Mini-Mite & Mite Hockey Structure:

EYHA in 2010-2011 implemented the USA Hockey's American Development Model:  Red, White, and Blue Hockey Program (8 & under program).  The American Development Model (ADM) is a nationwide model for successfully developing American hockey players.  ADM is a tool that will ensure every player will have the same chance to succeed.

• More puck touches (smaller spaces means more opportunity for a player to touch the puck and ultimately improve their game)
• Maximum ice utilization (by shrinking the ice down to their level, kids can get more involved and learn skills quicker and easier)
• Increased competition for all players (smaller ice surface makes players of all skill levels think and act quicker, resulting in more frequent battles for the puck)
• Increased ice touches (because multiple teams share the ice, kids get on the ice an additional team each week without increase in cost)
• Fun for all participants
• Everyone is involved

• Continuing to work on skill development of all players
• EYHA  provides a paid skills coach, Darcy Cahill, to run our ADM practices from October - February.  Coach Cahill has an extensive background in the development of players in youth hockey programs around the Columbus area.  Currently Coach Cahill is the Dublin Coffman Highs School head coach, EYHA Skills Coach, select CCYHA travel teams, and co-owner/instructor of the Hockey Training Center and off-ice synthetic shooting/stick handling facility for youth players.
• Mites will play half-ice games with no full time goalies
• Mini-Mites will play cross-ice games with smaller nets scaled to their size
• Both Mini-Mites & Mites will participate in two jamborees (all day events co-sponsored with the Columbus Blue Jackets and/or Ohio State Hockey providing the players an opportunity to play on their home ice small area games and fun activities throughout the day)
• Our goal is to provide the best learning and playing experience for all players!