U7 (Timbits)
The U7 Program, also often referred to as “Timbits”, is an introduction to hockey program for 5 and 6 year old players (2016 and 2017 birth years for the 2022-23 season) who have signed up for hockey within the SJAMHA. The sessions involve small group instruction, small-area activities, cross-ice scrimmages, half-ice games and a focus on fun. Player development is heavily emphasized and score is not kept in games.
- Hockey Canada U7 Development Guidelines
- Hockey Canada – Intro to TimBits U7 hockey
- Hockey Manitoba – Timbits U7 Program
- Hockey Canada – The Game Begins with Timbits U7 (Video)
- Hockey Canada – How Timbits U7 Lays the Foundation (Video)
- Hockey Canada – Scaling Down the Game in Timbits U7 (Video)
2022/2023 Program Information
Dates, Times and Locations
- SJAMHA U7 registration opens early August and season runs September to early March
- Program will tentatively commence early to mid September
- An e-mail regarding your child's first IP ice time will be sent approximately one week prior to the program start
- Program runs each Saturday and Sunday (except holidays) with an occasional bye week
- Most U7 ice times take place at Allard Arena with 8:00-11:30 am start times
- Many teams have occasional weekday indoor or outdoor practices in between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm
- Most teams register for 2-4 weekend tournaments in January-March
- Approximately 60 -70 total ice times during the season
Costs
- $475 registration fees ($425 if you register by August 30) covers Stage 1 Initiation Program and Stage 2 and 3 weekend practice and game times at Allard arena
- Approximately $250 for team fees (paid in November to team manager) covers tournaments, extra practice ice, team apparel, wind-up party based on decisions made by coaches, manager and parents
- Some teams choose to fund raise to reduce team fees
Volunteers
- During Stage 1 of the season (Initiation Program), sessions will be run by lead Instructors with the support of IP on-ice volunteers
- During Stages 2 and 3 of the season (Team Play) , volunteers act as coaches who must undergo Hockey Canada and Respect in Sport Training, as team managers, safety representative and tournament and event organizers and staff
- For more information on volunteering with the U7 program, visit the Coaches, IP/DP On-Ice Volunteers and Bench Staff resources pages
- To become an IP On-Ice Volunteer or U7 Coach, complete the application form or contact VP House League Shawn Edinger if you have any questions
Program
- Follows Hockey Canada Long Term Player Development Model
- Emphasizes skill development (skating, stopping, turning, puck handling, passing, and shooting)
- Players placed in small groups with peers of similar age and level of skill and experience
- Score is not kept during any scrimmages or games
Stages of Season
Stage 1 – Initiation Program (September-October)
- Players are grouped according to years of experience for a skill-based “camp” (your child may or may not be paired up with players from your community club for these sessions)
- All skills stations and scrimmages are cross-ice
- Evaluation skates may take place during Stage 1 to enable balanced team formation in Stage 2
Parent information for Initiation Program
Stage 2 – Team Formation (November-December)
- Teams are formed consisting of approximately 12 players. Teams are generally created geographically
- For each ice time, three teams are on the ice and the ice is divided into three cross-ice zones
- All players are grouped based upon skill level: red-developed, yellow-intermediate, blue-developing
- Each ice time consists of 40 minutes of skills and 20 minutes scrimmage (4 on 4) , all cross-ice
- Saturdays - Players practice with their team and then join their colour-based skill groups for cross-ice scrimmage
- Sunday - Game Day: The ice is divided into two half-ice zones with two 5 on 5 games with four teams on the ice, players remaining with their team for the duration of the game
- Weekly Practice - Some teams begin having weeknight indoor or outdoor practices
Stage 3 – Half-Ice Game Play (January-March)
This is typically the busiest time of the hockey season as outdoor practices and tournaments take place.
- Saturdays - Players practice with their team and then join their colour-based skill groups for cross-ice scrimmage
- Sunday - Game Day: The ice is divided into two half-ice zones with two 5 on 5 games with four teams on the ice, players remaining with their team for the duration of the game
- Weekly Practice - Some teams have weeknight indoor or outdoor practices
- During Stage 3, tournaments begin. Most teams register for 2-4 tournaments between January and March, each consisting of 3-4 games. Most tournaments have half-ice play
- Team wind-up normally takes place mid-March and the season is complete before Spring Break