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Our assoc. for years have had full ice games for the mite C's and Mite B's. Practices are always shared with 2 to 3 teams on the ice
doing 1/2 ice and 1/3 ice drills. Now they want all the mites to change
and play all their games 1/2 ice because they feel that they will
develop better and save money doing so. There is alot of debates
over whether it is stepping backwards or moving forward to the next
level?(squirts) Looking for your thoughts?

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My son played full and cross ice at age 5, and there is no question cross ice was better.

He's now 6 and plays full, but I wish he'd also have a chance to play cross.

I think the 8-year-olds can handle full, with maybe a "summer pond hockey" program of cross ice 3-on-3.

My son is a second year mite. He's 7 at this point of the year. He has played full ice from mini-mites on up.
I think mites can easily handle the full ice, but I think the mini-mites should be cross ice. Strictly for developmental reasons, not to save money.

Play half ice for 6 maybe 7 year olds.

For some 7's and 8's play both, more full ice later in the year.

There are advantages for all ages to play half - cross ice.

elliott70 wrote:Play half ice for 6 maybe 7 year olds.

For some 7's and 8's play both, more full ice later in the year.

There are advantages for all ages to play half - cross ice.

Just play. 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, sideways, upsidedown, crooked...at 6,7,8? Why even discuss this? Just play!