6U/8U & Modified Travel Mites
6U & 8U Beginners (Mites):
The Beginner Hockey program is specially designed for kids between the ages of 4 and 8 years who have less than one complete season of hockey experience. Within this age group, we offer 6U (6 & under) and 8U (8 & under). The Beginner Hockey program has a FALL and a WINTER session.
DAYHA's foundational hockey program emphasizes fundamentals and fun while aiming at teaching kids the basics of skating, stickhandling, passing, and shooting while playing small area games and in-house scrimmages. The program includes two weeknight practices per week and a balance of weekend in-house scrimmage games scheduled on a Saturday or Sunday. Some hockey games on weekends are excluded from the schedule to allow players and families to take a break and explore Durango and its surrounding areas.
We ask that children are proficient skaters prior to beginning the program for the most development and fun. If your child isn't a proficient skater yet, consider the Colorado Avalanche Learn to Play Hockey or the Learn to Skate program through Durango Parks and Rec. We accept 6U & 8U registration throughout the fall.
The next level, Modified Travel Mites, is reserved for experienced 7 & 8-year-old players.
7 & 8 Year Old Modified Travel Team:
The 7 & 8 Year Old Modified Travel Mite program is tailored for kids aged 7 to 8 who have completed at least one FULL HOCKEY SEASON (October thru March) and are seeking a challenging experience. It provides a great opportunity for these skilled boys and girls to enhance their skills before moving on to 10U travel hockey.
The program offers two weeknight practices and a balanced amount of home weekend in-house games on Saturday or Sunday. Moreover, it includes playing a few home games against other organizations and traveling to other organizations on weekends (limited travel). Occasionally, players may attend a hockey tournament or Jamboree. The program also allows for a few hockey-free weekends, so players and their families can enjoy other activities.
Ages
Players ages 4 years to 8 years who are proficient skaters.
6U players born 2018-2020
8U players born 2016-2017
When
6U/8U House Team Fall Session: October-December
6U/8U House Team Winter Session: January-March
7 & 8 Year Old Modified Travel Team: October-March
Practices
Practices are typically Monday & Wednesday late afternoons. Some practices will be on weekends.
Practices run 45-60 minutes.
Games
Scrimmages are typically Saturdays or Sundays at Chapman Hill Ice Rink.
A few Jamboree weekends are scheduled for 8U. The full schedule & details are in the Crossbar app and on the team schedule page when they have been confirmed.
Jerseys
Practice jerseys are provided.
Please return them on the last day of practice of each session.
EQUIPMENT
All players will need the following equipment:
● Helmet (black is encouraged)
● Neck guard
● mouth guard
● shoulder pads
● elbow pads
● gloves (black is encouraged)
● breezers (black is encouraged)
● shin pads
● socks
● skates
● stick
● water bottle
Other equipment: equipment bag, jock strap.
Supervison at Rink
Chapman Hill Rink & Ski Hill services a variety of users during the hours DAYHA holds practices.
In an effort to assist Chapman Hill staff, please make sure your child is actively supervised while at the rink.
In addition, running, puck handling practice, and games such as tag, should be conducted outside so that other users are comfortable utilizing the lobby and watching on-ice activities.