Mite Development Program

Mite Development Program (MDP) provides skaters, born in 2018-2021*, with their first exposure to organized hockey. Youngsters with basic skating skills participate in a structured instructional program that develops and enhances fundamental hockey skills while promoting sportsmanship and teamwork. The program is designed to develop each player's talent and self-esteem in a positive environment. This is a fun-filled program that develops skating fundamentals and other movement skills that align with USA Hockey’s Long-term Athlete Development model.

MDP is for players who can already skate independently and are able to participate in a 50 minute practice without assistance from their parents.

*This is not a Learn to Skate class. Learn to Skate classes and Hockey Skating Skills Classes are available through NCWC Group Classes held at NCWC.

MDP is offered in two parts as described below, plus MDP Selects:

MDP Fall Skills

MDP Fall Skills is open to players born in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Players with a 2021 birth year may be considered pending previous skating experience.

MDP Fall Skills is for players who can already skate independently and can participate in a 50-minute practice without assistance from their parents.

Please note that an MDP placement skate will take place the week following Mite tryouts. MDP is not intended as a Learn to Skate class. If your child is not yet ready for the MDP program, we will be happy to recommend appropriate Learn to Skate or Hockey Skating classes offered through the NCWC Group Class Program. Registration for those programs will open in the fall.  

• This is not a Learn to Skate class. It is expected that MDP candidates already have skating proficiency and are ready for puck handling and hockey basics.

Skates will begin in mid-September (following the conclusion of Mite Travel tryouts) and conclude at the opening of the NCWC in November, when the program transitions to the MDP Winter Season. This will be held one day a week at Darien Ice House - typically on Tuesday afternoons, but subject to change.

MDP Fall Skills will focus on mastering balance and posture and gaining proficiency in edge work, stride mechanics, and puck handling.

MDP WINTER PROGRAM 

• There will be a separate registration in the fall for the MDP Winter Program, which runs from early November through late February/early March. The Winter Program meets three times per week, consisting of two skills practices and one game day. Similar to past years, most players will have the opportunity to play in games with outside opponents.

MDP SELECTS:

• MDP Selects: We will again offer a one-time-per-week game experience, the ‘Select Team’ option, for those deemed ready via an evaluation by the coaching staff. Games will occur on Saturdays at Chelsea Piers and run through February. There will be no additional practices. An additional ‘Select Team’ fee will apply. Players must be registered for MDP Fall Skills to be considered for the Select Team.

For any questions regarding MDP, feel free to email ncwinterclub@gmail.com