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8U Selects Development

8U Development | NH Selects Hockey
Ages 8 & Under · 2026–27 Season

8U Development

Your player's first real team experience. PEP-based training, structured practices, and a development-first environment where young players learn what it means to be part of something bigger.

Join the Interest List Tilton School Ice Rink · Full Season · PEP Training
Ages
8 & Under
On-Ice
2× / Week
Off-Ice
1× / Week
Training
PEP System
About the Program
Their First Team. Their Foundation.

The 8U Development program is your player's first full team experience with NH Selects. Designed for players ages 8 and under who have the skating and basic puck skills to move into structured team play, this program focuses on building a strong foundation through fun, fundamentals, and a love of the game.

Players train using the Power Edge Pro (PEP) system with two 60-minute shared ice sessions per week and one off-ice session per week. Coaches introduce team concepts, positional awareness, and game-situation play in an environment that emphasizes development over competition.

No tournament travel is required at this level. The focus is entirely on building skills, building habits, and building the kind of player who's ready for more.

The Selects Pathway
Step 3 in the Development Pipeline

8U Development is where young players transition from learning skills to playing as a team.

1
Learn to Skate
Balance, confidence, skating fundamentals
→
2
Learn to Play
Full gear, puck skills, half-ice game play
→
3
8U Development
PEP training, team play, structured development
→
4
Non-National Bound
8U Major
Competitive level, league games, tournaments
Weekly Structure
What a Typical Week Looks Like

Three touchpoints per week keep players engaged and developing consistently throughout the season.

2×
Shared Ice
60-minute on-ice sessions with PEP-based instruction, drills, and game play
1×
Off-Ice
Age-appropriate conditioning, coordination, and movement fundamentals
0
Tournaments
No tournament travel required at this level — focus is entirely on development
Development Focus
What Your Player Will Work On

Every practice is structured around building the complete young player — skills, understanding, and character.

1
Skating Development Forward stride, crossovers, stops, starts, edges, and skating with the puck through PEP drills.
2
Puck Skills Stickhandling, passing, receiving, and shooting fundamentals in game-like situations.
3
Positional Awareness Understanding where to be on the ice and why — the beginning of hockey IQ.
4
Team Play Working with teammates, supporting the puck, and learning what it means to play as a unit.
5
Compete & Effort Developing a compete level, playing hard on every rep, and building habits that last.
6
Character & Sportsmanship Respect, accountability, positive attitude, and being a great teammate — on and off the ice.
Come Prepared
What Your Player Needs

Full hockey equipment is required for all on-ice sessions.

Hockey Helmet HECC certified with full cage. Black helmet required per NH Selects policy.
Full Pads Shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey gloves, hockey pants, and shin guards.
Hockey Skates & Stick Properly fitted hockey skates and an appropriately sized stick.
Water Bottle Players should bring water to every session. Stay hydrated.
Common Questions
8U Development FAQ
Is this a tryout-based program?
8U Development tryouts are free. We evaluate players to ensure they have the skating and puck skill foundation needed for this level. If your player is still building those basics, our Learn to Skate and Learn to Play programs are the right starting point.
Does my child need to complete Learn to Play first?
Not necessarily. If your player can skate confidently, handle the puck, and is ready for a team environment, they may be a fit for 8U Development directly. Our coaches assess each player individually.
What training system does NH Selects use?
All NH Selects teams train using the Power Edge Pro (PEP) system, which uses Reactive Countering Training (R.C.T.) to develop agility, decision-making, and puck skills in game-like situations.
Are there tournaments?
No tournament travel is required at the 8U Development level. The focus is entirely on skill development, team play, and building a foundation for future competition.
Where do they practice?
All practices and games take place at Tilton School Ice Rink.
What comes after 8U Development?
Players who are ready for more competitive play move into the 8U Major program, which includes additional ice time, video learning, and one tournament.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes. Visit our Player Financial Assistance page for details.
Who do I contact with questions?
Email info@nhselects.com — we're happy to help.
2026–27 Season

Their First Team Starts Here

Give your player the foundation they need — PEP training, professional coaching, and a team that's built around development.

Join the Interest List Questions? Email info@nhselects.com · Full Program Details

8U Selects Development

The 8U Selects Development program is your player's first full team experience with NH Selects. Designed for players ages 8 and under who have the skating and basic puck skills to move into structured team play, this program focuses on building a strong foundation through fun, fundamentals, and a love of the game.

Players train using the Power Edge Pro (PEP) system with two 60-minute shared ice sessions per week and one off-ice session per week. Coaches introduce team concepts, positional awareness, and game-situation play in an environment that emphasizes development over competition.

This is where young players learn what it means to be part of a team.The 8U Development program feeds directly into the 8U Major program, the next step up in the NH Selects pathway. No tournament travel is required at this level.

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