Minnetonka Youth Hockey

This section is an attempt to answer some of the most common and pressing questions about Minnetonka Mite Hockey.  If you have additional questions or have ideas for additional topics, please contact mitedirector@tonkahockey.org.

1. How can I help?
2. How long is the season and when does it begin?
3. How many times per week do the kids skate?
4. Where are practices and games held? 
5. What equipment is required?
6. How are the teams created and the kids placed on teams?
7. What is the game format? 
8. Is my child required to attend pre-season Development clinics?
9. Does my child need a Participation Waiver to play with the Minnetonka Youth Hockey Association (MYHA)?
10. When do we get notified of our teams and practice/game schedules?
11. How many Volunteer Hours do Coaches and Team Managers receive?

How can I help?  

Be a Coach, a Team Manager or help with Mite Mania/Jamboree.  All of our Mite level teams depend on dedicated parents like you for a successful season!  All Board Members, Coaches and Team Managers are parent volunteers from the association.  In addition, we need a large group of volunteers to help with planning, sponsor coordination, set-up and other tasks involved in the successful end-of-season Mite Mania/Jamboree events.  Please contact mitedirector@tonkahockey.org to contribute your time!

How long is the season and when does it begin?

Registration for the season will open on September 10, through the website, and will close on 10/30/2011.  We host Development Clinics for each of the Mite levels which will begin in mid-October and end in mid-November.  (Please note: Development Clinics will start before the official close of registration however, your child's registration must be completed before participating in the clinics.)  The Mite season begins in late-November and ends in early March with our Mite Mania/Jamboree year-end events. Historically, the first "team" events (practices, pictures, etc...) will begin the last week of November.   New this year, registration (and fees) for Development Clinics is included with your child's season registration for all Mite levels.

How many times per week do the kids skate? 

Generally, all Mite levels will skate twice during the weekend and have another mid-week outdoor practice once the local parks are available.   The upper level Mite teams may skate one additional night per week either outside or indoor later in the season based on ice availability.

Where are practices and games held? 

The Boy's teams (Mites 1-4) only play an in-house schedule during the season and all ice time will be at Pagel, Minnetonka Ice Arena (Rinks A&B), Victoria Rec. Center and possibly another rink in close proximity.   The Girls teams (U6 & U8) will play in the same arenas with the exception of a few games against teams from District 6 including: Chaska/Chan,  Eden Prairie, Bloomington and possibly others.  In addition to our own Jamboree, the Mite 3, Mite 4 and U8 teams can participate in one end of the season Jamboree at another arena within District 6.  MYHA does not permit any of the Mite levels play teams outside of District 6. 

What equipment is required? 

Full hockey gear is required for all clinics, practices and games unless otherwise noted.  Please see the Mite Equipment List on the Mite Level Information Page.  http://assets.ngin.com/attachments/document/0012/3844/Mite_Equipment_List.pdf  

How are the teams created and kids placed on teams? 

Once registration has closed, 10/30/2011, we will begin the process of forming teams.   We do not evaluate or hold any sort of try-outs for any of our Mite level (Boys or Girls) teams.  The first criterion for team creation is school of attendance, followed by neighborhood, the need for equal team numbers and finally any need to balance teams.  It is our desire to have the kids skate with friends/peers from their school whenever possible.  This fosters stronger friendships and allows for, "Pond," hockey opportunities at the neighborhood parks.  

What is the game format? 

Our Mite teams will incorporate a cross-ice format for all or a portion of their games depending on the age group.  Mite 1’s will play a half-ice, 5 on 5 format, with two separate games (4 teams) sharing an hour of ice.  Mite 2’s and U6 teams will play in the cross-ice, 3 on 3 format for the entire season.  Each team will be split into two groups with cross-ice games at both ends of the rink.   Mite 3’s and U8 will play the majority of their season in a cross-ice, 3 on 3 format and then switch to full-ice for their final two games in order to work on rules of the full-ice game in preparation for end of season Jamboree(s).   Mite 4’s will play the first half of their games in a cross-ice, 3 on 3 format before switching to a full-ice games. 

Is my child required to attend Pre-season Development clinics? 

While not required, all clinic fees and registration are now incorporated with your child's season registration.  These schedules will be available once we have a better idea of registration numbers and have finalized dates/times/arenas.

Does my child need a Participation Waiver to play with the Minnetonka Youth Hockey Association (MYHA)? 

Please refer to the Participation Rule 2011 page on our website.  In general, if you do not live in the Minnetonka School District but open-enroll your child to a Minnetonka School or just wish for your child to play in MYHA, you MUST obtain a waiver from your home association to participate.  
http://www.tonkahockey.org/page/show/99776-myha-participation-rule-and-waiver-requirements-updated-for-the-2010-11-season 

When do we get notified of our teams and practice/game schedule? 

Once registration has closed (10/30/2011) we will immediately begin the process of creating teams and allocating the ice time.  We will make every effort to notify you as soon as possible with your team information and the schedule for the first month of your team’s ice time.  Please understand this is a very big job and we do our best to notify you as soon as possible.

 How many Volunteer Hours do Coaches and Team Managers receive?

For 2011-2012, the following hours are available:

Mite Head Coach - 10 hours

Mite Assistant Coach - 7.5 hours* (up to three per team)
Mite Team Managers - 5 hours**

* Teams are allowed to have more than four rostered coaches however, if more than three Assistants, the Head Coach will decide which coaches receive hours.  All coaches must be rostered to be on the ice at any time during a practice or game. 
**To receive credit, the Team Manager must also be involved with the Mite Mania and/or Mite Jamboree.

Coaches/Manager Volunteer Hours cannot be further divided, reassigned or gifted to another coach either on the same team or any other team in the association.