Simsbury Youth Hockey Association
Mite House
Mite House is a developmental program for players that emphasizes continued skill development through the use of teaching stations and cross-ice games. The program introduces players to the game of hockey as a safe and positive experience. This controlled environment is geared toward beginner players and will teach the basic skills of hockey while building self-confidence, teamwork and fair play. This program is open to boys and girls from any local area town.
This program provides a seamless transition to hockey for players who have basic skating ability. Skaters must have basic skating ability (how to turn, and stop) in order to participate in the Mite House program. Players with no skating experience must register in the First Step Hockey program.
Ages
What aged players are appropriate for this program?
Developmental program for players ages 4 through 8 that emphasizes continued skill development through the use of teaching stations and cross-ice games.
When
What time of the year does this program run?
Mite House runs multiple sessions throughout the year. Generally the time line is as follows:
Session 1: 10/3 - 12/19
Session 2: 1/6 - 3/2
Where
Where are practices and games typically held?
Sessions will be held at ISCC (International Skating Center of Connecticut) unless otherwise specified
Practices
When are practices and how often are they?
Session One:
- Tuesdays: 10/4 through 11/22 at 5:30 - 6:30pm; 11/29 through 12/20 at 6:30 - 7:30pm
- Saturdays from 8:00AM - 9:30AM
- No ice 11/25 (Thanksgiving break)
Second Session:
- Tuesdays: 6:10 - 7:10pm
- Saturdays: 8:00-9:30am
EQUIPMENT
Are jerseys provided or are they purchased separately?
Full Equipment Required
Equipment starter packages and equipment discounts available at Vincent Sports Shop and Dick's Sporting Goods. All new players receive a SYHA hockey jersey at no additional cost
Extra Costs
What costs beyond registration fees should be expected?
*Fees include participation in the annual James Cup tournament and player tee shirt
Frequently Asked Questions
USA Hockey provides resources for coaches and parents to learn about implementation of cross-ice hockey. To learn more, please click HERE.
For more information on the Mite House program, contact Sam Taggard, Mite Development Director (House)
For more information about or Mite Travel program, contact Bryan Lilley, Mite Travel Director
All players must be registered with USA Hockey for the 2023-24 season in order to participate.
Click HERE to register today!
The Annual James Cup is held in February each year. Mite House players from Simsbury Youth Hockey and the Avon-Canton-Farmington program are invited to participate. The James Cup honors the memory of James Stover, who was a SYHA Mite House player in 2003 when he passed away in a tragic accident. James's zest for life and happy attitude are celebrated in this "just for fun" tournament, where no scores are kept and everybody gets in on the action on the ice. Each year at the tournament, a Simsbury Mite House player will be awarded the Gary Loftus Award, given in memory of a hockey parent extraordinare, recognizing a player's willingness to work hard while maintaining a positive attitude and exemplary sportsmanship. All fees to participate in this rewarding annual event are included in player registration fees.
2024 James Cup will take place on TBD
2023 Session One
2023-2024 SYHA Mite House Session 1 Registration Page for new and returning players (boys and girls).
Session One Dates: 10/3 - 12/19
A current USA Hockey registration number is required. If you do not already have one for this season, please register at https://membership.usahockey.com BEFORE registering here.
Price: $425
Register