Hello Mini-Mite Families!

During the first mini-mite practice each player will have a group number put on their helmet. Moving forward please attend the group ice time that matches the number on your player's helmet. 

Please be sure to check the ECYH calendar for the dates around the holidays when there is no practice.   

Welcome to Mini-Mites
2022-2023 Season

Thank you for your interest in Eau Claire Youth Hockey’s (ECYH) mini-mite program. This program is designed to introduce new skaters to the basics of skating and the game of hockey. Please be sure to read the following in its entirety for important information regarding the upcoming season. 

Mini-Mites are generally ages 4-6 years old's.  In order to track all of our players, you’ll need to complete the online registration. 

What You Need to Know Before Your Player’s First Session

When you arrive at Hobbs Ice Arena, there is a TV monitor in the lobby near the entrance to the Hughes Rink that lists which locker rooms to use for each ice time. Please use the assigned locker rooms to get your player ready. We ask that you do not dress your player in the lobby area. Hockey bags can be left in the locker room during the session. A few important things to note:

• During the first session on Sunday, November 6, at 4:15 pm, Coach Mike Collins will be holding a brief parent's meeting in the Akervik rink so everyone is aware of the program's expectations. 
• Please place a strip of white tape on the front of your child’s helmet with their first name on it.
• We suggest arriving at least 30 minutes early to allow enough time to get your player dressed and on the ice on time. 
• Our coaches will be available to help make sure skates are adequately tied and helmets are tightened correctly until it is time to go on the ice each day so please ask for help if needed.
• The on-ice sessions will be held on Sundays Group 1  4:45-5:30pm and Group 2  5:30-6:15pm
• Parents are not allowed on the ice unless they are helping coach and have gone through the approval process with USA Hockey/WAHA rules. If you’re interested in volunteering on the ice, contact Joe Koller 715-530-2639 or Bob Grinde 612-710-9283.
• Lastly, we ask that once you have your child ready, please stay out of the player bench area. It can cause distractions and makes it harder for the instructors to interact with the kids on the ice. 

Equipment Check Out

ECYH offers each player the opportunity to rent equipment for the duration of the mini-mite season. There is a limited amount of equipment, and it is available on a first-come/first-serve basis. 

If your player doesn't need to rent equipment, we will be handing out jerseys and sticks during the first on-ice session.

A deposit of $250 is collected for rental equipment, and it will be returned if the equipment is returned in good condition. Please make checks payable to ECYH and note the skater's name in the memo line. If you have more than one skater renting equipment, you can write one check for all skaters. All players get to keep their jerseys when the season is over. 

You can opt to buy or rent equipment from ECYH, but this does not include skates. Both  Riverside Bike & Skate (937 Water Street), Scheels (Oakwood Mall), or Play it Again Sports (3015 Hamilton Avenue) carry skates. 

FAQ’s

• When does the 2022-2023 mini-mite season start?

Mini-Mites meet every Sunday. Group 1  4:45-5:30 pm and Group 2  5:30-6:15 pm. The first session of the season will be held on Sunday, November 6th . Coach Mike Collins would like to briefly meet with parents prior to the first session at 4:15 pm in the Akervik rink.

• How long is the season?

The last session of the season will be held on Sunday, February 26. If you rented equipment from the ECYH association, we will collect it after this session. Please bring a separate bag for any equipment or personal items that aren’t being returned to ECYH (skates, socks, etc.)

• How long are the sessions?

Mini-mites are divided into two 45-minute sessions and are held once per week. After the first session on Sunday, November 6th , skaters will be divided into two groups. An email will be sent out with your skater's assigned group.

• Where do we skate?

Hobbs Ice Arena, 915 Menomonie Street. Depending on the size of the group, mini-mites will skate on the Akervik rink.

• How will I receive communications from ECYH?

Emails are sent via SportsEngine, which is the platform that our website is based on. Schedules are available on the ECYH Calendar. 

All communications, including weather-related ice changes or cancellations, will be emailed out and posted on the ECYH Facebook page and ECYH website. 

• Can I download the schedule to my calendar?

Yes! All schedules are available through the iCal option on our website. There is also an app available to download that provides access to the most up-to-date schedules. Instructions for both the iCal and app can be downloaded here. 

• I want to volunteer; how can I help?

We are always in need of parent volunteers to help on the ice. If you are interested, please get in touch with Joe Koller 715-530-2639 jkoller@market-johnson.com or Bob Grinde 612-710-9283 rgrinde@ccf.us