Program Levels

All practices are held at the Hoyt Lakes Arena. MEYHA follows Minnesota Hockey best practices to support programs aligned with the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model.

Please note that information about each level of play is subject to change throughout the season.

The Learn to Skate program is designed to teach beginner skaters and new hockey players the fundamental skills of skating. Depending on age and participant numbers, drills are tailored to be age- and skill-appropriate, introducing players to basic skating techniques and, for those interested in hockey, foundational hockey skills.

Participants will focus on becoming comfortable on the ice while learning proper skating stances, strides, knee bends, edge control, and, for hockey-interested players, how to properly hold a stick. These skills prepare players for a smooth transition into a MEYHA hockey program.

MEYHA uses the Learn to Skate (L2S) curriculum established by USA Hockey as a guide for our programing.

This program is for boys and girls typically aged 5–6 who have successfully completed or passed the Learn to Skate transition program. It introduces young skaters to hockey while encouraging skill development and a love for the game.

• Practices: Station-based, focused on basic skills, fun, and learning hockey fundamentals. Includes drills, skating exercises, puck handling, shooting, passing, and small-area games.
• Games: Cross-ice or half-ice format. No goaltenders; all players help cover the goal.
• Schedule: 1–2 practices per week, 2–3 tournaments, and possible scrimmage games.
• Home Tournament:
• Mini-Mites Geno Olds Pops Jamboree — January 17–18, 2026.
• Away Tournaments:
• Rock Ridge Mini-Mite Taconite Showdown — January 9–11, 2026
• Ely Howler Mini-Mite Jamboree — February 7–8, 2026

For boys and girls typically aged 7–8, this program builds off fundamental skills learned in Mini-Mites while fostering confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong passion for hockey.

• Practices: Station-based, emphasizing fun and skill development. Includes drills, skating, puck handling, shooting, passing, and small-area games.
• Games: Cross-ice or half-ice. No full-time goaltenders during practice; all interested players rotate in goal for games. Associations may transition to full-ice games after January 15 with district approval.
• Schedule: 2–3 practices per week, up to 3 tournaments, and 12–14 games (including tournament games).
• Home Tournament:
• Mites Jamboree — January 24–25, 2026.
• Away Tournaments:
• Rock Ridge Mite Yeti Rumble — January 9–11, 2026
• Ely Howler Mite Jamboree — February 7–8, 2026

For boys and girls typically aged 9–10, this program is the final step in MEYHA before transitioning to Rock Ridge Youth Hockey Association. Focus is on team spirit, sportsmanship, and preparing players for higher-level competition.

• Practices: Station-based, developing skills learned in Mites. Includes drills, skating, puck handling, shooting, passing, plays, tactics, and team-building exercises such as angling and body positioning.
• Games: Full-ice format. 1–2 goalies per team; non-playing goalies are encouraged to skate out. Equal playing time for all players with rotating positions (forwards and defense).
• Schedule: 3-4 practices per week, up to 3 tournaments, and 20–30 games (maximum 35).
• Home Tournaments:
• Squirts Mike Kangas Memorial Squirts Tournament — December 5–7, 2025.
• Squirts Districts — February 27 - March 1, 2026
• Away Tournaments:
• Twig Squirt B2 Tournament — January 3-4, 2026
• Ely Howler Squirt B2 Tournament — January 9–11, 2026
• Rock Ridge Squirt B2 Up North Wolverine — February 20-22, 2026

During the month of October, activities will depend on coaching and ice availability at the MEYHA Arena. We hope to host some preseason sessions, which may be on-ice, off-ice or held at other arenas, and will share details as they are finalized.