10U - SQUIRTS

Ages: 9–10 years old
Division: Squirts (10U)
Format: Full-Ice Competitive Play
Head Coach: Kaleb Rathbun

What is 10U Hockey?

At the 10U level, players take a significant step forward in their hockey development. For many, this is the first season playing full-ice games, experiencing official rules, referees, and increased competition. While still focused on growth and fun, 10U introduces more structured systems, team strategies, and individual accountability.

Potsdam Junior Hockey Association continues to follow the USA Hockey American Development Model (ADM) to ensure players develop at an age-appropriate pace, focusing on high-repetition skill work and game awareness.

Focus Areas at 10U:

  • Strong skating foundation (forward/backward stride, transitions, edge control)

  • Improving puck handling under pressure

  • Accurate shooting and pass timing

  • Game systems: positioning, line changes, and basic zone awareness

  • Sportsmanship, communication, and mental focus

 

Players participate in full-ice games with referees, offsides, and penalties in accordance with USA Hockey rules.

Required Equipment

We strongly suggest your players are dressing themselves and tying their own skates- if they need assistance, there are plenty of coaches and volunteers to help out! This is the age where they start to problem solve and figure things out on their own!

All players must be fully equipped for contact hockey:

  • Helmet with full cage

  • Neck guard

  • Mouthguard (strongly recommended)

  • Shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards

  • Hockey pants, socks, jersey

  • Skates and stick

  • Practice jersey

  • Water bottle (clearly labeled)

Need help with gear? Email us for support or check out our recommended gear guide.

Parent Role & Communication

  • Practice attendance is critical at this level for skill progression and game readiness

  • Please ensure athletes arrive 20 minutes early for practices and games

  • All team communication will be through [Spond/email/GroupMe – specify your method]

We encourage respectful support from the stands and welcome volunteer involvement throughout the season.

“Effort, skill, and teamwork—this is where hockey takes off.”

ChatGPT Image Jul 15, 2025, 12_45_17 AM

Coach Rathbun—known to most as “Bucky”—brings experience, structure, and energy to PJHA’s 10U program. A former player and now a dedicated youth coach, he emphasizes individual development through hard work, accountability, and a positive locker room culture.

Bucky is passionate about teamwork and personal growth, continually encouraging athletes to reach their fullest potential both on and off the ice. His structured, supportive coaching style creates an environment where players are motivated to improve, support their teammates, and love the game.

He instills the values of hard work, respect, loyalty, and dedication—foundational elements that build not just great hockey players, but great teammates.

“Our goal is to develop well-rounded hockey players who are confident, coachable, and team-first—every shift, every practice.”

Coach Rathbun is USA Hockey certified and committed to building a strong foundation of skills, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit at the 10U level.

Meet Coach Rathbun

10ubluechamps

“Effort, skill, and teamwork—this is where hockey takes off.”