8U HOCKEY
NCYH'S U8 Program is the very foundation - the base upon which the Association builds its travel and recreational teams. The USA Hockey Initiation Program is designed for players 5-8 years old. It encourages a non-competitive environment in which children can learn the basic skills without the distractions that are often associated with an over emphasis on winning. Mastery of fundamental skills and the fun of playing are essential to the development of a lifelong interest in hockey.
OBJECTIVES
- Modify the playing environment to meet the needs for this specific age group
- Increase opportunities for players to touch and handle the puck
- Stress participation, fun and skill development
- Increase the practice to game ratio to a minimum of two practices to each game
- Provide a positive environment for learning the fundamental skills of hockey
- Improve the utilization of ice time
AGES
8U registrations are being accepted for birth years 2016-2019 for the upcoming fall hockey season.
(Please note: 2019 birth year registrations are subject to final approval by the NCYH Hockey Office)
WHEN
The 8U season begins the first weekend of October with evaluations. Then practices will start in October.
The season will conclude the second weekend in March
WHERE
Practices will be held at NoCo Ice Center
PRACTICES
- Beginner - Thursday and Saturday
- Intermediate Beginner - Thursday, Saturday
- Intermediate - Tuesday and Saturday
- Advanced - Tuesday and Saturday
NCYH U8 LEVELS
The NCYH 8U Program is divided into four levels. These levels are Advanced (Blue), Intermediate (Yellow), Intermediate Beginner (Red High) and Beginner (Red Low).
Each level has a forty five minute session, twice (2) a week