Pikes Peak Miners

Miners U16 Philosophy

The Miners staff is committed to the individuals who play here. We select our team based on our tryout process. There is no revolving door—once you make our team, we have made a commitment to you for the year. We will take our 20 players (or less) and stand by our decisions for the duration of the season. While we reserve the right to dismiss players because of attitude or behavior problems, we will never cut a player for hockey related issues. Furthermore, some teams in recent years have begun to keep 25-30 kids around until December 31st (when you must submit your final roster to USA Hockey). Kids at that point are either dismissed or turned into “practice players.” With all due respect to those programs, it is our belief that when you sign up for hockey, you sign up to play and compete, not just practice.

It is our goal to build teams which will compete on a national level. We have the oldest and most prestigious AAA Major program in the Rocky Mountain District, and we are intent on continuing this winning tradition at the U16 level. When you make the commitment to us, you are committing yourself to excellence both on and off the ice. The coaching staff has made a commitment to teach you the game of hockey to the best of our abilities. You, in turn, have the responsibility to perform to your potential every day. You must be willing to make this commitment to your teammates, your coaches, and yourself.

Team comes first. It is our goal as a staff to facilitate the growth and development of players so that they may realize their potential as hockey players and as human beings. It is our job to teach a system and a style of play which will maximize the success of the team and enable all individual players to thrive. Team success will breed individual success. We will open doors for you and play an integral part in your development as a hockey player. In turn, it is your responsibility to accept challenges as they arise and become a student of the game. You need only to look at Miners alumni to see that this program has been committed to helping our players move forward in their hockey careers. We currently have former players in the AJHL, NAHL, USHL, WHL, WCHA, CCHA, Hockey East, AHL, and NHL.

You will notice the word “commitment” several times in the above paragraphs. Gentlemen, nothing else matters. Anything worth doing in your life is worth doing at 100%. You have the opportunity to play a rigorous game schedule and travel the country with the sole purpose of showcasing your talents. You have the opportunity to improve your skills, develop as a player, develop as a student, and develop as a person. You have the opportunity to be a Pikes Peak Miner. Are you willing to make the commitment?

Mission Statement

The Pikes Peak Miners are the flagship program under the umbrella of Colorado Springs Amateur Hockey Association. The Miners organization prides itself on not only developing hockey players, but also capable students and determined young men. It is our goal to provide AAA caliber U16 hockey players with excellent coaching, rigorous practice, and a competitive game schedule all within a supportive environment which places emphasis on the academic, social, and mental development of all participants. It is our responsibility to facilitate the development of elite U16 hockey players and prepare them for advancement to Midget Major AAA hockey and beyond. The U16 Miners will play to win; and we will do it with class, with character, and as a team.

Upcoming Events

Date:	Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Time:	18:30
Event:	Practice
Venue:	WA NHL