The Greater Toronto Hockey League is offering Under-14 and U15 players the opportunity to develop their checking skills through a series of Body Checking Sessions taking place in September.
Scheduled prior to the start of the 2026-27 season, the sessions are designed to help players build confidence and prepare for the increased speed, physicality, and contact they may experience during game play.
Checking is an essential skill for players competing in both contact and non-contact hockey. By learning the fundamentals in a structured environment, players can become better prepared to give and receive contact while developing the awareness and technique required to play safely and effectively.
The sessions will focus on the foundations of checking, including body positioning, angling, contact confidence, and protecting oneself when receiving contact. Players will also learn how effective checking techniques can be applied without body checking to create turnovers, defend space, and regain puck possession.
Properly developed checking skills can benefit players throughout all areas of the game, creating opportunities defensively while supporting puck possession, transition play and scoring.
A total of six sessions will be offered across Westwood Arena, Scotiabank Pond, and Canlan Sports Scarborough.
The Body Checking Sessions were previously offered in the spring alongside the GTHL Pathway Development Skill Sessions. Moving the program to September provides players with an opportunity to refresh and strengthen these skills immediately before the season begins.
Space is limited, and advance registration is required.
For more information about GTHL player development programming, visit the Player Development Opportunities section of GTHLCanada.com (CLICK HERE).
