances, competitiveness, and accomplishments of the team and every player on the team through interesting and intense practices and through spirited and competitive matches. We encourage aggressive play, technically and tactically while making the game fun to play. Travel for both teams is required.
Squirt B: To create a fun environment where players want to come to practice and games, while facilitating each players hockey growth and development to the complete extent possible with the goal to reach the next level. Enhance individual skill development. To give players an equitable opportunity to play in each game no matter what their skill level.
Squirt A/B: To develop to the highest possible level the abilities, skills, performances, competitiveness, and accomplishments of the team and every player on the team through interesting and intense practices, and through spirited and competitive matches. Encourage aggressive play, technically and tactically while making the game fun to play.
Pee Wees (Age 11 & 12): At the PeeWee level, all players are expected to be experienced skaters and hockey players. This is the first level at which checking (physically attempting to interrupt the progress of the puck down the ice by bumping the skater in possession) is permitted. As a result, speed and size are major factors in successful play. Although many players look forward to checking, the nature of growth patterns can cause a very large disparity in the players' sizes. Legal and appropriate methods of checking, and the preparation for being checked, will be taught by the coaches. At this level, all players are assumed to be relatively skilled in the basics of skating, understand team concepts, and know the rules of the game. Try-outs for the Pee Wee level will determine whether your child plays on the “A/B” or “B” team. Travel for both teams is required. Early practices may be required depending on available ice time.
Pee Wee B: Provide opportunity to continue the development of individual skills while building character and sportsmanship through fun and friendly competition with a primary goal of reaching the next level if desired. To give players an equitable opportunity to play in each game no matter what their skill level.
Pee Wee A/B: To develop players so that they have great skills, attitudes, and are great team players. Teach and stress tactics, body checking, discipline, aggressive play through rigorous and intense practices and spirited competition. Create a desire to learn, so they will learn to win.
Bantams (Age 13 & 14): Speed, size and intensity are even more important factors at the Bantam level. At Bantams, players are developing physically at very different rates, and coaching will emphasize high levels of skill and speed and execution with strength. Players are developing skills that will allow them to try out for the High School team. Shooting, passing and moving with the puck are strong requirements, as are a demonstrated understanding of the rules and efficient team play. It is our hope that players will achieve a competent skill level that will allow the player to continue in High School hockey. Travel is required. Early practices may be required depending on available ice time.
Girls (Under 14): The Girls team is composed of players with a wide variety of skills and ages. It is our goal to create a fun environment where players are encouraged to build their basic skills, compete with other similarly skilled teams around the state and develop as individuals and as a team. Our objective is to have a competitive program for girls that will challenge their skills and abilities. Once a girl reaches the Pee Wee age, all players to the NAHA program must play on the Girl’s Team. Girls who played at the squirt level or above in the 2003-04 season will have the option of playing on either a boys or girls NAHA sponsored team. Travel is required.
Conclusion: NAHA is designed to help people enjoy the game of hockey. It is not a high-pressure program and it is only as intense as each person makes it. The success of each level and team is directly related to a well-planned, well-organized series of developments toward a clear set of objectives and coached with a consistent philosophy. We must continually strive for fair, equitable and respectful treatment of all our skaters so they develop as athletes and team players in life.
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