FAHA House Programs - TIER IV

Ice Dragons Initiation Program

This Division is designed for 4 to 8 year old kids in their first year of skating and hockey. The emphasis is on learning to skate; therefore this Division will be identified as an "Introduction to Ice Skating & Hockey". FAHA coaches certified as USA Hockey Initiation Program Instructors will teach the basic balance and edge-control drills in accordance with USA Hockey's Initiation Program Manual A.

Mighty Knights Mini-Mites

Mini Mites is designed for players 5 to 8 years old in their first or second year of hockey. The emphasis in the Mini Mite Division is "Individual skills". FAHA coaches, certified as USA Hockey Initiation Program Instructors, will teach skills based on USA Hockey Initiation Program Manuals A & B. Games at this age level are played in a “3 on 3 “ cross-ice format.

Mighty Knights Mites

This Division is designed for players 7 and 8 years old in their second, third, or fourth year of hockey. Some 6-year olds may be included, based on their skill level. With the emphasis in this Division being Individual skills, team skills, and game skills this Division is to be taught under a "team" format. Each team will have a coach (coaches) certified as USA Hockey Initiation Program Instructors. These coaches will teach a curriculum based on USA Hockey's Initiation Program Manuals B & C. The skills will be taught in progression, individual skills being taught more at the beginning of the season with team skills and game skills being taught more as the season progresses. The season begins in a cross-ice format and ends with teams playing full-ice games.

10U through 18U

In the 10U Division (Squirt Division, 9-10 year olds) the competition gets tougher, however, there are still new skaters within this Division. Players at this age pick up rules and team play quickly. Checking is not allowed. Games are played on full ice for 10U and up.

In the 12U Division (Pee Wee, 11-12 year olds), the sense of competition and game sense is definitely heightened. Some players still begin their hockey play at this age and others have played as long as 7 years. Play tends to be rougher and checking is allowed for the first time.

For some, the 14U, 16U, and 18U Division (Bantams/Midgets/JV's) ,13-18 year olds, is the final step before high school hockey, although players may participate simultaneously on a youth hockey team and a school hockey team (restrictions apply). Others choose youth hockey over high school hockey teams. Play at these levels is faster and more physical.

The 10U through 18U Divisions end the season with a Tier IV Divisional Tournament. The Division winners of the season’s-end Tier IV tournaments advance to the state tournament in association with ASHA (Alaska State Hockey Association).

FAHA House Programs - TIER III

For those unfamiliar with the Tier III level, competitive hockey (Northern Knights) encompasses Tier I and/or Tier II depending on skill level. Tier III is a level up from the more common Tier IV that is played by the majority of FAHA skaters. All skaters in each Division undergo skills evaluation for placement on teams within their playing Division. Those skaters who are rated to have a higher skill level after the skill evaluation will be offered an opportunity to tryout for the Tier III team. Any skaters not placed on a Tier III team from this tryout will be placed on a Tier IV team

Northern Knights Teams and Ice Breakers Girl's Teams - Mites through Midgets

The Comp team player and his/her family want a more demanding learning situation than is offered in the House league and looks to the Competition Team program and its coaches to provide such. Each player aspires to develop hockey skills to his/her highest potential and is looking to the Competition Team coach for guidance in this pursuit. Placement on a comp team is by tryout only, with only the most accomplished and motivated players being invited to participate.

The coach of a Competition Team expects dedication and hard work from the players who seek to be on the team. The Tier I and Tier II coaches will be working together at tryouts to place players where they will get the most benefit. This cooperative effort will lead to the best possible development of skills for the player. Tryouts are typically held each spring after the conclusion of the previous season. Teams will normally follow a light practice schedule throughout the summer, but will pick up the pace as fall approaches. A typical comp player can expect to skate a minimum of 4 times per week at the peak of the season.

Comp teams are also know as travel teams, and for good reason. Most comp teams will travel to various locations throughout the state 4 to 6 times during the course of the season. Out of state travel is not uncommon at this level. Teams that win the state title will be invited to the regional competition, and should they win there, on to the national level.

Participation of a player on a comp team represents a significant commitment of both time and money. Parents are expected to cover all of the costs associated with their child's participation at the comp level, though some of this can be offset through solicitation of sponsorships and participation in fundraising activities. Parents are expected to participate in team activities, including fundraising. Coaches expect the comp player to be at every practice and game, and to give 100 percent effort while on the ice.