U7

The U7 (Under 7) Program, sometimes referred to as “Timbits”, is an introduction to hockey program for 5- and 6-year-old players (2017 and 2018 birth years for the 2023-24 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.

2023/2024 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 occasional weekday development/practice
  • U7 practices take place Saturdays at Camp Manitou, with games taking place Sundays at Allard Arena
  • Weekend start times are generally early morning to early afternoon
  • Many teams have occasional weekday indoor or outdoor practices in between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm
  • Most teams register for 2-4 weekend tournaments throughout the season
  • Approximately 50-70 total ice times during the season

Costs

  • $550 registration fees ($500 if you register by August 30) covers Stage 1 Initiation Program and Stage 2 and 3 weekend practice and game times
  • Approximately $300 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 SJAMHA Lead Instructors with the support of IP on-ice volunteers
  • During Stages 2 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

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 skills instruction
  • Players are generally grouped by community centre
  • Instruction is station-based for optimal coach to player instruction ratios

Parent information for Initiation Program

Stage 2 – Team Formation (November-March)

  • Teams are formed consisting of approximately 12 players. Teams are generally created geographically by community centre
  • Players will practice half-ice with their team on Saturdays
  • Saturday practices are 45 minutes
  • Sunday games are 45 minutes
  • For game days, two teams are on the ice and the ice is divided into three cross-ice zones
  • Players are placed in one of three groups based upon skill level
  • Player Development with Vigier Hockey begins, every second Wednesday
  • Weekly Practice - Some teams begin having weeknight outdoor practices
  • Tournament play begins, most teams register for 2-4 tournaments
  • The season is completed before spring break