Hockey - Next Season 2008-09

Per Mite Coaches email thread:

For next year’s 08-09 season, GTHA has been evaluating an alternative format for players participating in the last two years of the Mite division.
Under the current format, players from the Mite C division advance to the Mite D division. The Mite D division is similar to the Squirt division; players are placed on teams, games are played using the full ice format and individual team practices are conducted utilizing half the ice. The head coach from each team is responsible to formulate and execute their own practice plans. Based on the anticipated number of players that will register as a Mite D for the 08-09 season only 2 teams are expected to be formed.
The main objective of the Mite division is to provide an atmosphere where the players can learn and enjoy the game while continuing to develop skills that will benefit them for the rest of their playing careers. With only two teams in this division GTHA would be forced to schedule games where one team plays the other team for the entire 08-09 season. To provide a better opportunity for the players, GTHA is considering changing the structure of the last two years to a Major and Minor team format. The Mite Major team will participate in the Northern Michigan Hockey League along with teams from Alpena, Cheboygan, Gaylord, Gladwin, Mackinaw City, Petoskey, St. Ignace and Tawas. Even though the Mite Major team will be governed by rules consistent with a “house” team, travel to the above locations should be expected. The Mite Major team is not a “travel” team and therefore is open to any player that wishes to be a part of this team. There will not be tryouts for this team. Registration fees for next season are expected to be consistent with the current Mite D amount adjusted for any normal “association wide” increases deemed necessary by GTHA’s Executive Board. Parents should be advised that travel related costs are the responsibility of the parents and are above and beyond the registration fee paid to GTHA.
For those players not interested in participating with the Mite Major team two options exist. First, the player can repeat the Mite C division (the Mite C division will be known as GTHA’s Mite Minor team but all aspects of the program will remain the same as the 07-08 season). Second, the player can move to the squirt division only if the player meets certain age and ability criteria.
Questions regarding the above changes should be directed to Rick Wesolek, GTHA’s Mite Representative