1. Learn to play The Way

2. The Model Hockey Program Ontario Minor Hockey Association

3. This document provides an overview of the key elements in creating a ‘Model’ minor hockey program. This also includes the opportunities and paths for players in the OMHA to follow: Where players begin Where they learn & develop Where they go Where they finish Overview

4. There is no ‘perfect’ program Complete on-ice program vs. specialty? Recreational, Competitive or Both Priority on winning Parent Education Programs Coaching Education Association Coaching Coordinator Officiating Programs Program Philosophies & Objectives

5. Ideal Structure Learn to Skate Learn to Play Initiation Program / Cross-Ice Hockey Recreational Stream House League / Local League Competitive Stream Rep / Select Adult league

6. Learn to Skate Where your new players come from? Who will run? Your minor hockey association? Part of your Initiation Program? Local Skating club? Local Arena? How will you market?

7. Learn to Play What time of year is best? What format will you follow? Include boys and girls How long will your program run? Will you provide equipment? Who will coach / organize? What will you charge?

8. Learn to Skate & Play Learn to Skate Learn to Play Initiation Program Cross-Ice Hockey Private Lessons

9. Initiation What age groups? Who will oversee or manage? Who will coach? How will players be grouped? How many players per group/team? How many ice sessions per week? How will ice be allocated? What are the benefits to the player…to the Association?

10. House / Local League Emphasize recreation & fun Special rules; ie. no-check Keep the cost reasonable Shared ice practices No travel Who will coach? Team selection process Focus on individual skills Practice to game ratios

11. Select / Rep Hockey Start at what age? Team selection process? Coach selection? Organizations philosophy Development Recruiting Winning

12. Practice to game ratios? Maximum number of games? Number of tournaments? Select / Rep Hockey

13. 6 and Under Program All in-house - no all-star teams – no travel 3 to 1 practice to game ratio Cross-ice games Lots of small area games in practice Play to learn Get them hooked with FUN Loan equipment if possible Individual development is the priority

14. Initiation Initiation Program / Cross-Ice Hockey Tyke HL Tyke LL Tyke Select Programs available: Initiation Fun Festivals Chevy Safe & Fun Hockey

15. 8 & Under Program Tiering begins at Tyke (7 years-old) with introduction of Select hockey Rep hockey introduced at Novice (8 years- old) 3 to 1 practice to game ratio Lots of small area games in practice Play to learn Get them hooked with FUN Loan equipment if possible Individual development is the priority

16. 8 & Under Program Tyke 7 years-old Novice HL/LL Novice Select Novice Rep AAA-E Novice 8 years-old Atom HL/LL Atom Select Atom Rep AAA-E

17. 10 & Under Program 3 to 1 practice to game ratio Emphasize individual skills Skating & puck handling should be the priority Should teach contact confidence Recommend ‘habits’ instead of systems Might implement very basic team concepts… 30 games max (= 90 practices)

18. 10 & Under Program Atom Peewee HL/LL Peewee Select Peewee AAA-E Available programs: Hockey Canada Skills Camps

19. 12 & Under Program First year for body checking Individual skills still should be the priority Stress agility, quickness, balance, coordination Players desire acceptance from their coach and teammates Habits and concepts vs. team systems Development should be prioritized over winning 40 games max (= 120 practices)

20. 12 & Under Program Peewee Bantam HL/LL Bantam Select Bantam AAA-E Available programs: Hockey Canada Skills Camps High Performance Skills Camps

21. 14 & Under Desire and abilities dictate level of participation Develop strength, quickness, agility and flexibility Play other sports Continue individual skill development More team tactics More specific positional skills 50 games max (= 150 practices)

22. 14 & Under Bantam M-Midget HL/LL M-Midget Select M-Midget AAA-E Available programs: OHF/OHL Under 16 POE High Performance Skills Camps

23. 16 & Under / 18 & Under Development of team awareness in game situations More complex team systems Continue to develop strength, quickness, agility Continue to develop individual skills Play games involving physical contact 60 games max (180 practices)

24. 16 & Under / 18 & Under Minor Midget Midget HL/LL Midget Select Midget Rep AAA-E OHA Jr. A.B.C.D OHL Major Jr. Available programs: Under 17 POE

25. 16 & Under / 18 & Under Midget Juvenile HL/LL Juvenile Select/Rep University/ College OHA Jr. A.B.C.D OHL Major Jr. Adult Hockey

26. Conclusion There really is no ‘perfect’ program Have a philosophy Take advantage of OMHA & Hockey Canada materials Pay attention to what other programs do Do what’s right for the kids Stick to your guns!

27. The Way Challenge  Learn  Improve