8U Mites Program Restructure and Registrations!
The KAIHA Board of Directors would like to announce a change to the programs that we offer at the 8-and-Under (8U / Mites) age classification. This restructure is aimed at providing the best experience for all players and parents and to maximize player skill development, safety, and fun. As the sport of ice hockey continues to grow in Louisville, we are excited to announce that we are expecting a record number of players 8 years old and younger for the upcoming 2024-2025 season! To accommodate this growth, KAIHA and Iceland Sports Complex plan to expand the age group classifications to include 6U as well as 8U.
Previously, all players who are 8 years old and younger would all play together. As the number of players is expected to grow, we see the need to add a 6U age classification. Adding a 6U program will allow players of similar age and size to play and develop together. For the upcoming 2024-2025 season, the 8U (Mites) program will include players of birth years 2016 and 2017. The 6U (Mini Mites) program will include players of birth years 2018, 2019, and 2020.
6U (Mini Mites):
All players 6 years old and younger will all play together utilizing USA Hockey’s American Development Model (ADM). This age-appropriate model is designed to maximize player development, safety, and fun in an environment that is fast paced and exciting. More information on the ADM model can be found here: https://www.admkids.com/page/show/910488-what-is-the-american-development-model-
6U practices will be two (2) 1-hour practices per week with in-house cross-ice games scheduled every other weekend at Iceland Sports Complex. The season will run from September through March. The cost for the 6U season will be $595 per player.
8U (Mites):
Similarly to 6U, 7 and 8 year old players will all play together utilizing USA Hockey’s American Development Model (ADM). (More information on the ADM model can be found here: https://www.admkids.com/page/show/910488-what-is-the-american-development-model- )
The primary segment of the 8U Mites program will consist of (2) 1-hour practices per week with in-house cross-ice games scheduled every other weekend at Iceland Sports Complex. The season will run from September through March. The cost for the 8U season will be $595 per player.
In addition to the primary segment mentioned above, players and families may also participate in a Select Team that will play in local and regional games, tournaments, and jamborees. These additional games will be scheduled on the “off” weekends of in-house games. Participation in the Select Team will be based on availability and skill level and will be determined at the beginning of each season. Participation is also planned to be expanded on a rotational basis to allow more players and families to experience competition with other teams in the regional area.
Registrations:
PLEASE REGISTER YOUR PLAYER FOR THE 2024-2025 SEASON ASAP!
As mentioned earlier, the 6U Mini Mites program is a new offering for our association. To plan and arrange ice time 6U and 8U practices and games, we need to have as accurate participation information as possible. The earlier you register, the better we will be able to plan and ensure that the roll-out of the new 6U program is a success!
Click here to register for the 6U/8U mites programs!
Please register your player by July 15, 2024.
Thank you all for being a part of this exciting growth of youth hockey in Louisville and we’ll see you all on the ice!
Respectfully,
Kentucky Amateur Ice Hockey Association (KAIHA) Board of Directors