
2026/27 8u youth hockey instructional league
For players between the ages of 5 and 8 years old, the 8U Youth Hockey Instructional League consists of the Lansing Hockey Club’s Mite Level 3 and Mini Mite Level 2 programs. Both levels include one practice session and one half-ice game session per week, as well as a team uniform. Both Youth Hockey Instructional League programs run from September 11th 2026 through March 14th 2027.
Season Dates
Practices Start: September 11th 2026
Evaluation Skate: September 27th 2026
Team Rosters Communicated: September 29th - October 2nd
Jersey Day: October 2nd 2026
Half-Ice Games Begin: October 4th, 2026
Holiday Break: No skates December 21st 2026 - January 3rd 2027
Season End: March 14th 2027
Game / Practice Schedule
Mites - Level 3
Practices: Fridays 6:25pm - 7:20pm
Half-Ice Games: Sundays 5:20pm - 6:20pm
Mini Mites - Level 2
Practices: Fridays 5:30pm - 6:25pm
Half-Ice Games: Sundays 4:20pm - 5:20pm
Is my player a Mite or a Mini Mite?
*Age range is the recommended guideline for program participants. Ability & experience are primary factors to consider for Mite vs Mini Mite placement. Younger players are able to play up in Mites Level 3 with instructor approval, and older players with less experience are able to play down in Mites Level 3 or Mini Mites Level 2 with instructor approval.
Evaluation Skates
Evaluation skates for Mites Level 3 and Mini Mites Level 2 will be held on Sunday, September 29th. Following the evaluation skate, players will be placed on one of four teams.
Team rosters will be created with the goal of maintaining an even competitive balance between each team at each level. Parents/families will be notified of their player's team in the week following the evaluation skate, and players will receive their team uniforms before practice on Friday, October 2nd.
Required Equipment
All players participating in hockey programs offered through the Lansing Hockey Club and the Biggby Coffee Ice Cube East Lansing are required to wear a full set of hockey equipment while on the ice. Figure skates and recreational skates are NOT to be worn on the ice during hockey programs. Players must be equipped with a pair of hockey skates. Hockey skates may be borrowed from skate rental during program sessions.
Due to the rapid growth of our Learn to Play and 8U programs, the Lansing Hockey Club is unfortunately no longer able to loan equipment to participants in our Sparties, Mini Mites, and Mites programs. With this in mind, we are are partnered with Rink Rat Rentals, a Chicagoland company dedicated to making hockey more accessible for families by offering high-quality equipment rental packages for hockey players of all ages, delivered right to your door. They offer beginner-friendly options like 'Learn to Skate' sets, full equipment rental sets, and the flexibility to rent individual items, providing a convenient and accessible solution for all participants. Simply visit their website at www.rinkratrentals.com, select the equipment and rental period, place your order, and it will be shipped directly to your door. When the rental period ends, they will email you a return label for easy UPS drop-off. Please note there is typically a 1-week lead time on all orders, so plan accordingly for the upcoming hockey season. For any questions, you can reach them via email at contact@rinkratrentals.com. We have attached their flyer for more information.
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Interested in Coaching?
Are you interested in contributing to the development of the Lansing Hockey Club’s youngest generation of hockey players? We are looking for dedicated and passionate volunteers to serve as Head and Assistant 8U Mite and Mini Mite coaches during the 2026/27 season.
8U Mite & Mini Mite Coaching Interest Form8U Mite & Mini Mite Head Coach Responsibilities
- Contribute to building positive characteristics of teamwork, work ethic, compete, and love for the game of hockey in young players.
- Manage their team’s bench and line changes during half-ice games.
- Organize team goalie rotation to ensure all interested players have an opportunity to play goalie during half-ice games.
- Run stations and drills during Friday-evening practices.
- Provide regular feedback/input on practice plans and player development.
- Provide player evaluations during player evaluation skate.
Required USA Hockey Certifications for 8U Coaching:
- USA Hockey Player/Coach membership for the 2026/27 season
- SafeSport Certification
- NCSI Background Screening
- USA Hockey 8U Age-Specific Coaching Module
- USA Hockey 8U Coaching Education Program (CEP) Clinic OR USA Hockey Level 1 CEP Clinic
Questions?
Evan Hughes | Assistant Hockey Director
ehughes@biggbycoffeeicecube.com
517-336-4272





