8U-18U Travel

8U (Mites): Ages 5-8; Birth years 2016-2019

10U (Squirt): Ages 9-10; Birth years 2014-2015

12U (Pee Wee): Ages 11-12; Birth years 2012-2013

14U (Bantam): Ages 13-14; Birth years 2010-2011

18U (Midget): Ages 15-18; Birth years 2006-2009

All of our teams are co-ed

The 8U level is a travel program for players 8 years of age or younger as of December 31st, that have developed their skills and are ready for team play. At the 8U level, players will continue their development with use of USA Hockey’s ADM program through station-based practices and cross-ice games. Cross-ice games are the preferred learning method for 8U players.

Full-ice games have been approved by USA Hockey and CHC, but they will only be available for players who have reached age 8 by January 1 of the current season, and can only be played for a few weeks at the end of the season. It is not determined at this time if Watertown Youth Hockey will have an opportunity to provide full ice games at the end of the season.

The goal of the 8U program is not about building a winning team; it is about developing individual skills and at the same time teaching kids about working together, having fun, and giving their best effort. Scores are not kept or reported at the 8U level. When they move to the next age level, players have the tools to continue to build upon their skills and enjoy playing the game.

There will be 4 ice times per week, primarily 2 practices and 2 games per week, with game play starting mid to end of October (some weeks may have less sheets of ice depending on holidays, weather, or other scheduling conflicts).This places priority on skill development rather than game play.

The station-based practices will focus on developing multiple skills and situations that are relevant to the 8U player. Players will learn situational play rather than positional play, meaning players will learn how to play and support in the offensive and defensive ends. This will promote team play and engagement by all on the ice. Those interested in playing in goal will also be allowed to try the position out. At the 8U level, the use of full-time goalies is discouraged. Goalies should have experience playing in the net as well as skating out. It is encouraged that all players try the position at least once.

Teams will be assigned by skill after the first month of practice of the new season with input from coaches. The first month or two of the season will focus on development through practice. We will emphasize skating, skating, skating. Off-ice training may be conducted prior to games. This will entail proper stretching, agility training, balance, hand-eye coordination.

Evaluations are required to be placed at the Mite level, which occur after the conclusion of each season.

10U, 12U, and 14U teams will get four to five sheets of ice per week (some weeks may have less sheets of ice depending on holidays, weather, or other scheduling conflicts).

Professional Instruction will be provided occasionally during the season. IPH will be provided for skaters, and ProCrease for goalies for 10U and 12U aged players.

The American Development Model (ADM) Training from USA Hockey is the model we use at Watertown Youth Hockey. For more information about ADM, see the Resources section above.

We encourage Post Practice Chalk Talk – Coach lead discussion with significant player involvement about the current weeks practice plan its application into an upcoming game plan.

There is a minimum of one travel tournament where all 10U, 12U, and 14U players attend together as an organization.

Watertown Youth Hockey Plans on having multiple travel teams at all levels.

This is a great opportunity for all High School players in the area.

We field a split season team in the fall to prepare for the upcoming High School season. The 18U season runs from middle/end of August until around Thanksgiving.

How long is the typical season?

The season begins in September and runs until playoffs in February or March. Tryouts are in March for 10U and 12U teams and April for 14U and 18U teams. 8U evaluations are in February.

Where are practices and games held?

Practices and home games are held at Mays Rink at Taft School and at the Sports Center of Connecticut in Shelton. Away games are held around the state of Connecticut.

When are practices and games held?

Practices are held 2-3 times per week during week days. Games are typically scheduled during weekends. There is generally one home game and one away game each weekend. *Some weeks may have less games or practices depending on holidays, weather, or other scheduling conflicts.

Are specific jerseys and uniform required?

Jerseys and uniforms are required and are not included in registration fees. Uniform ordering takes place in the spring as it takes many months for jerseys to get made and shipped.

Are there any additional tournaments planned?

Every year, Watertown Youth Hockey participates in a travel tournament where all teams in 10U, 12U, and 14U travel together for fun organizational bonding and hockey. Tournament entry fees are paid by the organization, but travel, hotel, and food expenses are the responsibility of the families.

8U teams participate in a local jamboree each year.