of its players in the Mite and 8U classification would qualif y for
the USA Hockey Squir t and 10U classification based on their
bir th year. Additionally, some teams desire to work on several
aspects of the full-ice game to prepare for the transition to
the Squir t and 10U classification. T his will also allow for more
training of first-year of ficials who are being introduced to their
first refereeing experience.
Intermediate nets will be used due to the benefits that they
provide to developing goalies and skaters as they properly fit
the players at this age range. Intermediate nets allow younger,
smaller goalies the ability to take up a propor tionate amount of
the net , which allows them to develop and be more ef fective.
Young goalies will have increased confidence in their abilities
with intermediate nets as they will give up fewer goals and gain
a better understanding of their positioning. T hese nets also
benefit of fensive players, who are now forced to shoot more
accurately as well as win puck battles in front of the net created
by more rebounds.
Minnesota Hockey 's goal is to assist local community hockey
associations in delivering the best possible age-appropriate
skill development experience through quality station-based
practices, ef ficient use of ice time, small-area games and of f-ice
athleticism training in a positive and fun environment .
THE BIG PICTURE
USA HOCKE Y:
USA Hockey is the national governing body
of hockey in the United States. USA Hockey
is responsible for the development and edu-
cation programs for players, coaches and
officials; determining Select, National and
Olympic Teams, and developing policies
and procedures.
usahockey.com
MINNESOTA HOCKE Y:
Minnesota Hockey, an af f iliate of US A
Hockey, has been the governing body of
youth and amateur hockey in Minnesota
and the premier developer of hockey play
-
er s in the state since 19 47.
minnesotahockey.org
MINNESOTA HOCKE Y
COMMUNIT Y-BASED
ASSOCIATIONS:
Minnesota Hockey Community-Based
A ssociations: Minnesota Hockey is com-
prised of approximately 150 communi-
ty-based associations that ser ve as the
base of hockey in Minnesota. Minnesota
Hockey 's community-based structure is
considered to be the premier youth hockey
model in the United States!
CORPORATE
PARTNERS
Thank you to all of our corporate partners for
their support as it plays a critical role in the
continued success of Minnesota Hockey!
2023-2024 MINNESOTA HOCKEY SEASON PRIMER
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MHJ
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