The Initiation Program (6 and under) and modified ice hockey (7 & 8 years) was developed by Hockey Canada to make a child’s experience with hockey a fun, safe, and positive. The modified ice environment allows beginners to learn the fundamentals and age-appropriate skills. By progressively learning the fundamentals of hockey, players can develop confidence, experience personal achievem ent, and become contributing members of a team.

Cross-ice/half-ice hockey games allow young players to experience more puck-handling, shooting, skating, coordination and decision-making. Small-area games are used at all levels of the game – including senior national teams and the NHL.

You can view and download the Ontario Hockey Federation- Player Development Model guide (Click HERE) for all the details on what a players’ introduction to hockey should look like up to 8 years of age.