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8U (Mites) Program

Small Area Games

Mite hockey has been through several changes in the last few decades.  Team systems and strategies at the Mite level have long gone by the wayside.  A station-based approach focusing on fundamental skill development is also something that USA Hockey is moving away from.

Hockey sense, decision-making, presence of mind, mental flexibility, problem-solving, love of hockey, etc...... These are the "intangibles" that separate hockey players after the Bantam years.  How to you develop mental skills in Mite-aged players?  With SMALL AREA GAMES.

In line with USA Hockey's approach to SMALL AREA GAMES, the Santa Clara Blackhawks revamped their Mite program in 2014 to feature a continuously rotating series of SMALL AREA GAMES at every practice throughout the season.  Games with obstacles, games with spcific rules, games with changing roles, unpredictable variables, etc.... Games that keep the kids constantly active, loving their time on the ice, and building those intangible hockey skills.

Fundamental Skating and Puck Skills

USA Hockey now earmarks the ages of 9-12 as the Golden Age for fundamental skill development.  But you can't completely forget skill development at 6, 7, and 8 years old.  The station-based approach isn't best for this age, so we supplement the SMALL AREA GAMES with detailed skate instruction at every practice for every player in the Mite program either 1-on-1 with an instructor, or with one instructor per 2 skaters.  This will give each player several dozens of quality reps per practice, under a watchful eye, correcting skating form as needed.  We have a club-wide progression of over 60 fundamental skating techniques that we can introduce to each player and teach to each player in an age- and skill-appropriate fashion.

The Program

Focused on giving our youngest members the tools needed to become high-caliber travel hockey players (not just play high-level teams!).  In addition to the practice format described here, numerous fluid "teams" will be formed throughout the season to participate in all of the NorCal Mite Cross-ice Jamborees, as well as constant, grass-roots cross-ice games with other NorCal clubs throughout the season.

Questions about the SCVHA Mite Program?  Please contact directorhockey@blackhawks.org