Sorry you are correct, 1st year Squirts (8 years old) is a crucial turning point in one's hockey career. Make it or break it. I also think that is when the NHL scouts first start showing up at games and practices.

This team will compete in the Elite 9 right from the start.

They'll successfully compete in the parity tournament for an E9 spot. This team is well coached.

these are first year squirts. who knows if any of them will even grow in the summer. and who is coaching this team that you are so confident in?