Brad, with 8 year old players I think the first thing is to get them there so that everyone is dressed and ready 10' before you get on the ice. The other thing is to make sure they are behaving properly. Allow parents to help tie skates and get the equipment on and then everyone has to clear out ten minutes before so the coaches can get them ready for the game. Maintain a pleasant atmosphere and joke around with the players in the dressing time.
After the game take another 5-10 minutes to talk with the team then allow the parents in to help. Make sure all the tape and garbage is in the garbage can and that the players leave in good humour. If they have had a bad game it is a learning experience but always a fun experience. Keep the atmosphere light. We have 80% of the kid's quitting by 14 because it isn't fun. So try to make it fun to come to the rink and compete hard.
Here is good video about an effective way to teach young players about positioning.
The Train Tracks
Train Tracks is a simple visual to help Novice players adapt to Whole ice Hockey games. Playing Whole ice Hockey at this age does not contribute to player development. Whole ice games are more fun for the parents and coaches and those dominant players who have the puck most of the time while the others follow it around. This video will help coaches and their players to spread out and learn to play their positions.
There is a lot of good hockey material on the internet. HC and USA hockey do a good job. This is a link to videos of how the Swedes teach the game.
Swedish Video of Hockey Playing Skills
Swedish Scope and Sequence Progression for Teaching Individual and Partner Skills
https://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/forums/topic/s-skill-technique-practice/
'The Game is the Greatest Coach'
'Enjoy the Game'