Mites/6U & 8U
Hopkins youth hockey MITE PROGRAM IS BASED ON THE USA YOUTH HOCKEY PHILOSOPHY, FOCUSING ON:
- Growth and Development
- Increasing participation
- Skill Development
- Providing a Safe Environment
- Having Fun!
Mite levels
Mites are divided into 4 groups based on experience and ability.
- Mite 1: Beginning players/skaters. 1st or 2nd year of hockey (ages 4-6; 1st grade or younger)
- Mite 2: Players with some hockey/skating experience (mostly 1st & 2nd graders) Mite 2 will also have learn to skate instruction for the older mite players new to hockey
- Mite 3: Experienced skaters. Most will have played organized hockey for 3-4 years (mostly 2nd & 3rd graders)
- Mite 4: Tryout team. Coaches/evaluators will select team. Mite 4 players typically have 1 or 2 years of Mite eligibility left (usually 2nd & 3rd graders)
Mite Season Expectations
Mites typically practice twice a week (mainly weekend mornings). The season starts in the beginning of October and runs through the end of February (early March for the upper mite levels)
Mites 3 & 4 will have exhibition games with other associations throughout the season and participate in 2-4 jamborees.
At the mite level, most games are cross-ice or half ice, except at the Mite 4 level where a limited amount of full ice games are allowed.
All of our Mites will have the opportunity to play an exhibition game during intermission at a Hopkins High School Hockey game.
6U & 8U
HYHA's mite program is available to both boys and girls. In partnership with St Louis Park Youth Hockey Association, the Hopkins Park Girls Hockey program offers another option for our young female players. The historical retention rate of female players skating with their friends and classmates in 6U & 8U hockey is very high. Conversely, the attrition rate is very high for girls playing co-ed mites. You can find more information about the HP program on the HP site.
Registration Process
- First year players (at any mite level) receive free registration; please reach out to the Registrar for the discount code before registering.
- If this is your first year playing with HYHA, you will need to provide a birth certificate to the Registrar before your registration will be confirmed.
- If you are interested in financial assistance and have questions about our scholarship program, please reach out to the Board President
- Acceptance of the player and parent code of conduct is required to confirm your registration. Both codes can be found under "helpful documents" at the bottom of the program page
- Acceptance of the Volunteer Policy is required to confirm your registration. Please review before completing your registration
Visual Edge
During the registration process, you will have the option to sign your player up for the Visual Edge training program. The Edge Trainer from Vizual Edge delivers the most advanced vision training available. Backed by 30 years of research and development, the Edge Trainer’s proven system improves reaction time, positional and spatial awareness, and recognition. 100% online and customized to your player.
Helpful Information
MN Hockey Player Participation policy
Minnesota Hockey has implemented a New Waiver Rule, which will be effective starting the 2024-25 season.
New Mites skate free
HYHA offers a “New Mites Skate Free” program. This means that all Mite age skaters, who have NOT played with HYHA in the past, will have the opportunity to play hockey for FREE! HYHA will waive all registration and ice fee costs for new Mites.
Please note: You may have to cover the USA Hockey registration fee, depending on the age of your skater.
In addition, you are given the opportunity to obtain free equipment (a deposit fee will be required at the time of pick-up) to use during the season. Each package includes helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin pads, and breezers. .
The package does not include: Skates, stick, socks, athletic supporter and cup, or mouth guard.
Please reach out to the Registrar for more information
Helpful Documents
Scholarship Policy
Scholarship Application
Player Code of Conduct
Parent Code of Conduct
Mite 2025 - 2026
Registration is open for Mites and new this year, a Rookie Camp for those just learning to skate!
*Rookie Camp will run the month of September during clinics
Season fee is $325
Fall clinic fee is $120
Rookie Camp is free!
6U/8U 2025 - 2026
Registration is open for 6U/8U
Season fee is $325
Fall clinic fee is $120