CHEYENNE CAPITALS YOUTH HOCKEY

The Cheyenne Capitals Youth Hockey Association registers players for the season based on their birth year. We offer the following classifications of teams: mites (birth year 2016 and younger), squirts (birth years 2014 and 2015), peewee (birth years 2012 and 2013 ), bantam (birth years 2010 and 2011), girls (birth years 2006 through 2013), and high school (birth years 2006 through 2009).

The Mite program is a developmental program. In this program, kids improve on their existing skating abilities as well as learn the fundamentals of hockey. At this level, there is emphasis on learning hockey fundamentals including edge work, skating with the puck, passing, positions, etc. Game play vs. in-house teams is introduced early in the season, in addition to regular practice. Mites practice two times per week and have in-house games on Saturday mornings. At this level, players are encouraged to try ALL positions and this includes goalie. Players are given opportunities to practice as a goalie as well as play in the Saturday games. The mites do not participate in a competitive league, but there are opportunities (not required) throughout the season to travel to jamborees and tournaments in Wyoming and Colorado.

We introduce full ice hockey with all the game details at the Squirt division. Players start to learn real hockey game rules, positions, game plans, patterns and systems. This is not at the expense of progressing the individual skill development which is still our main goal at the Squirt level. Young players can develop vastly at this age, and their progress is immense. We answer this with experienced coaching staff, thorough practice and game planning. Travel league play is introduced at the Squirt level, with competitive league games vs. other travel programs. Squirts practice three times per week with games usually taking place on the weekends, but occasionally having weeknight games as well. In this age group, players who want to play goalie will still “skate out” when not in goal. This allows them to continue to develop good fundamental skating skills and fully understand each position on the ice.

 By now, players at this age are used to playing full ice hockey, they understand game rules and positions, and their fundamental skills are developed. We build upon that, focusing more on the details of the skills - lateral skating, power skating, fakes and dekes with the puck, shooting, to name a few. Players are also more challenged on the individual bases during the games, every player has a specific role on the team and everything that comes with it - responsibilities for the outcome of the game, healthy pressure to hold their own and often more, learning from winning a game as well as from losing one. This all is conducted in a positive and healthy learning environment. Peewees practice three times per week with travel games on the weekends. At this level, the goalie position is solidified and those players who deem themselves as goalies will practice and play as such.  

Bantam hockey is an entry way to high school hockey and beyond. This is another big learning level for players due to the fact they are introduced to hitting. Players are taught how to legally hit an opponent as well as take a hit in order to keep themselves safe and healthy. Coaches continue to help them with their skills training and at the same time provide hockey IQ that helps them to be successful during games. Players begin to learn systems of hockey and learn more about set plays, power plays, and penalty kills. We work to motivate the players to think about hockey and prepare outside the game or practice day as it promotes a healthy lifestyle and strong team concept. Bantams practice three times per week with travel games on the weekends. 

At this level, players are no longer working on basic skills. Skating, passing, shooting etc. are skills that have become ingrained at this level. Instead, coaches focus more on the systems of the game and how the players and the puck move on the ice. Players are given more opportunities to be creative and learn to “read” the game at this level. Not only are players taught to play the game at a high level, but they are also taught how to win with grace and lose with grace. Being on the verge of adulthood, these players are taught to be good people on and off the ice.  

Our girl’s hockey program allows girls to continue to compete at a high level of hockey after the age of 13 when the decision to play checking hockey can be difficult. Capitals Girls Hockey players love coming to the rink to skate and compete. Our coaches create a positive and motivating environment for our players where they compete at a high level while learning the game of hockey and playing with teammates that become life-long friends. Girls practice 2-3 times per week and travel to compete against other girls hockey teams in the state of Wyoming.

Does my player need his or her own equipment?

The Cheyenne Capitals Youth Hockey Association has chest protectors, elbow pads, shin pads, and breezers available for rent for most of the younger age players (mites and squirts). Other equipment may be available for rent as well, but generally all players must furnish their own helmet, stick, skates, and necessary protective equipment. There is a refundable equipment deposit that you can select during registration if you wish to rent equipment.