Player classifications are made pursuant to the rules of USA Hockey and Montana Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA). The Teams/Divisions are listed below, teams are determined by birth year listed with USA Hockey. 

HYHA is a member of MAHA and an affiliate of USA Hockey. Consequently, we are bound by their rules and regulations, as well as the parameters it sets for our association. All participates are expected to participate in their age group as defined by USA Hockey. 

Termites - 6U: Ages 4-6 (Birth Years 2019-2021)

Mites - 8U: Ages 7-8 (Birth Years 2017-2018)

Squirts - 10U: Ages 9-10 (Birth Years 2015-2016)

Peewees - 12U: Ages 11-12 (Birth Years 2013-2014)

Bantams - 14U: Ages 13-14 (Birth Years 2011-2012)

High School - must be enrolled in a High School Program: (Birth Years 2007-2010)

Girls 19U: Birth Years 2006-2012

HYHA may decide to allow players to dual-roster (play outside of their age group). If a player falls within the parameters of multiple age classifications, HYHA Board of Directors may decide in the best interest of all involved as to which age group is the best fit for the player as well as the association.

6U & 8U Division

This program conforms to the guidance provided by USA Hockey. Players play 4 vs. 4 or 5 vs. 5, in a cross-ice or half ice setting with lighter weight (light blue) pucks. Smaller nets are used, and games are played either with or without goalies. Use of small areas causes players to become more involved with the game. Touches on the puck increase greatly, building skills and confidence while also reducing frustration felt on a full ice surface. Our U6 program emphasizes fun and ice time over competition. There are travel opportunities at this age level, however no travel is required at this age. If there is sufficient interest, travel tournaments may be arranged and is open to all interested.

House League: Squirts-Bantams

The recreational program that teaches the fundamentals of hockey to players at an entry level. House League hockey serves as a stepping stone for players who aspire to play at a higher level or are looking to stay active during the winter and love the sport of hockey! The House League focuses on teaching players the fundamentals of hockey and growing their potential with the game. House League players will be ineligible to play in any MAHA Treasure State League games. House League players may still have to opportunity to play in games outside of the MAHA TSL schedule.

If the House League Coordinator and athlete believe the player would benefit from a MAHA TSL-sanctioned game, this information needs to be brought to the HYHA Board of Directors at least 1 month before the scheduled game. (Extra costs and miscellaneous factors may be discussed.)

Treasure State League: Squirts - Girls 19U

Our Travel teams compete in the Treasure State League (TSL), which is officially sanctioned by the Montana Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA). Each age division in the TSL has a designated number of league games—both home and away—that must be played as part of the regular season schedule.

To be eligible for MAHA-sanctioned State Tournaments, players must participate in a minimum percentage of these league games. This ensures fair competition and commitment to the team throughout the season.

Travel is required for participation in this division, as teams will compete against other clubs across the state.

Most age divisions within HYHA will field one TSL team, but if registration numbers and interest allow, we may form multiple teams in a division. In that case, tryouts will be held to determine team placement.

HYHA conducts player evaluations at the start of each season to help form teams in the most fair and effective way possible.

Evaluation Timeline:

• Evaluations are held the 1st or 2nd week of the season

• Players must bring both a white and a dark jersey

• 8U players do not participate in formal evaluations

Evaluation Format:

• 10U: 2 practice sessions + 1 scrimmage

• 12U and older: 1 practice session + 2 scrimmages

• Goaltenders are evaluated separately by qualified evaluators

Evaluations are led by the Coaching Coordinator, coaching committee members, and independent evaluators. Team placement decisions are made by the head coach, who will primarily use evaluator rankings, with discretion to select a limited number of players outside the top group.

Players will be notified of their team placement within three days of evaluations.

For more details, please refer to the HYHA Player Evaluation Manual.

Questions?
Contact our Coach in Chief, Ryan Riley

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