USA Hockey is the national governing body for ice hockey in the United States. It’s the organization officially recognized by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee to oversee all levels of hockey in the country.

All TAHA board members, coaches, and skaters are required to register with USA hockey each year. These fees are not controlled by TAHA and are additional to TAGA registration fees.

Yes. Twig offers separate programs for boys (Mite 1, Mite 2, and Squirts) and girls (6U, 8U, 10U). Girls are encouraged to skate with the boys’ program as size and skill allow, but at a minimum through the Mite level. Our girls’ hockey is run in collaboration with Hermantown and Proctor  (Mirage).

Players must be 4 years old by June 1st of the current year. The first year your skater is registered for hockey, a copy of your their birth certificate is required.

Practices typically begin in late September/early October. TAHA has the opportunity to skate indoor with PAHA in the fall leading up to outdoor ice availability.

Mite hockey runs from October through mid-March.

Most practices and games are 60 minutes. Plan to arrive 15–30 minutes early so your player is ready on time. Coaches will communicate expectations.

Fall practices are held at the St. Luke’s Sports & Event Center with PAHA.  Any additional indoor ice time will be communicated with families as it is scheduled. 

In season practices are held at Twig Hockey on the outdoor rinks.

Ice Mite / Learn to Skate

• Sunday afternoons when ice is ready at Twig

Mite 1, Mite 2, and Squirt

• Outdoor practices on Tuesday and Thursday evenings once the ice is ready at Twig.
• Indoor practices on weekends when ice time is available and aren't attending jamborees or tournaments.
• Indoor practices in the fall with PAHA.
  

Squirt games are subject to scheduling from the district.

Outdoor practices may be cancelled if it’s snowing heavily or temperatures are below the cold weather policy threshold . Coaches/managers will notify families. Parents can always decide it’s too cold for their skater

No. But attendence is highly encouraged.  We're here to have fun and learn the game, this only happens when skaters attend.  Our coaches, volunteers, and other skaters all benefit when we have consistent attendance.

• Mite 1 (usually 1st grade & under): 7–10 players per team
• Mite 2 (usually 2nd & 3rd grade): 7-10 players per team
• Squirt (usually 4th & 5th grade): 10+ players per team (with a minimum of 1 goalie)

See our gear details page.

• Play It Again Sports – new & used gear
• Pure Hockey – new gear
• Stewart’s – new gear
• Dick's – new gear

Buy for comfort and fit — not “room to grow.” Oversized skates or gear make it very difficult to learn.

It can be, but there are affordable options. New players don’t need top-end gear — just a quality helmet and well-fitted skates. Used gear is a great way to save.

• First-year Twig registration is free.
• Twig offers financial assistance for families that need help.

Coaches/managers will reach out once events and ice times are scheduled.

Communication comes via email, team reach, and website. Make sure your contact info is correct during registration. Schedules are updated on team pages as events are scheduled.

Absolutely! Twig is a development program for all skill levels. Public skating and open ice sessions before the season are recommended.  There are typically new to skating registrations each year at all levels (mite 1, mite 2, and squirt).

Yes. We host a pre-season parent meeting in October for all families.  This meeting is used to set expectations for the season, meet the board members, coaches, and gain an understanding of fundraising and assessment details.

Registration opens July 1st each year on the website.

Yes. Families help with fundraising, concessions, and ice maintenance. This keeps hockey affordable and builds our community.