Explore the Coaches: Library Resources hub — your go-to source for guides, templates, and tools to support coaching development, player development, and more across all levels and ages.
HOCKEY CANADA NETWORK APP
Minor Hockey Associations and Coaches looking for access to the Hockey Canada Network?
Use promo code: HCCERT2025 for 50% off on an annual premium subscription.
This will allow you to apply HCCERT2025 to receive the subscription at 50% off. You will then receive an 8-digit access code which can be entered directly into the app. Upon expiry of a paid subscription, all subsequent subscriptions are $10 annually for a 1 year renewal.
Click here to learn more about the Hockey Canada Network and its features.
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TEACHING CHECKING
A common misconception is that the skill of checking begins at a certain age or age division. In fact, checking is a four-step progression that begins the first time a young player steps on the ice. Body-checking is the fourth and final step of the progression.
The transition from non-contact to contact hockey can be very uncomfortable for young players, but if coaches are able to effectively put the building blocks in place, it means a smoother transition.
NCCP 4-Step Checking Progression Model
The NCCP checking model is based on the principle that checking should be taught in four logical steps. Each step builds upon the previous step and brings the hockey player that much closer to being able to give and receive body checks competently and confidently.
Step 1 – Positioning & Angling: Angling can be considered the first line of defense for a player. Body and stick positions are important in checking without making contact. This section will examine angling as one technique of checking (Step 1) without making contact.
Step 2 – Stick Checks: Stick checking may be considered the second line of defence as angling forces the opposition to a position where contact can be made with the stick.
Step 3 – Contact Confidence (Body Contact): Body contact is the third step in the progression and is used to gain separation, when a player positions his/her body between the puck and the puck carrier.
Step 4 – Body Checking (begins in U15): Body checking is the final step in the 4 step checking progression. A body check can be defined as body contact primarily caused by the movement of the checker. The checker uses their body for the purpose of stopping the attacking progress of the puck carrier and/or to separate the carrier from the puck.
NOTE: While positioning, angling, stick-checking and body contact is taught in the younger age divisions, full body-checking is not permitted until U15 at most intermediate and competitive levels. Some community (house) leagues will offer a non-body-checking option for all age divisions, including U15 and U18.
The Hockey Canada Checking Skills Program is an online module that goes into more depth teaching checking. The Hockey Canada Checking Skills Program is an education program for the volunteer coach on all minor and female hockey teams coaching at levels that require Checking Skills. The goal of the program is to have you, the Coach, ensure Checking safety is your primary responsibility and first priority when teaching checking-related activities. The program will allow you to utilize a proactive, teaching approach about the progression of Checking skills required by players to participate in the game of hockey in a safe and fun manner.
The GTHL offers Body Checking clinics for players each Spring.
