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About

Several years ago, USA Hockey implemented a template called the American Developmental Model (ADM) with the goal of appropriately developing players from beginning youth through elite competitors. We think very highly of the program, and have embraced many of the core beliefs of the ADM including small area games in practice, station-based skill training, and increased puck touches just to name a few. However, where we disagree is in their belief that ALL mite hockey must be played cross-ice, on a diminished ice surface. We firmly believe that a blended approach using both full ice games, cross ice training and off ice training would be more beneficial for continuing development.

A number of programs in the United States (Michigan, West Coast and Chicago) have gone away from USA Hockey's ADM model of cross-ice games and instead taken up AAU Hockey, another governing option for mite hockey. Our belief is simple: Local clubs should be allowed to use the collective knowledge of their coaches, hockey directors, and administrators to properly design and execute a development plan that fits their unique situation. The USA Hockey “cookie cutter” approach to development assumes too many constants, and allows for no individualistic decisions. What works for a club in St. Louis will not necessarily work in Madison.

In their time with the Mitey Badgers they will receive professional coaching and skill development, with the emphasis placed on preparing players for a move to their local USA Hockey travel club for 10U, 12U, and 14U  hockey. Please note that participating in an AAU team will NOT cause players to lose eligibility for a USA Hockey club in the future. In fact, the pathway from LTPH to Bantams is as seamless as ever.

We hope you are as excited as we are to be able to do what we feel is best for our players moving forward. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.