RULE CLARIFICATION TIME: Although USA Hockey has changed the name of the playing age groups starting this season, that does not affect the rules regarding who must wear mouthpieces. Mouthpieces are required only for the 12U (PeeWee), 14U (Bantam), 15 (new group), 16U (Midget), and 18U (Midget). The 10U (Squirts) and 8U (Mites) age groups are not required to wear mouthpieces. While a nine year old player is certainly under 12, under 14, under 15, under 16, and under 18, only the 10U rules apply to him/her.