Missouri offers a variety of youth hockey programs for players of all ages and skill levels. From introductory learn-to-play programs to competitive AAA teams, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved in this exciting sport. Ages of players range from 4 years old to 18 years old.
A youth hockey game in action.
Learn to Play Programs
Learning to skate is your first step in becoming a hockey player! Missouri and Illinois have multiple hockey rinks available in the area.
Try Hockey for Free, presented by First Community Credit Union, offers children between the ages of 4-9 the chance to try hockey for the first time before joining Learn to Play programs. Led by Blues Youth Hockey coaching staff, children will learn the fundamental skills of hockey, including skating, stopping, passing, and shooting in a 45-minute ice session. A loaner set of equipment will be provided.
The Little Blues and Girls Development Learn to Play programs, presented by First Community Credit Union, offer six weeks of on-ice instruction from Blues Youth Hockey coaching staff. Here, your player will learn all the fundamentals and essential skills of ice hockey. Players between the ages of 4-9 are eligible for Little Blues, while players between the ages of 4-17 are eligible for the Girls Development Program.
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The Continue to Play program is the perfect next step if your child is not ready to join their local association. This program, in conjunction with Centene Community Ice Center, further develops all the skills learned in the Little Blues or Girls Development Program, while teaching new ones! All participants must complete a Learn to Play program to be eligible to participate in the Continue to Play program.
House Leagues
The Youth Hockey House League is a 5-game session available for Mite (6U-8U), Squirt (10U), and Peewee (12U) / Bantam (14U) levels. Players must have proficiency in basic hockey skills or have completed Learn-to-Play Hockey. There are no practices scheduled for this activity, only games. Full equipment is required.
Limited rental is available from the Mid-Missouri Tigers Youth Hockey Club. A Deposit fee of $150 is due at the time of the Fitting. $100 will be refunded at the end of the session when all borrowed equipment has been returned. Please have a Black and White jersey.
Mid-Missouri Tigers Youth Hockey Club Information:
- Registration opens in July 1.
- Practices begin the week of August 11th, with evaluations starting after the first week of practices.
- Games will begin in late September (October for 6U and 8U teams).
- Practices and home games are held at Washington Park Ice Arena in Jefferson City.
- Teams practice twice weekly on Monday and Wednesday evenings with occasional practices, goalie clinics, 6U/8U scrimmages, and All Tiger Stick and Puck sessions held on Friday evenings.
- Games usually fall on weekends.
Our teams travel to games at rinks in St. Louis, southern Illinois, Springfield MO, and additional cities as scheduled. 10U and older teams will typically play 20 league games over the season along with tournaments. 6U and 8U teams will play in league games, tournaments, and jamborees over the season with the goal of one to two weekends of play per month.
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USA Hockey membership is required for all participants. Team managers may collect fees during the season to cover tournament entry fees. Tiger families are expected to participate in fundraising for the benefit of their player's team and the club as a whole. 10U and older parents are expected to volunteer their time as scorekeepers, scoreboard operators, or penalty box officials at games.
AAA Hockey
Ready to join a team? MO Hockey has plenty of options for players between the ages of 4-19 looking to join a team based on your zip code!
St. Louis is home to two AAA Hockey teams: the St. Louis AAA Blues and CarShield AAA Hockey. AAA Hockey is the most competitive level of youth hockey.
AAA Hockey Teams in St. Louis:
- St. Louis AAA Blues
- CarShield AAA Hockey
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Key Information Summarized
Here is a summary of the age groups and programs available:
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| Program Type | Age Group | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Try Hockey for Free | 4-9 years | Introductory program to try hockey. |
| Little Blues | 4-9 years | Six-week on-ice instruction program. |
| Girls Development Program | 4-17 years | Six-week on-ice instruction program for girls. |
| Continue to Play | Varies | Further skill development after Learn to Play programs. |
| House League | 6U-14U | 5-game session for different age levels. |
| AAA Hockey | 4-19 years | Most competitive level of youth hockey. |