Welcome New Hockey Parents!

Initiation

Ages 3-8

New to beginner skaters learning the basics from standing alone on skates to moving with a stick and puck. Skate 1 time a week Saturday mornings. Total of 1 hour of ice per week

Equipment: Players need skates, stick, chest, elbow & knee pads, helmet, skates, stick, breezer pants and socks. Neck guards and mouth guards are also recommended.

Jersey: Players will be given a BAHA jersey at their first practice

House Mites

Ages 4-8

More confident skaters, can skate independently, can stop and turn, beginning to move with stick and puck. The focus of this group is fine tuning skating skills, start learning the basics of the game of hockey. This group meets 2 times a week. We schedule some fun games with other local associations. Total of 2 hours of ice a week

Equipment: Players need skates, stick, chest, elbow & knee pads, helmet, skates, stick, breezer pants and socks. Neck guards and mouth guards are also recommended.

Jersey: Players will be given a BAHA jersey at their first practice

8U

Ages 6-8 (formerly known as Cross Ice or Cross Mites)

Skaters should complete a House program or two before moving on to Cross Ice and is recommended to be at least 7 years old at the start of the season. If you have a question about your player's level - please contact the BAHA Registrar or VP of House for more information. Coaches from House programs can also give great advise on making sure your player is a good fit for 8U. These are stronger skaters and can stop, turn, move the puck. This group practices twice during the week and typically one to two competitive games on the weekend. Games are at Leddy park and some travel to away games is necessary. Furthest rinks we play are Middlebury and Highgate. Minimum of 3 hours of ice a week.

Equipment: Players need skates, stick, chest, elbow & knee pads, helmet, skates, stick, breezer pants, socks, neck guards and mouth guards are required.

Jersey: Most players opt to buy both home and away game jerseys at this level. Jersey numbers must be approved by the BAHA Equipment Coordinator at the time of registration. If buying jerseys is a hardship, we are able to provide loaner jerseys.

10U, 12U and 14U Travel Teams

Players are assigned to teams according to their birth year.

Stronger skaters, can stop, turn, move the puck. This group practices twice during the week and typically two games on the weekend. Minimum of 3-4 hours of ice a week. Games are at Leddy park and travel to away games within Vermont is necessary. One out of state tournament per year is typical, requiring a hotel stay of two nights.

Equipment: Players need skates, stick, chest, elbow & knee pads, helmet, skates, stick, breezer pants, socks, neck guards and mouth guards are required.

Jersey: Players are requested to purchase both home and away game jerseys at this level. Jersey numbers must be approved by the BAHA Equipment Coordinator at the time of registration and is your jersey number for as long as you play for BAHA. If buying jerseys is a hardship, we are able to provide loaner jerseys if sizes permit.

Helpful Information for New Parents

Are you new and/or your child new to hockey? Do you need to build a strong hockey foundation? Check out the resources for new hockey parents on the USA Hockey website.

Youth Hockey Blog

To stay on top of the latest in youth hockey, check out this USA Hockey Youth Blog.