Do Mite players/parents need to sign the Player/Parent Code of Conduct?

All players and parents are required to sign the Player/Parent Code of Conduct before participating in Orono Hockey. The Code of Conduct will be part of registration. It is expected that parents/guardians will review the Code of Conduct with their players prior to the start of the season.

What type of learning environment does the Mite program promote?  

Coaches will strive to foster an environment that ensures players are learning the following principles of Orono Hockey: 

o   Playing for fun – we want everyone to want to come to practice! 

o   Be a team player – get along with your teammates 

o   Learn sportsmanship and discipline including playing by the rules

o   Play and practice with high effort 

o   Respect all coaches, teammates, parents, opponents and officials

o   Be on time 

How long is the Mite season?

The Mite season begins the week after MEA (end of October) and runs through the middle of March with a break between Christmas and New Years.

When and where are evaluations held?

Mite evaluations are held the weekend before MEA at Morrison Ice Arena. Exact times and days will be provided shortly. You will be able to see this information under the Main Navigation PROGRAMS then MITES.

Who participates in evaluations?

Mite evaluation will be held for returning Mite players and those coming from outside associations that have previously participated in a Mite or similar programs.

What are the Mite levels?

Levels (with rough guidelines on the experience-level of players at each level)

• Mite 1 – first-year skaters and some second-year skaters
• Mite 2 – second- and third-year skaters
• Mite 3 – third- and fourth-year skaters
• Mite 4 – selected advanced skaters

What is the general approach for Mite level placements?

Approach:

o   Initial placement based on DOB and previous hockey experience

o   Assessments:

·      The goal is to create groupings that are similar in playing ability / experience so that practices can be tailored most effectively

·      Requirements established by level will be the criteria used for evaluations

o   Players may be moved up or down through the first part of the season to meet the goal of similar abilities across players in each level

o   Parent requests to move players up or down levels will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. With the growth of the mite program, there is very limited leeway to move skaters after the levels are set following evaluations. 

What do the game formats look like per level?

Mite 4s

o   Intra-squad, District 3, non-D3 Games, and jamborees

o   Dedicated (full pad) goalies for each game

o   Intermediate nets

o   3v3 half ice games transitioning to 5v5 full ice games

Mite 3s

o   Intra-squad, District 3, non-D3 scrimmages, and jamborees

o   Skaters rotate in to play goalie on a game-by-game basis

o   Intermediate nets

o   3v3 half ice games transitioning to 5v5 full ice games

Mite 2s

o   In-house league play, possibly some scrimmages with other associations, and jamborees

o   Skaters rotate in to play goalie on a game-by-game basis

o   Intermediate nets

o   3v3 half ice games

Mite 1s

o   Intra-squad scrimmages

o   Mid-year and end of year in-house jamboree

o   Intermediate nets

o   3v3 1/3rd ice scrimmages

What is Competitive Edge?

Competitive Edge is our dry-land/off-ice skills development that is held in the mezzanine level at Morrison Ice Arena. The program is intended to work with players on stick-handling, shooting and skating in a controlled environment to develop proper technique, while providing additional quality reps.

Who participates in Competitive Edge?

Mite 4s and Mite 3s will have regularly scheduled "skills training" practices, to be treated the same as other practices in the Competitive Edge training center at Morrison Ice Arena. The schedule will be provided soon after the season begins and added to each team’s calendar. Additional information will be provided at that time to players participating in the  training sessions.

Is there any special training for Goalies?

Goalies will have the opportunity to participate in specific goalie trainings held Monday nights at Morrison Ice Arena once the season starts. If you have a child interested in Goalie training, please register additionally under GOALIE COMMUNICATION.

What is the VOLUNTEER Policy?

Volunteer hours to support the operations of running the OYHA program are a requirement for all parents. Essentially, members reduce their dues to the association by completing their Volunteer requirements. The Volunteer system that OYHA uses to ensure we have staffing for key roles which makes the season go smoothly at all arena events. Please see the page VOLUNTEER for more information.

How do I use the VOLUNTEER system? and where can I sign up?

Check out more instructions here:

What documentation is required to participate in Mite hockey?

All Mite players must be registered with OYHA and USA Hockey with birth certificates submitted to be on the ice. In order to go to a more online system, we are requiring all mites to upload their birth certificate at registration. This will only be needed one time over the years of your players crossbar account. If your birth certificate is not uploaded, you will receive daily auto generated emails from crossbar. Thank you for assisting us with this new program.

Where can I purchase Orono hockey apparel?

Check out the page under OTHER/APPAREL for more information

What equipment is needed for hockey?

Information on what equipment is needed can be found at  www.newtohockey.com. If you have trouble finding your answers there, the OYHA community is here to help. Any of our Board Members, Coaches Board Members and Level Representatives are happy to answer your questions. As you'll quickly learn, we are always excited to talk about the sport we love! Find out more here:

What equipment does OYHA provide to Mite hockey players?

Mites will be provided with a jersey and hockey socks at the beginning of the season. Exact dates and times for jersey distribution will be communicated after placements have been finalized.

What do I need to do if I’m interested in coaching?

There are multiple steps you much complete to get certified to coach Orono Youth Hockey. You can find this information under RESOURCES/COACHES

Coaching Personnel Structure and Responsibilities

Level Lead

·      Responsible for communicating with Andy about where the level is at based on their day-to-day interaction with the level

·      Develops practice plans, assigns practice coaching duties, and runs each practice

Team Head Coach

·      Responsible for helping the Level Lead run practices and assists with set-up

·      Develops team game plans, determines goalie rotation, communicates with team managers and parents on weekly activities

Assistant Coach

·      Responsible for helping the Level Lead and Head Coach manage players on the ice; set up & takedown ADM stations, boards, etc.; and ushers players between stations and drills

Coaching Requirements

https://www.oronohockey.org/page/show/2894124-coaching-information

·      Register as a coach with USA Hockey

·      USA Hockey CEP Level 1 Certification

o   Online Training Modules

o   In-person training session (this year there are in-person and virtual options for convenience of scheduling)

·      MN Hockey Background Check

·      Concussion Training (Safe Sport)

Important Notes for Coaches

·      All coaches need to have these aforementioned requirements completed before they can be on the ice with the players, with the only exception of the in-person (or virtual Zoom option) training session for CEP Level 1 Certification. This includes Spartan Training Camp sessions and evaluations.

·      Expertise is not required to help out on the ice. We have a strong group of leadership in our Mite coaching ranks. Leadership creates the practice plans and can assist novice coaches in being productive within those plans.

Primary Practice Arena Addresses