8U Program
Our 8U Program is where it all starts at Boulder Hockey! It is designed for players eight and under who have participated in a Learn to Skate, Learn to Play, or our Jr. Riders program who are ready for a higher level of commitment to developing their hockey skills and having fun in a team environment.
The 8U Season begins in October and runs through the first week in March. All practices are held at the Blue Sport Stable in Superior. Friendlies (games) and Jamborees (tournaments) are held throughout the Denver Metro Area.
8U is divided into three levels (beginner, intermediate, and advanced) where players are developed under USA Hockey's ADM (American Development Model) and placed on teams based on similar skill levels.
Beginner
Beginner groups are typically first-year players, regardless of age.
Our Beginner teams typically practice twice a week - Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings.
Beginner games are cross-ice with small nets, and no goalies. This enables kids to touch the puck more, develop, and have success.
Intermediate
Intermediate groups are typically second or third-year players.
Intermediates practice 3 times per week - Wednesday evenings and Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Intermediate games are half-ice with medium-sized nets and goalies. This enables kids to touch the puck more, develop, and have success.
Advanced
Our Advanced groups are typically third or fourth-year players.
Advanced teams practice 3 times per week - Wednesday evenings and Saturday & Sunday mornings.
Advanced games are half-ice with medium-sized nets and goalies. This enables kids to touch the puck more, develop, and have success.
Coaching
While we encourage and need parent coaches (especially at the 8U level) all 8U practices are led by one of our experienced Professional Coaches. Often, multiple professional coaches will be on the ice with our 8U players ensuring that they are developing the right habits in a fun environment. This also enables our professional coaches to lead and mentor our parent coaches throughout the season.
If you are interested in coaching, please contact Neil Runbeck at runbeck@boulderhockeyclub.com or see the Coaching Requirements section of the website under "Resources".
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there tryouts?
There are no tryouts at the 8U level. During the first month of practices, players will be evaluated by BHC Directors and coaches to ensure proper placement on teams for the official start of the season at the beginning of November.
Is travel required?
Our 8U teams do not travel to any out of state tournaments. Travel is within the Denver Metro area.
What is a typical practice like?
A typical practice will include work on skating, skills and drills, small area games, and cross ice sessions.
Do the kids play full-ice games?
At the 8U level, when participating in games and jamborees, teams will either play cross-ice (Beginners) or half-ice (Intermediate/Advanced). Throughout the season, we will have opportunities for our intermediate and advanced players to be exposed to full-ice concepts.
My child wants to be a goalie, how does that work?
Boulder Hockey Club has a dedicated goaltending staff to support your child if they would like to try playing goal. This includes club-supplied shared goaltending equipment and opportunities during the regular practices to try goalie. Our coaches will help obtain the correct size equipment, help you get them outfitted, and work with them on the ice.