Spring Lake Park Youth Hockey Association

Mite and U8 Play-Up Policy

Spring Lake Park Youth Hockey Association adheres to the age brackets set by Minnesota Hockey and strives to support the development and enhance the skills and abilities of all of its players (over just a few). However, SLPYHA has adopted this play-up policy in recognition of those Mite and U8 players who desire to try out to play at the level above their age eligibility. Only players going into their final year of Mite or U8 eligibility may try out for a Squirt or U10 team in accordance with the requirements set forth below. Absolutely no play-ups are allowed to the Pee-Wee/U12 or Bantam/U14 levels.

Mite/U8 players wishing to try-out for a Squirt/U10 team must adhere to the following requirements:

  1. The player must submit a request in writing to the SLPYHA Board after registration but prior to Squirt/U10 try-outs. The request must include a non-refundable $100.00 fee to SLPYHA.
  2. The player must make the top (A) pool after the first round of Squirt/U10 try-outs. If the player fails to make the top (A) pool, the player will be placed on a Mite/U8 team after Mite/U8 evaluations are complete.
  3. A player who makes the top (A) pool during Squirt/U10 try-outs is not guaranteed placement on the top team. Players making the top (A) pool must play on the Squirt/U10 team on which they are placed and cannot opt to return to their respective age appropriate level.
  4. A player’s placement on a team in accordance with this policy is final for the current season and cannot be appealed. Except for the specific circumstances identified in item number 5 below, the $100 try-out fee under this policy is non-refundable.
  5. The SLPYHA Board reserves the right to place a player who makes the top (A) pool during Squirt/U10 try-outs on a Mite/U8 team for the purpose of keeping Squirt/U10 rosters at a manageable number. If a player who makes the top (A) pool is placed on a Mite/U8 team due solely to roster numbers, the $100.00 try-out fee will be applied towards the player’s ice bill.