2013 – 2014 Hockey Season Mite/Mini-Mite, U8 Parents Meeting Brian Lotthammer—Mite Coordinator

1. 2013 – 2014 Hockey Season Mite/Mini-Mite, U8 Parents Meeting Brian Lotthammer—Mite Coordinator Brad Rassmussen—Mite Coordinator Stephanie Kohnen—BYHA President Marie Lambrecht—Team Manager Coordinator

2. AGENDA • Registration #’s • Coach #’s • Program Objectives • Program Design • Clinics / Skill Assessments • Practices • Games • Coach / Parent Expectations • Bison Buddies / Adopt-A-Team / Rink Rats • Mite WILD Game

3. REGISTRATION #’s • 114 Skaters • 67 Minis • 11 girls • 57 Mites • 11 Girls • 36 New Skaters • # of teams TBD (likely 11)

4. COACH #’s • All Volunteers… • 30 Total Coaches • Lead Coaches • Objective: 8-10 per practice session • High ratio of coaches needed for development / stations • Need more coaches for younger kids…!!!

5. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES • FUN, Skill Development, Discipline, and FUN • Playing/practicing with players of similar ability • Measuring Improvement: • Players will improve in all skill areas • Players average = +15% improvement • Build strong foundation for higher level hockey • Develop a love for the game so they continue playing for many years

6. PROGRAM DESIGN • Nov: Clinics / Skills Assessments / Observation • Skill Assessments November 20, 23, and 24 • Dec: Split kids into 4 practice groups • Gold(Group 1) / Silver(Group 2) / Bronze(Group 3) / *Rookie(Group 4); teams formed; games begin • Jan-Feb: practices & games; D5 scrimmages for Gold/Silver • Mar: Sauk Rapids(March 8-9)/ St. Michael Jamborees/ Season Wrap-up

7. Calendar and Schedule

8. CLINICS / SKILLS ASSESSMENTNovember 20, 23, & 24

9. REPORT CARDS

10. PRACTICES • USA Hockey ADM Model • 4-6 rotating stations • Small area games • Increase puck touches • Focus on skating skill development

11. GAMES MITE HOCKEY - MH strongly encourages the skill level development of all players. This is particularly critical at the Mite level so that players are provided with the foundation to enjoy and have success in the game. 1. In an effort to reduce travel expense and promote development rather than competition, Mite teams shall participate within their home association and district only. On an exception basis, the District Director(s) may, for convenience or to maintain continuity, permit a team to play outside the district. The District Director's decision is final. 2. Mites are generally organized into levels based on age, skill and the number of Mite players in the association. As a guideline, Mites should be divided into two levels: Mini-Mites (6 and Under) - the younger, beginner and less skilled players; and Mites (8 & Under) - the older, experienced, more skilled players. 3. The focus for Mites is to teach and develop the basic skills of skating, puck handling, shooting and passing. Accordingly, cross-ice, ½ ice and small area games (Red, White and Blue) are recommended to maximize ice utilization, increase puck touches and increase the competition and fun. The American Development Model (ADM) provides the overall blueprint for player development. 4. At the Mini-Mite (6 and Under) level – all games shall be played cross or half ice. 5. At the Mite (8 and Under) level – games during the first half of the season (before December 31st.) should be played cross or half- ice. During the second half of the season there shall be no more than 10 full ice games, unless approved by the District Director and the decision of the District Director is final. 6. Local hockey associations are in the best position to design their programs to provide an experience where players can develop and have fun. This should be based on the principles of ADM, Red, White and Blue, the number of players in their program, the skill of their players, the availability of ice and their coaching staff. 7. In recognition of a need for flexibility and differences between associations, the guidelines outlined in #4 and #5 above will be monitored by the District Director. Abuses will result in sanctions against the respective association(s) at the sole discretion of the Director. 8. MH does not permit Mite Tournaments. MH Mite teams cannot participate in out-of-state tournaments. 9. Jamborees may be conducted at the Mite level. A jamboree is defined as a low-key full participation event where players have an enjoyable learning experience in a non-competitive environment.

12. GAMES • Bronze / Rookie • Cross-ice games (in-house) • No goalie equipment, small nets • Gold / Silver • Half-ice games pre 1/1/14 • Some full-ice games / D5 scrimmages Post 1/1/14 • Goalies

13. American Development Model http://usahockey.cachefly.net/ADM/crossice.wmv BYHA U8 Follows ADM principles…

14. COACHES’ EXPECTATIONS of Skaters/Parents • What coaches expect? • Be Ready and On Time(Helmets & mouthguards) • Player attention & effort • Parental support (positive about program, skill development, coaching) • Let coaches know if not going to attend • PARENTS: BE A CHEERLEADER, NOT A COACH (UNLESS YOU’RE COACHING!)

15. PARENTS’ EXPECTATIONS of Mite/Mini Mite Program • What should parents expect? • Consistent schedule • Wed & Sat, some Sun for Bronze/Rookie • Wed, Sat & Sun for Gold/Silver (more hours & $) • Knowledgeable and well-prepared coaches • A focus on development and progress as the year evolves

16. ADOPT-A-TEAM • HS Players Adopt-A-Team • Participate in some practices • Role model for kids • Talk about hockey experience

17. RINK RAT PROGRAM • Bronze / Rookie: 10 hours outside ice • Gold / Silver: 15 hours outside ice • Rewarded with Rink Rat T-shirt or Hat • Parents to sign off on their rink rat hours sheet – honor system

18. BISON BUDDIES • Scheduled at Varsity Home Games • Team skates pre-game warm-up and participates in National Anthem • Half-ice game between 1st and 2nd periods • Scheduled by Team Managers • Mites/U8 Game only

19. MINNESOTA WILD Vs. Buffalo Sabres GAME • Thursday, January 2, 2014, 7:00 P.M. • Last year Mites/U8s only • 16 Skaters on ice between periods, drawing • All Last Year Mites can attend • Tickets to Sell (175 x $26)

20. Questions? Thank you for your support in making this a FUN season for the Kids, Coaches, and Parents!!