X2 on getting him skating lessons first. I coach Mite ADM and we had an unexpectedly high amount of players sign up this year. Many need a lot of help in the skating department and our organization is looking into changing how we are going to do things going forward. We are developing a road map for parents and new players and will be laying out what we feel the minimum skill set for ADM participation should be. USAH does have some guidelines working in conjunction with USFSA but many groups allow anyone who can stand on skates to join. We want all kids to be able to play and don't want them to quit because they can't keep up or get frustrated. ADM is all about skill development but the very basics need to be in place. We have a tremendous range of skater skill levels and it is a real challenge to make practice effective, fun and to not have kids getting lost. Luckily we have enough coaches to be able to break the kids up by skill level. I am a big advocate of ADM, many are not, especially parents of kids who have just jumped to squirts. They fail to realize the big picture.. it's long term development and the windows of optimum training for specific skills need to be utilized or the kid will have a lot harder time learning(or unlearning) these skills outside the age window.
It can't be said enough, hockey is all about skating, if you want him to succeed and have more fun get him into learn to skate asap. If he starts and wants to continue don't worry about puck and stick related stuff for now, put your $ and time into skating, the rest will come later. Agility, balance,control and speed (directional change) are what is important at 8U. The more ice time the better, get out there with your kids at open skates and stick and pucks and have FUN!