We host a Parent Meeting for all the families before the start of the new season. We introduce all the new families to the program and give them an overview. Below are some frequently asked questions to help you. 

Is Mite Hockey for Boys, or can Girls play too? 

The answer is BOTH!! We encourage participation of any player, boy or girl, who wants to learn to skate and play hockey. 

How old does my child have to be to play hockey? 

Players can be as young as four years old. Studies show that players who start to young, frequently do not return the following season.

Is my child too old to start hockey? 

No! It is never “too late” to try hockey! The Mite program runs through age 9 (Third Grade). There are many Mite players who did not start playing until they were in second or third grade. Players at this age quickly catch up to their peers without difficulty! If your child wants to play hockey for the first time at age 4 or age 8, we will get them out on the ice and enjoying the great tradition of hockey!

Does my child have to know how to skate to start hockey? 

NO! The California Heat Mite program is a development program, designed to teach all kids the fundamental skills necessary to play the game of hockey. We will also introduce the beginning concepts of the game itself. Skating is the most fundamental skill of hockey. Teaching the kids to skate is a major focus of the Mite Program. 

How long does the season run? 

The season runs from Mid-October through the first weekend in March. Teams participate in Jamborees and will typically play three games during the jamboree. The games are designed to be fun!

How often do they practice? 

They will have at least two hours of ice time each week from August 1st through the end of February.  

At what Mite level do I register my child? 

All players new to hockey ages 4-8 should register as a "New Mite Skater". 

If you child is new to hockey, and older, or has prior hockey experience, please contact a mite coordinator for a recommendation of which level practice to be assigned to. Your child cannot be older than nine to register for Mites. Players may be moved up a level after the beginning of the season, based upon team needs and registration levels. Parents will be notified prior to moving the child up to a new level. If players are moved from house to travel mite hockey, they will be asked to pay the registration fee associated with the level where they are placed.

How do I register my child? 

Registration for all players, returning and new, is to be completed on the website via the Heat registration page. The registration period opens June 11th for all players. We ask that returning Mite players register by June 21st, so that we can plan our teams and levels.  All New Mite players will complete registration by registering as a "New Mite". Most new players will practice with the Mini-Mites, however some older players, or players with previous skating ability may be moved to an appropriate level for their development needs. 

Where are all the Mite Hockey Practices? 

LA Kings Valley Ice Center

What is the goal of the Mite Hockey Season? 

The California Heat MITES prides itself on the development of its coaches, players, and its hockey curriculum. Our goals are to teach all kids to skate, introduce them to the game of hockey, and most importantly have FUN. We do this in an environment that fosters the individual development of each player. We place kids at the most appropriate level based on their skill, allowing them to develop as hockey players at their own rate.

What are the Mite Hockey Practices like? 

The overall emphasis in all the Mite Hockey Practices is FUN! We want to teach all the kids to love the game of hockey. The curriculum used for the practice for the Mite has been in place for 4 years. The on ice curriculum has been repeated year after year, and it's proven to be effective. All the practices are a balance of skating drills, puck handling, competition drills, small area games, and, most importantly, pond hockey. All of these practices are led by qualified and certified parent coaches.

Are the coaches certified and have they passed background checks? 

All coaches who participate in the program for the California Heat MITES are background checked and a minimum of USA Hockey Level 1 Certified.

Will my child be on the same team with other children from his/her school? 

Each level practices together on one sheet of ice. Therefore, regardless of what team they are placed on, they will be with their classmates and friends for all practices. Teams are selected with the goal of making each team with even skill level, so that the kids can enjoy playing games against each other. Because the entire level practices together, we do not accept buddy requests.

Do I need the players’ birth certificate to register? 

Yes, according to USA Hockey rules, we cannot complete a registration without a copy of your child’s official birth record. Hospital or baptismal certificates cannot be used. If you registered your child with California Heat in previous years and submitted a birth certificate, we will have that on file and you do not need to provide it again. If you are new to the program, USA Hockey requires us to get and retain a copy of the child’s birth certificate before processing the registration forms.

What Equipment does my player need? 

Mite Players are required to wear the following equipment. 

 A red helmet and red gloves are required.  Keep this in mind if you buy new equipment you plan to use after Mites.

REQUIRED

• Certified Helmet

• Shin Pads

• Elbow Pads

• Mouth Guard

• Skates

• Stick •

Cup or pelvic protector

• Hockey pants

• Shoulder Pads

• Hockey Gloves

RECOMMENDED

• Hockey Socks

• One Piece cup/sock holder shorts

• Neck Guard

• Hockey Bag

• Skate Guards