Our 8U Jr. Amerks  will have a complete hockey experience. Designed for children ages 6-8, our primary goal is to create a fun and competitive environment where every player can develop their skills and a passion for the game. Our programming this season is highly focused on player development so that each player is equipped with the skills necessary to advance and excel at the next level. 

The objective of this stage of development is to refine fundamental movement skills and begin to acquire basic sports skills. This is the time when a foundation is laid for future acquisition of more advanced skills. The focus is on the development of physical literacy. Fundamental movement skills should be mastered and motor development emphasized, while the participation in many sports/activities is encouraged. For optimal skill acquisition, the basic hockey skills of skating and puck control are introduced. FUN competitions are also introduced in a team environment.

Contact 8U Program Director Ryan Gage with questions

The USA Hockey Cross-Ice program is based on a model of practicing and playing hockey across the ice surface as compared to practicing and playing lengthwise along the full length of the ice surface. This cross-ice practicing and playing model has been used in many of the leading hockey nations in the world for a number of years and has stood the test of time. It has been shown that children who begin their hockey training in this environment have an outstanding hockey experience.

We follow the American Development Model (ADM) and conduct station-based practices with all our teams. The ADM is a framework to help all individuals realize their athletic potential and utilize sport as a path toward an active and healthy lifestyle. The ADM is based upon key tenets taken from research and best practices in youth sports, human development, coaching, and the sports science that promote sustained physical activity, health & safety, and age-appropriate development.