PROGRAM AGES: Ages 4 to 6 (birth dates of 1/1/2013 to 12/31/2015) PROGRAM FREQUENCY: Meets twice per week, with 22 on-ice classes per session
The Pre-Mite hockey program is Step #2 of our youth learn to play hockey programs. Successful completion of our Hockey 101 program is highly recommended, as those participants will have a solid foundation of basic skating and hockey skills, while setting them up for a successful transition into this more in-depth hockey program.
This program is run through a partnership with the Rochester Hockey Coalition, and is designed with an emphasis on having fun, while creating the positive atmosphere crucial for children to achieve the comfort levels needed to learn. While the program focuses heavily on developing the individual playing skills of all participants, it also introduces the concept of being on a team by putting participants into groups (mini teams) within the entire class of participants.
General Program Information:
A program orientation meeting will take place immediately following the first on-ice class for each session
Players are placed on teams according to skill level, to insure proper player development
Although players are placed on teams, team play is not the primary focus of the pre-mite program (which will be explained in more detail during the orientation meeting)
Each team will have a coach that will be assigned to it for the entirety of the program, which helps in creating a positive environment for all participants, but allows for maximum development of all participants by having a dedicated coach who can be in tune with each participants skill levels and development patterns.
Each session includes a minimum of 22 on-ice sessions, which would consist of practices and game play
Approximately once per month, the pre-mite teams will participate in a hockey jamboree, which consists of 3 to 4 games with other pre-mite teams from the Rochester area
Mid-session transfer opportunities are available for players in Hockey 101 that complete that program midway through a pre-mite session. Transfer processes are explained to all Hockey 101 participants at the conclusion of that program
This program requires that all participants register with USA Hockey as a player for the 2019-20 playing season. This registration is FREE for children 6 years of age or under.
Full equipment is required (helmet with face guard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin pads, hockey pants, skates, jersey, socks, gloves and stick).
OFFICIAL HOCKEY RETAIL PARTNER
Any participants that need to purchase any (or all of their) hockey equipment are urged to visit the Official Hockey Retail Partner of Bill Gray's Regional Iceplex - Pure Hockey. They offer the widest selection of hockey equipment in the Greater Rochester area, and provide expert service and fitting by the best professionals in the business. Visit Pure Hockey at their local retail store (1000 Hylan Dr, Rochester, NY 14623) and mention that you are participating in this program.
UPCOMING SESSIONS
During the 'off-season' our Pre-Mite program meets once per week, for a total of 8 classes per session. These sessions run in a more laid back atmosphere, heavily focused on having fun, while continuing to develop as players, with the goal of staying active in the off-season months, in order to be ahead of the game come hockey season.