2023 Intro to Hockey registration is OPEN! 

More than a Game 

Hockey develops skills on the ice that build a foundation for a lifetime. In addition to athletic prowess, hockey promotes confidence, pride, focus and responsibility. With an emphasis on fun, hockey is a game to be played and enjoyed for life. 

Life-long Friendships 

Starting with the bonds created in the locker room to the relationships formed on ice, hockey creates life-long friendships. This camaraderie shared on and off the ice encourages teamwork and the natural development of leadership skills. 

Set Up for Success 

From learning to balance school, responsibilities at home, time at the rink and playing with friends, hockey encourages kids to learn time management skills that will later serve them in all facets of life. Hockey’s unique source of physical fitness promotes healthy living. 

Hockey is Fun 

The thrill of carrying the puck up the ice on a breakaway, the exhilaration of scoring your first goal or making that amazing save is possible due to the encouraging environment.

It is Too Late to Start My Child 

No experience is necessary! Most kids playing in the AVHA either could not skate or were just learning when they joined. Players join the Mite Program at all ages and most older Mites will catch up very quickly due to advanced maturity and coordination! AVHA also offers FREE clinics to get registered players on the ice and learning prior to the start of the season. 

Hockey is Too Expensive 

The AVHA offers FREE registration first time players and is one of the least expensive Mite programs in the Twin Cities. Comparatively, the Mite hockey season lasts longer than other youth sports (usually running from late October through mid March) and is very competitive with the cost of other sports when compared on a per game and practice basis. Unlike outdoor sports, there are no rainouts or makeup games so if your child is scheduled to play they do. Hockey equipment also does not have to cost more than other sporting equipment. Beginner equipment packs are available through Westwood Sports and most equipment lasts players a few years. 

Hockey is Too Time Consuming 

A commitment is necessary to bring your skater to practices and scrimmages throughout the season. Allow an extra 30 minutes before practice to help your skater into the equipment and lace up the skates (other parents and coaches will show you how.) At the Mite level, indoor practice and games are held weekend mornings and afternoons at either Hayes Arena or the Apple Valley High School. Most teams will also have evening outdoor practices at neighborhood rinks during the week as weather permits. Hockey encourages families to spend time together and get to know other families in the community. These friends and memories will last a lifetime and there is truly NO better way to get through a Minnesota winter! 

Hockey is Too Violent. 

All sports have an element of inherent risk as far as injury is concerned. Hockey is no different, but it actually ranks behind football, soccer, and snowboarding for injuries in numerous studies. The National Sports Safety Foundation says that ice hockey is one of the safest contact sports for children when players are properly outfitted with equipment. There is also no checking or fighting in Mite hockey leagues.