Apple Valley
Cottage Grove Wolfpack
Eagan Wildcats
Eastview Lightning
Farmington Tigers
Hastings
Inner Grove Heights Spartans
Johnson Como-North St. Paul
Lakeville
Red Wing Hockey
Rosemount Irish
South Saint Paul Bulls
West Saint Paul Warriors
Woodbury Predators
Age Charts & Participation Levels
2023-24 Age Charts & Participation Levels
Starting with the 2020-2021 season, the starting date of each classification was moved from July 1 to June 1 (ex: June 1, 2009 - May 31, 2011). The change is designed to provide players born in June with the ability to play with their classmates. The modification was approved by Minnesota Hockey Board of Directors at its 2019 Summer Meeting. For additional background information on the change, click here.
YOUTH CLASSIFICATIONS
- Youth 6U / Mini-Mite (Born on or after June 1, 2016)
- Youth ages 5 and 6. Youth hockey associations in Minnesota Hockey offer a variety of programs at this age level that focus on teaching the basics of skating and hockey skills. Most programs are very affordable to allow kids to try the sport at a low cost and commitment. Non-checking.
- Youth 8U / Mite (Born on or after June 1, 2014)
- Primarily youth ages 7-9 but can include players eligible for Mini-Mite/6U. Most associations have multiple levels of Mite Divisions (I, II, III) based upon skill, age and size. There’s usually something for everyone! Contact your local association to get in touch with a Mite Coordinator for more information. Non-checking.
- Youth 10U / Squirt (June 1, 2012 to May 31, 2014)
- Youth ages 9-11. Most associations have multiple levels of Squirt teams (A, B & C) with varying amounts of cost, travel and competitiveness. Contact your local association to get in touch with a Squirt Coordinator for more information.
- Youth 12U / Peewee (June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2012)
- Youth ages 11-13. Most associations have multiple levels of Peewee teams (A, B & C) with varying amounts of cost, travel and competitiveness. Contact your local association to get in touch with a Peewee Coordinator for more information. Minnesota Hockey hosts Region and State Tournaments at the Peewee B, Peewee A and Peewee AA levels. Non Checking.
- Youth 14U / Bantam (June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2010)
- Youth ages 13-15. Most associations have multiple levels of Bantam teams (A, B & C) with varying amounts of cost, travel and competitiveness. Contact your local association to get in touch with a Bantam Coordinator for more information. Minnesota Hockey hosts Region and State Tournaments for the Bantam B, Bantam A and Bantam AA levels. Checking.
- Junior Gold 16 (June 1, 2006 to May 31, 2008)
- Youth ages 15 and 16. Select associations now field a Junior Gold 16 team in addition to or as an alternative to high school Junior Varsity and Junior Gold. Contact your local association or district to get in touch with a 16 & Under Coordinator for more information. Checking.
- Junior Gold (June 1, 2004 to May 31, 2006)
- Young men ages 16, 17 and 18. Most associations now field Junior Gold teams in addition to or as an alternative to high school Junior Varsity. Contact your local association or district to get in touch with a Junior Gold Coordinator for more information. Minnesota Hockey hosts Region and State Tournaments for Junior Gold. Checking.