Squirt C Program FAQ Attention parents of boys and girls going into third grade and all other Squirts: Several years ago, EVHA’s Board decided that it wanted to improve the Squirt C program and, at the same time, provide third graders with the option of playing three years of squirt hockey. In turn, EVHA allows many of its 3rd graders the opportunity to forgo their last year of Mites and play Squirt C hockey. Here are some of the frequently asked questions: Does my third grader have to play Squirt C hockey instead of Mites? My third grader may not be ready. No. Third graders have the choice to play Mites or Squirt C. In fact, we would recommend that players going into third grade with little or no hockey experience play Mites in third grade. If you have questions about whether your child is ready, please call Rob Hall (612) 886-4836 or email [email protected]. What are the differences between Mite and Squirt C hockey? Eastview Mite hockey generally provides 2 hours of indoor ice per week, starting in mid-November until the first week of March. Included in this ice time are approximately 6 to 8 scrimmages outside the association, with no referees and no score keeping. There are also a few optional jamborees throughout the season. In Squirts, there is significantly more ice time, with three to five hours of indoor ice per week. Practices start in late October. Our C teams will play in 3 tournaments, with one out of town tournament. There will be approximately 14 to 16 officiated games. Additionally, teams will receive a few hours of ice to set up scrimmages with teams from other associations. The total number of Squirt games, per Minnesota Hockey, cannot exceed 35. What about third grade girls? Per USA Hockey, girls can play on all-girls teams or play with the boys. As a result, third grade girls can play REV U10 hockey, Squirt C hockey, boy’s Mite hockey or girl’s Mite hockey. Any fourth or fifth grade girl that is Squirt-aged can play U10s or Squirts. Can third graders try out for the squirt A or B teams? No, a 3rd grader cannot tryout unless his/her birthday is before July 1, 2003. Fourth & fifth graders are eligible to play Squirt A or B hockey. My fourth or fifth grade son would likely make an A or B team, but he wants to play with and against his buddies. Can we choose to play in the Squirt C program? Yes, there is no requirement that players try-out for Squirt A or B teams. Throughout our association if traveling aged players do not try-out they are automatically placed on C teams. Which teams will we play games against? EVHA is now a part of District 8. We will schedule games during the season against other Squirt C teams within the district. We will also make our best attempts to schedule most of the games with neighboring District 8 associations such as Eagan, Rosemount, Apple Valley in order to cut down on travel time. The Squirt C games will be “official” league games officiated by referees. What are the cost differences? The cost differences can be significant for some families because EVHA subsidizes Mites to help grow our program. Last year, in addition to the same registration, clinic, USA hockey, fundraising, and volunteer fees paid by Mite players, Squirt C players also paid over $1000 in team fees, which included ice time for practices, games, and scrimmages; tournaments and district fees. This was substantially higher than in previous years due to more solo ice and one additional tourney. Teams will be going back to 3 tourneys this season vs. four; and more opportunities for shared ice will be pursued. Please note that the Squirt C cost could be greater or lower than $1000 this coming season depending on many factors we cannot control, such as team size and whether your team makes additional commitments. We will be working hard to try and keep these costs under $1000 this season if possible. Team sizes are typically 11-14 players. Additionally, Squirt C players need to purchase jerseys for around $150. The jerseys can be used year-after-year until the player outgrows the jersey (player picks their number after receiving approval from EVHA that the number is available). In summary, 3rd grade Squirt C players last year paid: USA hockey $40 Registration $130 (early bird) Squirt C Clinic $25 Volunteer Fee $125 ($250 for families with multiple players) Fundraising (raffle) $100 ($200 for families with multiple players) Jerseys $150 Ice time, tournaments, etc. $1000-$1200 How are you picking the squirt C teams? We will evaluate the teams and make them as even as possible. You do not need to select to participate in the formal tryout process when registering. Because we are trying to make the teams even, we will not be able to accommodate team requests. Siblings that are both at the C level will be placed on the same team. 3rd Graders are not guaranteed placement on a Squirt C team. Players will be placed by skill level. The number of 3rd graders allowed will depend on the number of roster spots available. Team sizes will be between 11 and 14 players.