Getting Started in Wausau Youth Hockey

The first inquiry for most parents is “where do I get started?” Getting started in youth hockey is not as hard as it seems and Wausau Youth Hockey is here to help families with the process. 

The best place to get started is with learn-to-skate hockey programs as hockey is a unique sport that requires a learned skill to participate – skating. 

One such program for which WYH conducts registration throughout the year is the Mini-Mite Program. The Mini Mite program is for all players ages 8 and under and consists of one hour sessions at Marathon Park, usually on Wednesdays and Sundays. The sessions are run by WYH staff and focus on skating skills. However, in addition to skating drills, there are also puck handling drills and small area skills development games. The Mini Mites Program is a great way to get started with hockey or to supplement league participation with more skills training. 

After obtaining basic skating and hockey skills training, the next step is participation in a youth hockey program. You are place into a program based on your age.

My kid wants to play hockey but I have never played and know nothing about it. Help!

You are not alone! There are many first-time families that have happened upon the sport and it has become a part of their life. Since the season is long, you really become a part of a community. If you need anything, another parent will be there to help (they were probably in your shoes once)! Other resources include the USA Hockey website that has a New Parents section to get you started: http://www.usahockey.com/newparents. If you ever need anything, you can always contact a member of the WYH Board as well.

My kid wants to try hockey but I don't know if they will like it...

Not sure if hockey is for your kid? Join us for Try Hockey for Free! These are held typically in November. It’s a great way to see how much fun hockey is and meet some great people along the way! Try Hockey Day is done in partnership with the local high school hockey teams. All equipment is provided. You can register at wausautryhockey.com. Ages 4 and up are welcome. 

My daughter is interested in hockey. Do a lot of other girls play?

Hockey is a great sport for girls!  WYH hockey is proud to offer all girls teams beginning at the 10U age group.  If you have any questions about your daughter playing hockey, please email us at info@wausauhockey.org and we can get you in touch with another family that has a daughter in the program that you can talk to.

Youth 8U / Mite (Born on or before December 31, 2019)

Primarily youth ages 7-9 but can include players eligible for 6U. Most associations have multiple levels of Mite Divisions (red, white, blue) based upon skill, age and size. There’s something for everyone!

Youth 10U / Squirt (January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015)

Youth ages 9-11. Most associations have multiple levels of Squirt teams (A, B & C) with varying amounts of cost, travel and competitiveness.

Youth 12U / Peewee (January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013)

Youth ages 11-13. Most associations have multiple levels of Peewee teams (A, B & C) with varying amounts of cost, travel and competitiveness.

Youth 14U / Bantam (January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2011)

Youth ages 13-15. Most associations have multiple levels of Bantam teams (A, B & C) with varying amounts of cost, travel and competitiveness.