U7 IP Program
U7 Initiation Program
The Initiation Program is a program specially designed for 5 and 6-year-olds, the Initiation Program introduces kids to the love, joy, and passion that is hockey!!
What's Included:
- 4-week Evaluation Period with 2 ice touches per week
- Remaining 16-weeks consist of one 1-hour Game and one 1-hour Practice per week, games will be organized by the coach with neighbouring centers after initial U7 Pathway Development.
Young players have an opportunity to continue their development while having a positive and fun hockey experience. The ideal season does not conflict with the start of the school year, provides a fair evaluation/selection process and is structured to maximize development opportunities.
The Timbits U7 Player Pathway and corresponding coaching materials provide progressive and incremental skill development. By using the Hockey Canada Skills Manuals on the Hockey Canada Network (where Timbits U7 materials are free) and Drill Hub, coaches are provided with the framework for practice sessions that meet their players’ needs. The monthly seasonal goals should correspond with the Timbits U7 Skills Matrix.
HC_CPP-Policy_20-21_U7_11X8.5_ENG.pdf (sportngin.com)
The IP program is about "KIDS" - Keeping Initial Development Simple.
It's hockey for the FUN of it!
If this is your childs first year of hockey please refer to the U5 registration page for registering details. Respect in Sport online course must be completed as well as a copy of their birth certificate must be provided to the Registrar before stepping on the ice.
Cross-Ice Hockey
The U7 Initiation Program plays games via Cross-Ice Hockey. Cross-Ice Hockey places an emphasis on fun while spending time on development. At this age group, there will be more opportunity for all players to handle the puck and learn to skate. During game slots, Coaches will lead their teams in one-hour sessions, splitting the time on:
- Organized OMHA lesson plans for stick/puck/skating development
- Semi-formal cross ice hockey games
For the hour-long practice session, the program will be conducted by the Lead instructor on a bi-weekly basis, following the Canadian Hockey Initiation Program (CHIP). This is a program designed by Hockey Canada which:
- Develops fundamental skating skills
- Guides and trains coaches on leading practices to develop fundamental skating skills