NOHA/HOCKEY CANADA INITIATION PROGRAM
Hockey Canada's Initiation Program is specifically designed
for coaches working with the first time athlete, aged 5-8. The program focuses
on helping coaches introduce and refine the most fundamental skills in hockey,
such as skating, stopping, turning, puck handling, passing and shooting. Coaches
taking an Initiation Program clinic will learn about Growth and Development,
Lesson Organization, Communication/Leadership and Teaching Skills and Skill
Analysis.
Goals for the Initiation age category are:
• fun
• introduction of basic skills
• reviewing of basic skills
• refining of basic skills
The age and skill level of the players defines the seasonal plan. The Hockey
Canada skills development programs are based on progressive steps and follow the
appropriate allocation of time illustrated in the skill development pyramid.
The Initiation program recommends the following
practice time allotment:
• 85% technical skills
• 15% individual tactics
• 0% team tactics
• 0% team play
• 0% strategy
NOHA Regulation
R.1.23. The Hockey Canada Initiation Program Instructors Clinic must be completed by all on-ice personnel involved with teams in the divisions of Novice House League and below.
R.1.22. The Hockey Trainers Certification Program (HTCP) Level One, must be achieved by at least one Team Official on each NOHA insured House League Team and anyone who registers as the Trainer for this team.
Initiation Program Resources for Coaches