The Hockey Institute Of Allen Mini Mite Development Program
“Mini Mites” Program Mission Statement TO HAVE FUN AND LEARN HOW TO PLAY OUR GREAT SPORT
OF HOCKEY!!!!
This document will explain the overall purpose and mission of the JR. Americans Mini Mite Development
Program also known as “Mini Mites”.
Objective
The objectives of the HIA Mini Mite Development Program are the following:
Teach the fundamentals of skating, balance, agility, and puck control; Provide an enjoyable introduction
to hockey for players of all abilities; Stress participation, fun and individual skill development; and,
Provide a healthy environment for fun and learning.
II. Philosophy
The Philosophy of the Mini Mite Development Program is the fundamental stage of the HIA. Its aim is
simple – teach the player how to skate. The foundation of having any fun or success playing Hockey is
the ability to skate. Creating a positive, fun and healthy environment for the youngest members of HIA
is essential to a player’s long term participation, growth and successful experience in hockey. The Mini
Mite Development Program will focus on individual age appropriate skill development for all players
based on USA Hockey's American Development Model (ADM). More information on the ADM can be
found on the ADM USA Hockey at their website.
The ADM encourages a noncompetitive environment in which children and youth can learn the basic
skills without the distractions that are often associated with an overemphasis on winning games.
Mastery of the fundamental skills and the fun of playing are essential to the development of a lifelong
interest in hockey. Enjoyment and recreation are the focal points of the guidelines for youth hockey
issued by USA Hockey and the HIA. Again, at the end of the day – if a player can’t skate – he or she may
never be fully realized as a hockey player.
III. Program Structure
The structure of the Mini Mite Development Program is important in creating a successful experience
for ALL players and parents. HIA realizes that families are stretched in many directions and is committed
to creating as cost efficient and family friendly environment. At the beginning of the season, each player
will participate in a preseason evaluation. The purpose of the evaluation is to ensure that all players are
placed at the appropriative level based on their ability. Following the preseason evaluation, participants
in the Mini Mite Development Program will be placed into groups based on ability. A minimum level of
proficiency will be expected before players move to the next level in order to ensure that every Mini Mite possesses the basic fundamentals of skating, balance, agility and puck control. The importance of
overall body control will be stressed at every level. The goal is to ensure that every player is ready to
compete at the highest level once he/she reaches league age.
IV. Group Skill Sections
Group Skill Sections of the Mite Development Program is designed with the emphasis will be on skating,
balance, agility, puck control and positioning. Practices will be shared and games may include cross ice
games against other Mini Mites.
V. Player Development
The HIA Mite Development Program, based on USA Hockey’s ADM, is centered on skill repetition, small
area drills, station work and cross ice games. Practices are designed according to the ability level of the
skaters in each group and will concentrate on the individual development of each player above all other
interests. Player development is based on the following beliefs: Along with the hockey skills that are
being taught, the Mite Development Program is committed to developing the life skills identified in the
Philosophy section. Participants will be taught the proper way to perform skills. Practice makes
permanent, not perfect. By learning to perform skills correctly, players will eliminate the formation of
bad habits. Muscle memory is developed through repetition. Skills must be practiced repeatedly until
performing each skill becomes second nature. The more times players practice the fundamental skills,
the more success they will feel which translates into fun. Limited “games”. Full ice game situations are
not the best way to develop skills and often end up not being as fun as people hope. Instead, the Mite
Development Program will employ various cross ice and small area games which are shown to develop
individual and team’s skills, promote creativity, increase involvement, and provide more opportunities
for players to touch the puck.
VI. Ice Hours & Fees
The Mini Mite Development Program will have a summer then a Fall/Winter session. The summer
session will begin in early July and run in conjunction with Skate school. Therefore there will be a new
session every 16 weeks. The ice fee includes a minimum of 16 hours of ice, instruction, jersey and cross
ice games every second week. First session Mini Mites have a fee of $160. The Ice Times will be for 1
hour starting at 2pm on Saturdays located at Allen Community Ice Rink.
. VII. Coaching Development and Support For many players and parents,
The coach will be their first contact with the sport of hockey. The impression the coach makes upon
players and parents will have a lasting effect on their perception of the game of hockey and JAHA. It is
critical that we have coaches who can relate to children and teach the skills that will ensure ALL
participants are successful and enjoy their experience playing the game. The coach plays a prominent
role in the lives of players in the program and helps to shape their view of hockey by his/her actions and
attitudes. Coaches will be the first point of contact for players while on the ice and should teach the
players to: Play for the love of the game. Respect the opponent. Work for the good of the team. Play
within the rules of the game. Be generous in victory and graceful in defeat. Always conduct themselves
with honor and pride. Love the game.