Intro To Hockey
Hockey Canada's Intro to Hockey program provides kids ages 5 to 8 the opportunity to learn the basic skills of hockey in an environment appropriate for their size and skill using a smaller ice surface (half-ice) that allows for 2x more chances to touch, pass and shoot the puck.
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Ages 5 to 8
Intro to Hockey is geared for kids age 5-8. No prior training is necessary. Kids under the age of 5 should consider the Banff Skating Club's CANSKATE program.
Note: age is based on the reaching the minimum age by Dec 31 of the current year.
Intro to Hockey Objectives
- Teach the basic skills of hockey so players can enjoy the game.
- Assist in the development and enhancement of physical literacy and basic motor patterns.
- Deliver a program that is age appropriate for the size, skill and age of the players.
- Encourage the aspects of fitness, fair play and co-operation while having fun playing the game.
Game Play Rules
- Half ice play
- 4 on 4 with a goalie
- Continues play (line changes and stoppages in play)
- Use buzzer for line changes
- Face-off only to start halves
- No position specialization
- Blue puck (a lighter puck) for U7
- No score is kept
- No standings or stats kept
Intro To Hockey: Under-7 (U7)
Introducing basic skating and hockey skills in a safe and fun environment.
- Ages 5 & 6 (as of Dec 31)
- Half-ice play, no score keeping
- October through March
- Practice twice a week
- No weekend games
- Home and away jamborees
Intro To Hockey: Under-9 (U9)
Developing skating skills and building confidence through Hockey Canada's Intro to Hockey program.
- Ages 7 & 8 (as of Dec 31)
- Half-ice play, no scorekeeping
- rotate through all positions
- September through March
- Practice twice a week
- Home and away exhibition games
- Home and away jamborees
Additional Resources