8U Winter Development Program
Program Highlights
The Knoxville Jr. Ice Bears Mite Development Program is a 20-week winter season designed to provide young players with consistent instruction, meaningful game experience, and steady development throughout the year.
Players will participate in weekly practices at Pro Vision Hockey Academy and Sunday team games, creating a structured environment that allows athletes to build skills, confidence, and hockey IQ over an extended season. Teams will remain consistent throughout the winter, giving players the opportunity to develop chemistry with teammates, learn team concepts, and experience the excitement of being part of a hockey team.
Our 20-week format emphasizes long-term player development rather than short-term results. By combining professional coaching, skill-focused practices, and regular game competition, players receive the repetitions and guidance necessary to build a strong foundation for future success in hockey.
Whether your player is transitioning from Learn to Play Hockey or continuing their development within the Knoxville Jr. Ice Bears pathway, the Mite Development Program provides a fun, affordable, and development-focused hockey experience throughout the winter season.
We believe families should spend their hockey dollars on player development—not unnecessary travel expenses. Our model focuses on maximizing development while keeping players connected to the Knoxville hockey community.
The Mite Development Program is more than just hockey, it's an opportunity for young athletes to build confidence, develop lifelong friendships, learn teamwork, and become part of the growing Knoxville Ice Bears hockey community.
We look forward to helping your player take the next step in their hockey journey.
Who Is This Program For?
- Players born in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
- Graduates of Learn to Play Hockey
- Beginning and intermediate hockey players
- Families looking for maximum development and value
- Families seeking a balanced schedule
- Families looking for a high-quality hockey experience!
Why This Model Works!
Unlike traditional programs our Mite Development Program keeps players on the ice all winter long while providing a structured season-long team experience. Players benefit from weekly practices, consistent teammates, regular game action, and professional coaching all within the Knoxville hockey community.
Games
Players will be assigned to teams that remain consistent throughout the winter season, creating a true team environment where players can develop chemistry, build friendships, and experience the excitement of weekly competition.
Practices
Players attend one weekly practice at Pro Vision Hockey Academy on either Tuesday or Wednesday, allowing families to choose the day that best fits their schedule and commitments to other sports and activities.
Game Day Focus
Game Day Focus
- Team play and sportsmanship
- Small-area game development
- Increased puck touches and decision making
- Competitive but age-appropriate hockey
- Building confidence through game experience
Jerseys
Families who do not currently own a jersey will be prompted during registration to purchase a custom Knoxville Jr. Ice Bears Pro Style Jersey. Each jersey will feature the player's name and number and will be used throughout the season for Sunday team games and other program activities.
Winter 2026 -2027
The Knoxville Jr. Ice Bears Mite Development Program is designed for players ages 6U and 8U who are ready to take the next step in their hockey journey following Learn to Play Hockey. This in-house development program focuses on building strong skating fundamentals, puck skills, game awareness, and a love for competition in a fun and positive environment. Players receive multiple weekly ice touches, including practices, skill sessions, and age-appropriate games, all led by experienced coaches committed to long-term player development. Our goal is to provide an affordable, high-quality hockey experience that prepares young athletes for future travel hockey opportunities while keeping them engaged, improving, and connected to the Knoxville Ice Bears hockey community.
Register