Ages: Typically 6 to 8 years old

Season Duration: September to end of February 

Core Focus:

• Foundational skating and puck skills
• Small-area games and cross-ice play
• Confidence, teamwork, and effort
• Off-ice balance, agility, and multi-sport development

Practices:

• 1 to 2 practices per week (dependent on ice availability and registered players)
• High-tempo, station-based ADM format designed to keep players moving and engaged
• Monthly skill themes (e.g., skating, puck handling, passing, shooting)

Games:

• Cross-ice jamborees twice per month
• Fast-paced, small-area games with lots of puck touches and decision-making
• Emphasis on development and fun—not scores or stats

Tournaments:

• 1 to 2 tournaments per season
• Most likely within Wisconsin or the surrounding area
• Focus is on team bonding and gaining experience, not competition results

Integrated with practice days or special events.

Emphasis on:

• Fun games
• Balance, agility, and movement skills
• Multi-sport play and general athletic development
• No formal dryland, just age-appropriate movement and fun

Program Oversight:

Hockey Director Alec Dunn will provide full oversight of planning, curriculum, and coach development for the 8U program.

Head Coach:

The team will be led by Mike McDaniel, an experienced and passionate youth coach committed to creating a positive learning environment for young players.

Coaching Support:

• Current and former Northshore Warhawks players will be involved as mentors and assistant coaches
• Select parents may assist in a limited coaching role, with approval from the Hockey Director and Head Coach

$1,000 – $1,200 for the full season

• Includes all practices, games, coaching, jerseys, and regular jamborees
• Tournaments may carry a small additional fee based on event location and logistics

• All skill levels welcome – no tryouts required
• Multi-sport participation is encouraged, especially at this age level
• A fun, community-first culture where development and enjoyment come first
• Double rostering is accepted