The Mite Development Program is the fundamental stage of the SYHA. Creating a positive, healthy environment for the youngest members of SYHA is essential to a player’s long-term participation, growth and successful experience in hockey. The Mite Development Program will focus on individual age appropriate skill development for all players based on USA Hockey's American Development Model (ADM).

The ADM encourage a noncompetitive environment in which children and youth can learn the basic skills without the distractions that are often associated with an overemphasis on winning. Mastery of the fundamental skills and the fun of playing are essential to the development of a lifelong interest in hockey. Enjoyment and recreation are the focal points of the guidelines for youth hockey issued by USA Hockey and the SYHA Board.
More information on the ADM can be found on the ADM page at USAHockey.org.