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6U/8U (Mini-Mite/Mite)

2023-2024 Season

LIHA is excited to continue our adjusted structure for the 6U/8U program. By giving families options when it comes to their schedules and their budgets, we can encourage more children in the Lincoln community to try, learn, play, and enjoy the game of ice hockey.

Register today at lincolnhockey.org/reg!

2023-2024 FAQ

Who is eligible to play 6U?

  • Children born January 1, 2017 through October 21, 2019 are eligible to play 6U.

Who is eligible to play 8U?

  • Children born January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2016 are eligible to play 8U.

What are the 2023/2024 session dates?

  • Session 1: October 21 - December 17
    • Skip November 25 & 26
  • Session 2: January 20 - March 3
  • Full Season: October 21 - March 3
    • Skip November 25 & 26

What are the 2023/2024 session fees?

  • Session 1 6U: $85
  • Session 2 6U: $85
  • Full Season 6U: $170
  • Session 1 8U: $110
  • Session 2 8U: $110
  • Full Season 8U: $220
  • 8U Select: $1,000ish after tryouts and roster announced (September)

Is financial aid available?

  • Sponsorships have been secured to drop the 6U/8U fees for all players by more than $600.
  • Full-season players can apply for a scholarship, but funding is limited and not guaranteed. The scholarship application for the 2023-2024 season is due August 18.

Is there a maximum number of players that can register?

  • Yes. To ensure all players develop their skills, and to make the most of scarce ice availability LIHA will cap the number of players.
    • 6U maximum: 120 skaters
    • 8U maximum: 90 skaters

Can my child play a full season?

  • Yes! Just register for both Session 1 and Session 2.

Can my child play just one session?

  • Yes! Register for the session that best fits your family's schedule.

Can we register for Session 2 at a later time?

  • Yes! The deadline to register for Session 2 is December 31.

Is gear included?

  • Yes! Gear is included for all 6U and 8U players.

Is there any gear not provided by LIHA?

  • Mouth guard
  • Water bottle
  • Skate guards
  • Under gear/athletic cup/pelvic protector
  • Neck laceration guard (required as of August 1, 2024)

Can my player use their own gear?

  • Yes! Players can use their own gear.

When will 6U/8U teams play/practice?

  • All 6U and 8U teams will practice on Saturdays.
  • All 6U and 8U teams will play games on Sundays.

How are teams, practices, and games structured?

  • Teams will be grouped by skill level.
  • Players will practice and play with like-skilled players.
  • 6U will play 3 vs. 3 cross-ice games with no goalies.
  • 8U will play 4 vs. 4 half-ice games with goalies.

What about a more competitive opportunity?

  • There will be an evaluation for an 8U Select team.
  • Players chosen for the Select team will have one dedicated practice per week, and will play with their House teams on Saturdays and Sundays. 
  • Travel to friendlies, jamborees, and tournaments will be limited to once per month to locations that are approximately 3 hours (or less) from Lincoln.
  • The focus will be skill development, even playing time, and a basic understanding of all positions.
  • The 8U Select evaluation will be in October 2023 after the season starts.

What about Learn to Skate?

  • Learn to Skate is now Learn to Play, and is available to kids ages 9 to 14 who have never played hockey. 
  • Learn to Play includes all gear, pre-season ice time, plus the full season on the appropriate team.
  • Kids under the age of 9 will learn to skate and play in the 8U program.

Why the change?

  • LIHA wants to grow the game of ice hockey and make it accessible for more children in the Lincoln community.
  • Offering two sessions makes it easier for families to fit hockey into their busy schedules, particularly if children participate in more than one sport and/or activity.
  • Offering a lower price and providing gear makes it easier to fit hockey into their family budget.
  • More players = more teams, more games, and more fun!

Does LIHA need coaches and on-ice helpers for the 8U program?

  • Yes! All coaches and on-ice helpers must complete an application, plus some additional requirements detailed here.

Are there sponsorships available to support this innovative approach?

  • Yes! There are sponsorship opportunities to fit any budget, including the ability to sponsor an individual player. Click here for details.

For questions about the 8U program please contact LIHA Program Expansion Director, Griffin Gale.


At the 8U level, players continue to develop fundamental movement skills, general athleticism, and begin to learn and acquire basic hockey skills (skating, puck control, passing and receiving, shooting, body contact, and goaltending). This is the time when a foundation is laid for future acquisition of more advanced movement abilities and hockey skills. A basic understanding of the game is also introduced, including rules and team concepts.

ADM Stage 2

USA Hockey's American Development Model FUNdementals Stage - Developing ABCs.