GBAYHA provides a comprehensive hockey program for children just learning how to skate through Bantam-level competitive hockey. Descriptions of the many levels are given as follows:
Learn to Skate - for skaters of all ages
This program is run by the Cornerstone Ice Center. It is intended for skaters with little or no experience on the ice. Within the Learn to Skate program there are also different levels of progression. Once you have progressed through Learn to Skate you should be fairly comfortable on your skates.
Hockey Initiation Program (HIP) - for skaters of all ages
For children interested in playing hockey, HIP introduces them to the basics of the game. It is assumed when entering HIP that skaters have progressed through Learn to Skate and can skate forwards, backwards and stop. Protective hockey equipment is expected to be worn as skaters will learn stickhandling and how to shoot the puck. Additional practice on basic skating and some more advance skills, suchas crossovers will be introduced. HIP is run by the Cornerstone Ice Center.
Mite Hockey - ages 4 - 8
Mite hockey is separated into two groups, "Competitive" and "Mighty Mites".
The competitve levels are generally for the older more advanced skaters. There are tryouts conducted before the season to esablish these teams. They will practice twice per week and play a full schedule of "full ice" games throught the season, which begins in late October and typically runs through February.
"Might Mites" is primarily for the younger players. it is a recreational and developmental program that practices once a week and plays "cross ice" games on the weekends. This program offers aot of fun for both the kids and the parents, with out the committment.
You will need to decide at registration if you want your child to play competitive or Mighty Mite. If you are unsure of the skill level necessary to play competitve, sign them up for competitve and have them attend tryouts. If your child does not get picked for one of the competitive teams, he or she will still be able to play Mighty Mite hockey. You will be reimbursed the difference in the fees. Both programs are described in more detail below
Mighty Mites - recommended prerequisite: HIP or equivalent skill level
This program is the next level following completion of HIP. Practices are once per week (Monday or Wednesday) and "cross Ice" games are played on the weekend (Saturday or Sunday) Practices will consist of basic hockey skills such as; skating, stickhandling and shooting. The players will be divided into small teams and will play "Cross Ice" games (with and without Goaltenders) on weekends. Teams will also participate in one or more jamborees, where we will play teams from other area associations. Later in the season teams of players intersted in playing full ice will be put together and will have the opportunity to play a few additional full ice games. Full ice games are optional for parents and players preparing for the next level. We will also be hosting "Mite Fest" a tournament at the Cornerstone where our teams have an opportunity to play "Full Ice" games against other associations. Please note that there is no state tournament for this level.
Mite Competitive
Recommended Prerequisites: HIP, Mighty Mite or equivalent skill level
The Competive group consists of an "A" and a "B" team. These teams will practice twice a weekand will play anywhere from 20-30 "Full Ice" games during the regular season. Travel will be required for away games and additional tournaments. These teams are eligible for the "State Tournament". "A" and "B" team players are selected based upon player skill at tryouts. If your child is not selected for competive play he or she can play at the "Mighty Mite" level. Mite "A" and "B" teams will retain a full time goalie, also deterimine at tryouts.
Squirt - ages 9-10
