1. Do boys and girls play on the same teams?
- Yes, it is common to have boys and girls play together at the mite level. However, we do offer a U8 (girls) teams.
2. What age can kids start playing?
- Players that are four years of age as of June 1st, 2023 are eligible for the Cougar Cub program. You will need to provide CYHA with a copy of your child’s birth certificate that will be kept on file with our Registrar.
- Players must be 5 years old as of May 31st, 2018, OR entering kindergarten for the upcoming school year in order to be eligible for Mite D hockey. You will need to provide CYHA with a copy of your child’s birth certificate that will be kept on file with our Registrar.
3. What is the difference between Cougar Cubs, Mite D, Mite C, Mite B, Mite A and U8?
- The basic difference is the age and skill of each level (general guidelines):
i. Cougar Cubs (Learn to Skate): Designed to introduce girls and boys ages 3-8 to skating and hockey with 12 one-hour sessions on Sundays. No skating requirements for this level.(typically pre-K and K).
ii. Mite D: Beginner, cross ice hockey, typical ages 4-6, if you can skate on your own you can play "D" Mites
iii. Mite C: Cross ice hockey; can do a hockey stop and skate backwards (typically K-1st grade)
iv. Mite B: A step up from "C" Mites (typically 2nd-3rd grade)
v. A Mite: The highest level of mites, typically 3rd graders (open to 2nd and 3rd graders only)
vi. U8: This is our all girls team. Typically girls play at least one year of Mites before joining U8. Girls are welcome to play on the boys teams at any level of Mites if they prefer. (typically 2nd-3rd grade)
4. When does the 2023-24 season start?
- October 6th: Mite A/B/U8/D Hockey Education Program (HEP) Evaluations.
- October 7th & 8th: Mite C HEP Evaluations & A Mite scrimmage (2nd/3rd graders trying out for the A team).
- November 1st for Cougar Cubs
5. How long is the hockey season for Mites/U8?
- The season will run from late October until late-February
6. How long are practices?
- Practices and games are typically 60 minutes in length. Ice time is very expensive, so players must be ready to go on the ice at the designated start time. It is usually best to be at the rink 20 minutes before your scheduled ice time in order to be ready on time.
7. Where do we skate?
- Indoor practices are held at Centennial Sports Arena (Centennial High School) or the Super Rink (typically Rink 8). Outdoor practices are held at neighborhood parks designated by the City of Lino Lakes and Centerville as well as the Recreation Department.
8. When are the practices/games?
- Practices will be held on Saturdays and Sundays until games begin. Once games begin, it is common to replace one practice day with a game. When outdoor ice is available, teams may practice additional nights on outdoor ice. At the higher levels, there could be 1-2 practices during the week as well.
9. Do I have to be at every practice/game?
- No. While it is beneficial and recommended to attend every possible training and scrimmage session, it is not mandatory and will not impact playing time.
10. How are teams formed?
- D/C/B: Teams are balanced for similar competitive levels using HEP scores and school grade level. This takes place once coaches are identified, normally 1-2 weeks after HEP evaluations. HEP testing will take place on October 6th, 7th and 8th at Centennial Sports Arena.
- The A team is formed based on HEP scores and scrimmage results.
11. How many kids are on each team?
- Typically there are 10-16 players per team.
12. What equipment do I need?
- Helmet with facemask, mouth guard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey pants (breezers), shin pads, hockey gloves, stick and skates. A hockey jersey and hockey socks are provided by CYHA.
13. Where do I buy hockey equipment and how do I know how it should fit?
- Most sporting goods stores carry hockey equipment. Dave’s Sports Shop (Blaine), Hockey Central (Blaine), Lettermen Sports (Blaine), Dicks Sporting Goods and Sports Authority all carry hockey equipment. As a general rule of thumb, all equipment should fit comfortably without being too big. Do not buy skates that are too big with plans to grow in to them. Trying to skate with skates that are too big is similar with trying to sprint in shoes that are too big. It is very difficult.
14. Isn’t hockey equipment really expensive? Are there cheaper options?
- Hockey equipment can be costly, but new skaters do not need top of the line equipment. It is important to have a good quality helmet and properly fitting pair of skates. The most important component of the remaining equipment is proper fit. Several sporting goods stores have used equipment for sale at reasonable prices (Play it Again Sports). At this age, kids typically grow out of equipment long before they wear it out.
15. My child would like to try to play hockey, but we are concerned about the cost. Are there any options for financial assistance?
- CYHA offers financial assistance to those families that utilize the "free or reduced school lunch program". For more details, please contact Kirk Matko at "president@centennialhockey.org".
16. When will I hear from a coach after I register?
- Coaches will contact players once teams are formed (and coaching spots are filled). Mite and U8 teams are not formed until after HEP evaluations (which are scheduled for October 6th-8th). Expect to hear from your coach 2-3 weeks after HEP Evaluations.
17. How do I receive communications from the coach or CYHA?
- You will receive communications via phone or email. Please be sure to provide accurate information during registration to get appropriate information in a timely manner.
18. What is HEP?
- HEP is a Minnesota Hockey mandated program that tracks the skill development of players. At the Mite/U8 level, the HEP evaluations are used as one of several criteria when forming teams.
19. What should I do if I want to coach?
- Visit the website at “www.centennialhockey.org” under the “Coach” tab to find all of the steps necessary to become a coach.
- Indicate your willingness to coach on your child’s application
- You may also contact the level director and express your interest.
20. My child is not a very good skater, can he/she still play hockey?
- Definitely. This is a development program serving kids of various ages and abilities. We do recommend attending public skating and skating clinics (CYHA Preseason skate) before the season begins.
21. What can I do before the season starts to help prepare for hockey?
- Attend open skating sessions at the Super Rink
- For Mites (D, C, B, A) you may attend the preseason clinic in September. Check the CYHA website for details.
22. What do I need to do to register?
23. Are parents expected to volunteer or do fund-raising?
- Yes, parents are required to volunteer 10 hours per family (10 hours max per family). If the 10 hours are not met a $750 fee is assessed. In addition, you can choose to participate in fundraising where your proceeds help reduce your participation costs. CYHA relies heavily on fund-raising and volunteerism to keep hockey affordable and to provide a quality experience for everyone involved. However, anyone with a child participating in the Cougar Cubs, D-Mite or Junior Gold program is exempt from these requirements.
Where can I find more information if have more questions?
The website (www.centennialhockey.org) has a great deal of information on it. If you cannot find the answers to your questions here, please check out the Mite page link below or contact: