Ages: 4–6 years old
Division: Mini Mites (6U)
Format: Cross-Ice / ADM Station-Based
Skill Level: Beginner / Introductory

Mini Mites is the entry-level team experience within the Potsdam Junior Hockey Association. This program is designed for players who can move independently on the ice. Our goal is to provide a fun, engaging, and developmentally appropriate hockey introduction.

PJHA follows USA Hockey’s American Development Model (ADM) to ensure our youngest athletes receive the right instruction at the right pace—focusing on movement, balance, and motor skill development in a fun and structured setting.

Player Development Focus

• Skating skills: balance, starts, stops, turning, edge work

• Basic puck skills: stick handling, shooting, passing

• Game awareness: spatial concepts, shift changes, and basic team play

• Fun and confidence-building: celebrating effort, keeping energy high, and developing a love for the game

 

Required Equipment
All players must be fully equipped, including:

Hockey helmet with cage

Skates

Stick

Gloves

Shoulder pads

Elbow pads

Shin guards

Hockey pants

Hockey socks and jersey

Neck guard and mouthguard (optional but encouraged)

Water bottle (clearly labeled)

Starter gear packages are available through local vendors (MVP, dicks, other outsourced businesses).

• PJHA DOES have extra donated gear in the athletic room - Please Contact us if you are in need, we are blessed with our steady donations to our association and community members.

Mini Mites are coached by USA Hockey-certified volunteers who are experienced in working with first-time players. Coaches focus on positivity, repetition, and development through fun drills, games, and encouragement.

We maintain a low player-to-coach ratio to ensure personalized instruction and safety on the ice.

Parent Involvement

We encourage parents to:

• Dress and undress their players to help develop independence

• Arrive 15 minutes early so practices can start on time

• Stay off the ice unless rostered as a certified volunteer

If you’d like to help, please ask about volunteer opportunities or on-ice certification! Our goal is to keep everyone safe and provide a great experience for all of our skaters!