Squirt

The Squirt (10U) level is where the fun really ramps up! This program is for players ready to take the next step in their hockey journey.

This program is generally for players ages 9 and 10.

All equipment is still available free of charge through the Squirt/10U level — because we want every player focused on the game, not the gear.

The Squirt/10U season kicks off in mid-October and runs through late winter. Early in the season, players hit the ice four nights a week — typically Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays — with a mix of skill stations, small-area games, and team concepts that keep practices fast-paced and fun.

Sunday evenings are reserved for in-house games, where players get to put their new skills to the test in a friendly, competitive setting.

Instead of formal tryouts, teams are built through ongoing evaluations by the Squirt Coordinator, Hockey Director, and a crew of dedicated volunteer and paid coaches. This approach ensures players are placed where they’ll have the best chance to grow, compete, and enjoy the game.

Once the new year rolls around, it’s game on! The travel program typically fields Squirt A, Squirt B, Squirt C, and 10U B teams, giving every player a spot to shine.

Each team can expect roughly 20–25 games and up to three tournaments during the season. Road trips, tournaments, and team bonding make this an unforgettable stage of a young player’s hockey story.

The Squirt/10U level aligns with the “Learning to Train” stage of USA Hockey’s Long-Term Athlete Development model, as well as the Minnesota Hockey Development Model.

Our approach follows the USA Hockey Skills Progression — emphasizing skating, passing, puck control, teamwork, and game sense. Players start learning how to truly play as a team while building confidence and hockey IQ.

At this level, kids start to think the game, play the game, and love the game — the ultimate DL Youth Hockey goal.