Development

Numerous resources are now available on the Initation page of the BC hockey website, (see link above) including parent education and practice plans.  Please check the website often as additional resources and information will continue to be posted.

The objectives of the Initiation Program are:

• Development, participation and fun
• Graduated program leading to full-ice game play
• Modify the playing environment to meet the needs of young players,
• Increase opportunities for players to touch and handle the puck
• Provide a positive environment for learning the fundamental skills of hockey
• Improve the utilization of ice time

Based on Hockey Canada's Long Term Player Development (LTPD) model, Novice aged players and younger should be focusing on having fun, learning skills and developing physical literacy. The ultimate goal of this level of hockey is to make the first impression of hockey a positive one for all players and parents.

The philosophy of cross-ice hockey has been proven by numerous studies to be the most effective way for young kids to master the skills of hockey in a game environment.  Mastery of skills and fun of playing are essential to both development and maintaining interest in the game of hockey.