USA Hockey and AYHL promote a developmental environment in which children between the ages of 5 - 8 can learn the basic skills of hockey (children age 4 can participate but will need a referral from a skating instructor). Players in the 8U Fall/Winter program are evaluated and divided into 6 levels for practice and competitive purposes: Beginner 2, Beginner 1, Intermediate 2, Intermediate 1, Advanced 2 and Advanced 1.
At this age, participants learn physical literacy and the interrelationship between movement skills and sport skills. Specifically, players are taught the foundation of athletic development (the ABCs): agility, balance, coordination, and speed. Players are taught agility, quickness and change of direction in quick bursts (less than 5 seconds in duration) in fun activities both on and off the ice. The development of athletic suppleness also occurs during this stage. Suppleness refers to flexibility and range of motion in muscles and joints. The basic athletic and hockey skill development for 8U Mites is well structured, positive, and performed in a FUN and social environment. The program is features proper progression, and is monitored consistently to help ensure players gain physical literacy and confidence.
The objective of the “FUNdamental” stage is to develop on-ice balance, coordination, agility, and speed. The outcome goal is that participants enjoy being at the rink and want to be playing hockey. Lessons are varied and interesting; the overriding goal is that all participants leave the ice with a smile. Emphasis is placed on developing speed, power and endurance using activity-based, small area and cross ice games. Basic flexibility exercises are introduced, and strength training is included utilizing the child’s own body weight. Players are also encouraged to participate in numerous other activities. To properly develop necessary physical literacy skills, it is recommended to play several other complimentary sports at this stage of athletic development.
Registration Deadline: September 15
Evaluations for 8U will take place the entire month of October. Your player's group assignment for evaluations will be emailed after the registration deadline.
Season Length: November - February
Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Teams will be selected after the completion of evaluations, with practices beginning in November.
8U Beginner teams will practice twice a week on Saturday and Sunday mornings
8U Intermediate teams will practice 3 times a week on Saturday morning, Sunday morning and Tuesday evening.
8U Advanced teams will practice 3 times per week on Saturday morning, Sunday morning and Wednesday evening.
Friendlies are games set up with 8U teams from other associations. They are scheduled by the 8U Coordinator and are included in the season fees. Teams average 4-5 friendlies a season.
Jamborees are fun events where multiple games are played cross-ice on one sheet of ice. No score is kept and teams will play two to three "friendlies" in an hour. Jamboree fees are not included in season fees. The association recommends that Beginner teams participate in 2 Jamborees while Intermediate and Advanced teams participate in 4 jamborees throughout the season.
AYHL Hockey Coordinator
8U AYHL Director
DILLON WHALEN
My name is Dillon Whalen, and I am 25 years old. I am from Denver and grew up playing goalie for Littleton Hockey Association. After playing 18U hockey for LHA, I moved on to play for the Vermont Lumberjacks of the Eastern Hockey League for two seasons. After moving back home, I returned to LHA as the Director of Goaltending and Association Scheduler for four years.
I have experience coaching all levels from Mile High Mites through 18U AA and have worked with LHA, Hull Hockey and more. I am very excited to start working with the Arapahoe Warriors! When I am not at the rink you can find me at the gym, studying, or taking my dog, Brody, for a walk.
8U On-Ice Director
8U Intermediate 1 and 2 On-Ice Coordinator
ALEX WEGIENKA
Alex is returning for his 4th season as an AYHL 8U coordinator.
Alex, a native to Denver, Colorado
8U Advanced 1 and 2 On-Ice Coordinator
MATT ELEN
Coach Matt was born and raised in Colorado, where he began playing hockey in 1999 for the Arapahoe Warriors. He played 2 seasons of Midget A. After high school, Matt continued to play hockey in several adult leagues. In 2012 he got married to the love of his life, Katie, and they had 2 boys, Ollie and Tobie. It was after having his sons that Matt’s love for Hockey grew. He went from casually helping out on the ice during station-based practices to very quickly being head/lead coach and running practices at both the 8U and 10U level. As a USA Hockey Certified Coach who has worked with players in AYHL U8 at all levels, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and an adaptability for coaching the players he has to the best of their potential. He believes in fundamentals and fair play. Coach Matt is excited to join the lead coach staff this season and work with the advanced division players.
8U Beginner 1 On-Ice Coordinator
ALEX BECKMAN
8U Beginner 2 On-Ice Coordinator
Chris Gassman
Chris has an extensive 20+ year hockey background in vast levels of play. Chris was the Director of operations for the Lakewood Lakers/Colorado Jr Eagles from 2003-2022. He has a myriad of coaching experience at the High school level, Goaltending schools/leagues notably with the USJDP, and the Colorado Eagles professional team. He was the Director of Recreational Hockey & Girls Hockey for the Littleton Hockey Association. Chris is a Denver native who played for Littleton Hockey Association, Arapahoe Hockey Association and University of Northern Colorado.
Adult/Youth Hockey Manager
Phone: (303) 597-1092
AYHL Hockey Coordinator/8U AYHL Director
Phone: 303-597-1089
AYHL Rec Hockey Coordinator/CRHL Representative
Phone: 303-754-0564
Administrator/Registrar
Phone: (303) 754-0584