July 19, 2014

Dear Mite Hockey Families,

The Vikings are excited to update you on the state of Mite (U6/U8) hockey not only from the Vikings but throughout the Chicagoland area. Several years ago, USA Hockey (historically the governing body for amateur hockey in the U.S.) implemented what they called the American Development Model, or ADM. We have embraced many of the core elements of the ADM: incorporating small-area games in practice, station-based training, etc. Where we (and many of the youth hockey programs in Chicago) disagree with USA Hockey is with the belief that all Mite Hockey must be played on half sheets, or cross-ice. We believe a blended approach consisting of full and half-ice would be more beneficial and enjoyable. Unfortunately, and despite significant time and effort spent by our club and others to find a solution, USA Hockey has mandated a plan that we do not find workable.

The Vikings and at least 17 other local youth hockey programs have been meeting and discussing this issue regularly while USA Hockey has continued modifying player development protocols, including imposing further game limits, over the past 3 years. We feel that the direction of USA Hockey on this issue is inconsistent with how we believe players at a young age should be developed in terms of skills and their love of the game. Our belief is that local clubs, with direction from their Boards, Hockey Directors, and Staff, are in the best position to determine the best course of action for their skaters.

After lengthy and careful consideration, a new organization has been established for Mites that will include Full-Ice Travel Hockey. The new organization is called the Orland Jr. Vikes. All Jr. Vikes Mite Teams will compete in the new Chicago United Hockey League (CUHL). The CUHL will include at least 17 other Mite organizations from the Chicagoland area. The new league will offer a full season of 24 full-ice games, plus round robin playoffs, from September to March. Tournaments for Mite Travel teams will be in addition to their regular season games. An estimated 35-45 Full Ice Game Schedule can be expected. Jr. Vikes teams will continue to practice and play at the Arctic Ice Arena and be coached by the same coaches as originally planned. The Jr. Vikes will also follow the same practice schedule as in years past, 3 hours of practice per week on regularly scheduled days consistent for the entire season.

How will this impact your child? The short answer is: very little. All Mites will participate in the Jr. Vikes Travel program in the same way as in the past. The only noticeable difference will come with registration. The Vikings Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget teams will continue to be affiliated with USA Hockey. The newly formed Jr. Vikes club for Mite-aged players only, will be affiliated with AAU.

The new Jr. Vikes club will provide a separate web site, orlandjrvikes.org and registration process for all Mite aged players. Insurance will now be provided through the AAU. While there is much work to do between now and September 1st to organize this transition, we will make it as seamless as possible for you, the customer.

Please direct all questions regarding Mite Hockey to jrvikeshockey@gmail.com.