Mites FAQ
The Canadian Hockey Initiation Program was developed by Hockey Canada to make children’s first contact with hockey a safe and positive experience. It is a structured, learn to play hockey program designed to introduce beginners to the games basic skills.
The emphasis is on skill development and fun without the pressures of competition. It aims to create participants and instructors who will continue in the game.
What age is Mites for?
This program is for 5 year olds as of December 31 this year. Mite is for hockey players that have 1 year of Initiation Program Experience or other experience as deemed acceptable by the IP Director. These are players who are comfortable on their skates and can develop in the “learning game”, a half ice game designed to teach players the basics of hockey.
Evaluation Practices
Mass practices for the Tyke and Mite Divisions will be held during the first skating session of the season to evaluate each player’s skill. The mass practice helps the coaches and instructors to determine which program is the right fit for your child(ren). In certain cases, the IP Director or lead instructor may recommend a change in programs (i.e. Mite to Tyke, or Tyke to Mite) to better accommodate your child's skill level. If a change is required, this will be communicated to you.
How do register my child?
Click the link below to register your child. The cost to register is $450.
Online Registration
When registering, the system will automatically place your child in the age division according to their birthdate. If you have any registration questions please email
[email protected]. The deadline to register is September 15th.
We at Ancaster Minor Hockey League do our best to make sure your child is playing at the skill level that is appropriate to his development.
Depending on your child's skill level, which will be determined at an evaluation practice, they may be be placed in a lower or higher division.
What is the schedule?
Mite players will have their 1/2 ice games Saturdays at Morgan Firestone and practices Sunday mornings at Spring Valley.
My player has never skated before. Can she still participate?
Absolutely. The Initiation Program is for players still learning to skate. It is recommended that skaters older than 5 starting hockey also participate in the JumpStart program.
My player can already skate, where should I put him?
If you are unsure which level your player is at, let us determine that. We can advise you where they belong based on our determination of their skill level.
My player is 7 year old and just a beginner, where should she be?
A beginner is still a beginner whether she is 4 or 7. There are always some older players in CHIP and this is the best way to introduce them to hockey. Eventually they will catch up to their age group.
I am a new hockey parent, how do I learn?
We were all new at one point. The Initiation Program offers every parent an orientation session designed to teach the new hockey parent about the Initiation Program, equipment and safety.
Are parents allowed on the ice with CHIPs skaters?
The AMHL uses a professional hockey development organization to run the Initiation Program. In order to improve the program parent volunteers will not freely be allowed on the ice. There are however certain roles (such as station assistant, people mover, etc.) that will be required. The minimum certification for this is SpeakOut / PRS, but additional certifications such as Initiation Coach training are preferred.
I think my player is much more advanced than the other players. Can he play in a higher level?
As Certified Instructors, we are trained to evaluate skill and in most case, in a better position to make that call. Your player may be missing some very important skill training if she skips a level and it can be very detrimental to a player’s development if he plays at a level beyond his capabilities.
Why don’t they play real games?
A player must learn the skills of hockey before putting them into practice. Putting a player into a high pressure situation such as an official game may be too stressful. We have found that introducing the players slowly to games is best for all players regardless of skill level. Remember, a player develops their skills in practice, not games.
What's with the blue pucks?
The blue pucks are lightweight 4-ounce pucks. An official puck is 6 ounces. It is easier to handle for less physically developed players and is used internationally. Most sports use smaller equipment for younger players, now hockey does too.
Why do Mite players play on half ice?
On any Mite team, there is a wide variation of skill. The smaller ice surface allows less skilled players to join the play and touch the puck more often.
What is the JumpStart program, and is my child eligible?
The JumpStart program is designed to bring over-age skaters in CHIPs up to speed with their peers. During registration, if your child is new to hockey and the system is directing you to register them in a division by age, there are two options. In working with the registrar you can choose to enroll your child only in CHIPs, for the CHIPs rate. This is 1-hour of skating instruction per week. Your other option is to pay the full registration fee, and have your child participate in the JumpStart program. JumpStart is a league subsidized program and offers a number of weeks of power skating and targeted, small-group hockey instruction to your child depending upon upon the balance of your registration fees.
Do players have to wear full equipment?
Yes, all players in CHIP, Mite and Tyke have to wear full equipment for safety reasons.
• CSA approved Hockey helmet & face mask
• Neck guard (BNQ certified)
• Mouth guard
• Shoulder / Chest Protection
• Elbow Pads
• Knee / Shin pads
• Hockey Pants
• Suspenders if needed
• Protective Cup/Jill
• Garter / Velcro for hockey socks
• Hockey Gloves
• Hockey Skates
• Hockey Stick
• Team Jersey and matching hockey socks are provided by the league at the first ice time.
If you have any questions, please email
[email protected].