Getting Started in Wausau Youth Hockey
The first inquiry for most parents is “where do I get started?” Getting started in youth hockey is not as hard as it seems and Wausau Youth Hockey is here to help families with the process.
Once a participant decides to make the jump to ice hockey, the best place to get started is with learn-to-skate hockey clinics as hockey is a unique sport that requires a learned skill to participate – skating. One such program for which WYH conducts registration throughout the year is the Mini-Mite Program. The Mini-Mite program is for all players ages 12 and under and consists of one hour sessions at Marathon Park, usually on Wednesday's and Sunday's. The sessions are run by WYH staff and focus on skating skills. However, in addition to pure skating drills, there are also puck handling drills and small area skills development games. The Mini-Mites Program is a great way to get started with hockey or to supplement league participation with more skills training.
After obtaining basic skating and hockey skills training, the next step is participation in a youth hockey program. You are place into a program based on your age.
Age Groups
Youth 8U / Mite (Born on or before January 1, 2019)
Primarily youth ages 7-9 but can include players eligible for 6U. Most associations have multiple levels of Mite Divisions (red, white, blue) based upon skill, age and size. There’s something for everyone!
Youth 10U / Squirt (January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2014)
Youth ages 9-11. Most associations have multiple levels of Squirt teams (A, B & C) with varying amounts of cost, travel and competitiveness.
Youth 12U / Peewee (January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2012)
Youth ages 11-13. Most associations have multiple levels of Peewee teams (A, B & C) with varying amounts of cost, travel and competitiveness.
Youth 14U / Bantam (January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2010)
Youth ages 13-15. Most associations have multiple levels of Bantam teams (A, B & C) with varying amounts of cost, travel and competitiveness.