8U DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Practices
3 / week
Speed development window
Ages 5-8
Sanctioned by
USA Hockey
Model
ADM

8U Development Program

Learn the game. Love the game.

Half-ice hockey, by design

Most games will be played at half-ice, although some may be played cross-ice or three-quarter ice depending on the event. The goal is to improve creativity and for players to learn to compete in small area puck battles, as the game has evolved into a faster and more skilled game.

Half-ice hockey allows players to be creative and forces them to always be moving in tight spaces under pressure.

Any game played is USA Hockey sanctioned. We believe the USA Hockey ADM model provides the best opportunity for Mite players to receive the touches, repetition and confidence they need to develop skills and have fun playing the game.

Three sessions every week

  • MondayPractice4:45 pm · FIC Antioch
  • WednesdayPractice7:00 pm · FIC Bellevue
  • SundayBattle Day with Nashville WarriorsGary Force Acura Arena · Small area games, battles and half-ice games · Times TBD, ETA 3:00-5:00 pm

View Our Facilities

Tournaments and events

Tournaments & events will be posted soon.

Contact Our Team

What the program includes

  • 3 weekly practices
  • Professional coaching
  • Tournament & game fees
  • Jr Predators jersey, socks, gloves and pants

View Season Prospectus

8U DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Coaches

Tim McAllister

8U Development Program Director

Boys 11U AAA Head Coach

Profile

Originally from Kingston, Ontario, Tim McAllister has more than 20 years of coaching and instructional experience. Coach Tim was one of the co-founders of Thunder Hockey. He won 2 NJCAA National Championships in 1996 & 97 as well as being named an NJCAA All-American for those years.

Kevin Muller

Boys Tier I (AAA) Director

Boys 15O AAA Head Coach

Profile

Joins NJP after seven seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Pittsburgh Penguins Elite program, Muller has demonstrated his ability to not only develop high-caliber athletes but build a top tier program. As the Executive Director of Excel Hockey Academy in Pittsburgh and a Skill Development Professional, Kevin has left an indelible mark on the hockey community, training top athletes at various levels. Kevin’s coaching legacy includes 21 years of AA and AAA team coaching at the Bantam and Midget levels. Over the past three seasons coaching 16U, he achieved an outstanding .658 win percentage, propelling players to prestigious leagues such as the USNTDP, USHL, NAHL, BCHL, QMJHL, OHL, and DI College Hockey. Kevin’s passion for hockey and technology led to founding the online coaching platform HockeyShare, in 2006. The platform has since become a staple in hockey coaching, used by professional, collegiate, junior and youth programs worldwide. Muller is entering his third season serving as Tier I Director.

Zack Cantrell

Profile

With over 20 years of experience as a player and coach, Zack Cantrell specializes in developing high-performance athletes both on and off the ice. A former AAA and Junior player, Zack has coached at every level of youth hockey, including A, AA, and AAA programs such as the Florida Alliance and Clearwater Ice Storm. Zack led his 12U A team to a Florida State Championship in 2021 and currently owns Forge Hockey Performance, where he integrates skill development with specialized strength and nutrition coaching. He is dedicated to building competitive programs and helping young players maximize their potential through elite work ethic and hockey IQ. Zack is entering his first season with the Nashville Jr. Predators organization.

Derek Kimbro

Profile

Gary Yacavino

Profile