Youth Hockey at the USA Hockey Arena
Questions:
Jacque Lupinacci
USA Hockey Arena Program Coordinator
734.453.6400 ext. 339
Jacque.Lupinacci@usahockeyarena.org
8U Q-and-A: Why the Blue Puck?
By Ken Martel, ADM Technical Director
A: USA Hockey uses the 4-ounce blue puck at 8U in order to allow these young players to develop proper technique in passing, shooting and stickhandling.
At this age, teaching proper technique through the use of age-appropriate equipment is critical to skill development. Lighter-weight blue pucks, along with the correct stick, help players build confidence and avoid frustration by being able to lift the puck, score goals, complete firm tape-to-tape passes, etc. The blue puck allows players to perform basic puck control skills through a proper range of motion.
One of the highlights for any young hockey player is learning to lift the puck when shooting. With the heavier black puck, young players tend to try and flip it so that it will rise off the ice. This circumvents learning the correct shooting technique. The blue puck is at a weight that encourages good shooting technique while allowing the player to successfully raise it off the ice.
2024-25 Fall/Winter League
Compuware House Hockey
6U: (Birth Year 2019/2018) $849
- Head Coach Mike Guenter michael.r.guentner@gmail.com
- Member of the I-275 League (Compuware, Novi, Farmington Hills, Canton, Plymouth, Orchard Lake, Livonia).
- All practices will be shared ice
- All cross-ice hockey games following USA Hockey standards
- One league game per week between I-275 buildings
- USA Hockey’s American Development Model based practices
- A jersey and a pair of hockey socks provided
8U: (Birth Year 2017/2016) $899
- Head Coach Michael Maurer maurerm3@gmail.com
- Member of the I-275 League (Compuware, Novi, Farmington Hills, Canton, Plymouth, Orchard Lake, Livonia)
- Games will be half-ice following USA Hockey standards
- All practices will be shared ice
- USA Hockey’s American Development Model based practices
- One league game per week between I-275 buildings
- A jersey and a pair of hockey socks provided
10U: (Birth Year 2015/2014) $1699
- Head Coach Jason Knurek jknurek@comcast.net
- Member of the Little Caesars Amateur Hockey League (LCAHL).
- Approximately 20 league games
- Maximum of 15 skaters and 2 goalies
- Home/Away jersey and a pair of hockey socks provided
*We will start with practices through September and October or until leagues are formed. We will then move forward with the above outlined plan
If you have any questions please contact Jacque Lupinacci at 734-453-6400 x339 or jacque.lupinacci@usahockey.org
Questions?
Contact the main office at USA Hockey Arena Office at 734-453-6400
