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 groups based on experience and ability.
- Rookie Camp: This is the learn to skate option for players brand new to skating and hockey. It is only offered during pre-season clinics and all 1st year mites are encouraged to sign up for this clinic
- Mite 1: Beginning players/skaters. 1st or 2nd year of hockey (typically, ages 4-6; 1st grade or younger)
- Mite 2: Players with 1-2 years hockey/skating experience (mostly 1st & 2nd graders)
- 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 year 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).
Clinics are offered in the month of September for all Mite levels. HYHA also offers a Rookie Camp option for players brand new to skating/hockey as a way to try it out for free before moving up and committing to the Mite 1 season.
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.
Girls 6U & 8U
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/HP, 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 Secretary
- 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
Helpful Information
MN Hockey Player Participation policy
Minnesota Hockey requires players to participate in the program of the school district of their residence. Please check out the Hopkins 270 school district map below to see if your player meets the residence requirement. If you are interested in seeking an exception to this policy, please see the waiver policy below and reach out to the registrar with questions
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
Mites 2026-2027
Registration Will Open in July!
Girls 6U/8U 2026 - 2027
Registration Opening in July!
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