ABOUT UNDER 8

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

In our Junior Eagles Under 8 program the primary focus is on developing fundamentals, such as skating, stopping, starting, stick handling, passing and shooting. Without a solid fundamental base to build from, the game of hockey can be very difficult so players can expect the majority of ice time being spent on the above mentioned fundamentals.

Under 8 program is for children born in 2003 or younger. We have a beginner in house program (Red Group) for kids that have taken a formal learn to skate program and have some experience on skates but are new to the game of hockey. Typically this group consists of kids younger than the age of 6. With that said though a 7 or even 8 year old child that is new to the game of hockey may be placed in the Red Group if that is where the coaches feel your child is best suited.

We also offer intermediate (Yellow Group) and advanced (Blue Group) in house programs for those children that are comfortable on their skates and have played hockey before. Typically this level is for children that are 6 years of age and older. Again, if there were a child younger than 6 that the coaches felt would be more challenged by skating in the Yellow or Blue Group we would move that child up.

The in house programs take place on Wednesday evening and Saturday mornings. On Wednesdays the Red Group starts at 4:30 pm and the Yellow and Blue Groups start at 5:15 pm and 6:00 pm respectively. On Saturdays the Red program begins at 8:45 am and the Yellow and Blue Groups begin at 9:30 am and 10:15 am respectively. All sessions take place at NoCo Ice Center.

UNDER 8 LEAGUE

Along with the in house program there is a league that we have our Under 8 program play in known as the 8 and Under Travel team. In order to participate in the league Under 8 program players need to participate in both of our in house Under 8 programs (winter and spring). When playing on a league Under 8 team you can expect:

• 1 to 2 extra practices a week (Fridays 5:45 pm and Saturdays 11:15 am)
• Travel within state to other associations for tournaments (aka Jamborees)

U8 Travel will begin practices Saturday October 29, 2011 at 11:15 am. NCYH registered U8 players interested in joining U8 Travel should come to the U8 Travel practices October 29 and November 5, 2011.  Players will be evaluated during these times for the U8 Travel team. Players choosing to join and selected for the U8 Travel team will begin regular practices Friday November 11, 2011.

Be sure to visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about youth hockey at NCYH.