Hockey is a fun, safe sport that can be played by anyone, regardless of age or experience. Hockey Canada and its provincial and regional members provide a range of opportunities to get in the game.
View the resources below for more information on the Hockey Canada Player Pathways.
Timbits Under 7 (Initiation)
Timbits U7 makes the first strides in the game a safe and positive experience, introducing first-timers to basic skills. Kids become members of a team, develop self-confidence and experience personal achievement, all through fun and fair play.
Under 9 (Novice)
U9 hockey should be delivered through a progressive, learn-to-play teaching curriculum for 7-8-year-olds. Children learn best through practice drills and skill sessions, as well as informal games like shinny, freeze tag and obstacle courses.
The skills of skating, puck control, passing and shooting are introduced and refined one step at a time. The focus should always be on fun and skill development, but the early years of hockey should also allow youngsters to experience fitness, fair play and cooperation.
Under 11 (Atom)
U11 hockey should be delivered through a progressive, learn-to-play teaching curriculum that is age-appropriate and skill-specific for 9-10-year-olds. It is a continuous opportunity for young players to develop and refine fundamental movement skills (skating, turning, acceleration), manipulation skills (shooting, puck control, passing) and overall motor skills (balance, coordination, agility) in a fun and safe environment, promoting skill development through self-confidence.
Under 13 (Peewee)
U13 hockey is the most significant period for development. This is the window of accelerated adaptation to motor coordination. Group interaction, team building and social activities should be emphasized. A reasonable balance of practices and games will foster the ongoing development and mastery of essential skills in hockey.
Under 15 (Bantam)
The focus during U15 hockey is on building an aerobic base, developing speed and strength and further developing and consolidating sport specific technical skills with an increased emphasis on hockey and a reduction in the number of other sports played. This phase will also include the introduction and development of individual and group tactics. Social and emotional considerations are addressed by placing an emphasis on team-building, group interaction and social activities.
Under 18 (Midget)
The focus during U18 hockey is on building an aerobic base, developing speed and strength and further developing and consolidating sport specific technical skills with an increased emphasis on hockey and a reduction in the number of other sports played. This phase will also include the introduction and development of individual and group tactics. Social and emotional considerations are addressed by placing an emphasis on team-building, group interaction and social activities.
Player Development Resources
