Hockey Canada Player Pathways
The Canadian Player Pathway is supported by the Hockey Canada Long-Term Player Development Model. This framework provides the guiding principles for age-appropriate and skill-specific programming for all players in Hockey Canada’s minor hockey system.
By utilizing LTPD principles, Hockey Canada membership offers systems and structures that are more consistent and ensures continuity as players move through the system from one age level to the next. Player development is at the core of the Canadian Player Pathway, with a focus on skill development so each player will experience success in both practice and game settings.
Under – 7 (U7)
The Timbits Under-7 Program falls under the FUNdamentals stage of the Hockey Canada Long-Term Player Development Model. 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.
The Timbits U7 Program is designed for players five and six years old, but is suitable for any entry-level hockey player, ensuring they will have fun, learn skills and develop confidence. The purpose of the program is to focus on developing and mastering physical literacy while teaching the basics of skating, skills, and teamwork. The program will provide young hockey players with the opportunity to develop their skills in a positive, fun environment lead by qualified mentors and coaches.
The program will consist of structured drills that will introduce basic hockey skills while progressively working towards more advanced skills – all within a cross-ice format. The skills learned from these drills will then be implemented into game like scenarios where the players will have the opportunity to play in a semi-competitive environment ensuring that we allow time for kids to “just play”
Cross-Ice Format
The U7 Program uses a cross-ice layout for all practices and game situations. The cross-ice layout consists of dividing the ice surface into one-third lateral sections for games and drill stations instead of using the entire ice surface or half ice. The rationale behind this method is simple but powerful; alike other sports, long-term hockey development research has shown that reducing the size of the playing surface offers more opportunity for skill development and greater participation from all players.
Cross-ice ice delivery is required throughout the entire U7 season in Manitoba and is strongly recommended as a phase within the early portion of the U9 hockey season. For children in the U7 program, the cross-ice format is the most realistic simulation of the game, and thus highlights its importance as we put our players in the best opportunity to reach their potential while having fun.’
Under – 9 (U9)
All players in the Under-9 age category will play on a half-ice surface for the duration of the season. Hockey Manitoba’s Under-9 half-ice model incorporates core elements and concepts from Hockey Canada’s Under-9 guidelines with a few modifications.
The Under-9 half-ice format continues age appropriate modifications into the Under-9 Program with the Long Term Player Development model and philosophy as the fundamental basis for change. Players at the U9 level require a continued focus on physical literacy while also beginning to develop some of the more advanced individual skills inherent in the game.
By moving from cross-ice at U7 to half-ice at U9, we increase the size of the ice surface in accordance with the increase in the size of player. This modified ice will continue to provide players with an environment that is more inclusive, competitive and conducive to skill development through puck touches and puck control, shots, passes completed, transitions, decision making, puck support, overall involvement…and FUN! In addition, with the creation of the new Development Zone, kids will have up to 40% more ice time during games!
Continuous play and change of possession
As identified by Hockey Canada as a core element at the U9 category, one of the keys to improving the flow of each game and
reducing stoppages is to create continuous play, particularly on change of possession. These basic rules apply:
- There will be no face-offs or stoppages in play during shifts; continuous play will be used (exception; injury)
- Puck shot out of play: Official blows whistle, offending team backs off and non-offending team gets possession
- Goalie freezes puck: Official blows whistle, attacking team backs off and defending team gets possession
- Goal scored: Official blows whistle, attacking team backs off and defending team gets possession
Note: In all cases, “backing off” will require the offensive team to move back to the ringette line (or top of circles). The defensive team must wait for the official to indicate they can begin their attack and must start with the puck on or behind their goal line. Both teams resume play on the officials’ signal.
Coaches should ensure that all players understand this concept from both the offensive and defensive perspective.
Under – 11 (U11)
The Under-11 program is designed for players graduating from U9 hockey and for entry level hockey players who may start playing hockey at this age level.
The U11 program is delivered through a learn-to-play teaching curriculum that is age-appropriate and skill-specific for 9 and 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.
Fair and equal ice time is a key principle of the U11 program. Fair and equal ice time is designed to ensure that all players get the same opportunity to contribute to the outcome of games, regardless of skill or ability.
Focus on Skill Development
-
- Small-area games in practice / station-based practices / skill-focused drills.
- Only 15% of practice time should be spent on team play and strategy/systems with 85% of practice time spent on skills and
tactics. - Basic positional play and rules can be introduced at the end of the U9 season or prior to the start of the U11 regular season. Basic defensive-zone positioning, offside, icing, etc., can be introduced during the ice sessions prior to evaluation/tryouts or after teams are selected.
- Players should rotate through forward and defence in the first half of the season and then may move to more consistent positions in the second half. Recommended rotation over a five-game segment would be: LW/C/RW/RD/LD
Under – 13 (U13)
Development is at the core of U13 hockey, with the focus on refining skills so players will experience success in practices and games. Looking at how kids learn, and the number of repetitions of specific skills and situations that occur in practice versus a game, practice is where players have a chance to develop the most.
U13 hockey should be delivered through a progressive, learn-to-play teaching curriculum that is age-appropriate and skill-specific for 11-12-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) and checking skills (stick checks, angling, body contact) in a fun and safe environment, promoting skill development through self-confidence.
Focus on Skills Development
-
- Small-area games in practice / station-based practices / skill-focused drills.
- Only 20% of practice time should be spent on team play and strategy/systems with 80% of practice time spent on skills and
tactics. - Basic team play concepts such as defensive-zone positioning, forechecks, special teams, etc., can be introduced during the ice
sessions prior to evaluation/selection/tryouts or after teams are selected. - Forwards should rotate through the three forward positions (LW-C-RW) and defence rotate between (LD / RD) in the first half of the season and then may move to more consistent positions in the second half
Under – 15 (U15)
Development is at the core of U15 hockey, with the focus on refining skills so players will experience success in practices and games. Looking at how kids learn, and the number of repetitions of specific skills and situations that occur in practice versus a game, practice is where players have a chance to develop the most.
U15 hockey should be delivered through a progressive, learn-to-play teaching curriculum that is age-appropriate and skill-specific for 13-14-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) and checking skills (stick checks, angling, body contact) in a fun and safe environment, promoting skill development through self-confidence. When players continue on a positive note, they enjoy the game and will go on to have fun playing hockey for many years.
Positional rotation
- Recommend forwards play all three forward positions (LW-C-RW) and defence play both (LD and RD).
- All players get a chance to start the game and play in end-ofgame situations.
Goaltender rotation
-
- Full-time goaltenders allowed.
- Goaltenders rotate for equal amount of playing time throughout the regular season and playoffs
- Goaltenders alternate games or split games as close to 50/50 as possible.
- Each goaltender plays the final game in an equal number of tournaments.
- The rotation schedule should be done in consultation with the goaltender and parents – share games or alternate playing full games.
