The motivating factor for most children who enter an organized youth sports program is their desire to have fun. This is particularly true with young children, many of whom are newcomers to youth sports. With a supportive attitude and a fundamental understanding of the "basics" of ice hockey, everyone will come away with a positive feeling.
Initiation Program
The Initiation Program is designed to teach boys and girls the fundamentals of ice hockey and prepare them for future participation in Ames Minor Hockey Association's (AMHA) team play. This program is designed for first time hockey players. The program is a non-competitive, instructional program focused on skating, puck handling, passing and shooting, and emphasizes sportsmanship, teamwork and fun. No prior skating experience is required. Children are invited to learn how to play while having fun. At the beginning of the Inititation Program, all registered skaters are issued a certified helmet which they are required to wear on the ice at all times, and provided a hockey stick. Players may choose to wear knee or elbow pads or other pieces of equipment if they have them. Players participate in practice drills and informal and modified games (no travel involved).
Tyke Program
The Tyke Program is designed for the player who has participated in the Initiation Program and desires to continue their hockey skills development but are not ready to participate in one of the Ames Minor Hockey Association (AMHA) league divisions or are unable to travel. In addition to skill development, the Tyke Program will consist of small area games designed to maximize the enjoyment of learning to skate. Skaters will be matched up to play cross ice scrimmages, and will have the opportunity to join younger Mite players for real game experience (2nd half of the season) against Des Moines House League teams.
League Divisions
League divisions include Mite, Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget. Games are typically played on weekends. The Ames Minor Hockey Association (AMHA) league divisions focus on hockey skills. Participation in the league division play is open to boys and girls who have achieved the required skills of the Initiation Program and who wish to test their skills in a competitive setting against kids of similar age and skill level.