Sunday 5 February 2012

THE INITIATION PROGRAM

Hockey Canada developed the Initiation program to make child's first contact with hockey a safe and positive experience. It's a structured, learn-to-play hockey program designed to introduce beginners to the game's basic skills.

WHO ENROLLS IN THE INITIATION PROGRAM AND WHY?

The Hockey Canada Initiation Program is designed for players 5 and 6 years old but is suitable for any entry level hockey player and clearly lays out how to get them started in hockey so that they will have fun, learn skills and develop confidence.

UNDER SEVEN (7) YEARS OF AGE AS OF
DECEMBER 31ST OF THE CURRENT SEASON

The age and skill level of the players defines the seasonal plan. The Hockey Canada skills development programs are based on progressive steps and follow the appropriate allocation of time illustrated in the skill development pyramid.

Goals for the Initiation age category are:

fun
introduction of basic skills 
reviewing of basic skills
refining of basic skills

The Initiation program recommends the following practice time allotment:

85% technical skills
15% individual tactics
0% team tactics
0% team play
0% strategy

Conclusion

If the beginner is having fun, developing some basic skills and building confidence, there is a good chance that this player will go on to enjoy hockey for many years.  But if a beginner has an unhappy, unrewarding experience, the chances are that he, or she, will quit at an early age and never discover the real joy of Canada's great game.

Hockey New-Brunswick Regulations

Initiation Program Core Skills

For more information, please contact the Initiation Program Coordinator.