Hockey Canada developed the Initiation Program to make children's first contact with hockey a safe and positive experience. It's a structured, learn-to-play hockey program designed to introduce beginners to the game's basic skills. It enables participants to become contributing members of a team effort, develop self-confidence, and experience a sense of personal achievement. These goals are achieved in an atmosphere of fun and fair play. For more information please visit Hockey Canada at: http://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/Hockey-Programs/Coaching/Initiation.

CANTERBURY HOCKEY ASSOCIATION INITIATION PROGRAM (IP)

Players participate in a non-team individual skill-building environment that uses volunteer instructors to focus on teaching IP players basic hockey skills with a fun and engaging methodology. Players are on the ice two times a week. The program begins in September and ends in March. There are two IP levels, plus a once a week option:

IP1W (once a week) for new players aged 4 to 6 years old (meets once a week only). This program is targeted for 4, 5, or 6-year-olds who are interested in a learn to skate program in a hockey environment. As this will be once a week, the program will be designed to teach introductory skating and hockey skills. Your child does not need to know how to skate to participate in this program. Full hockey gear including a mouth guard is mandatory. To make the program as family-friendly as possible, there will be no sessions on Thanksgiving weekend, during the Christmas and New Year’s timeframe, or on Family Day weekend.  

​​IPA for 4 and 5-year-old players  (meets twice a week)

IPB for 5 and 6-year-old players (meets twice a week). IPB works towards preparing players to make the transition into the Novice level by the introduction of goalies, and some of the basic rules of hockey as part of their year-end skill development.

All managers, ice instructors, and trainers are required to complete the  Respect in Sport course for Activity Leaders as mandated by Hockey Canada. They are also required to complete a vulnerable sector police records check.


Vision

• Provide youth (boys and girls) with an opportunity to learn and play hockey;
• Establish and maintain a variety of hockey programs for all minor age groupings;
• Provide a positive environment for players
• Ensure that each player, to the extent possible, will be able to participate in a hockey program suited to that player’s skill and abilities;
• Encourage the participation of interested persons and organizations wishing to volunteer their services;
• Foster and develop sportsmanship, team discipline, self-discipline, self-confidence, respect for others, and enjoyment through participation in hockey;
• Create a broader interest in minor hockey in the Ottawa area and in particular in the Canterbury community;
• Fulfill its role without purpose of gain for its members, and any profits or other gains to the organization being used in promoting these objectives; and to provide players with a “Fair Ice Time Policy”.

• Have fun while playing hockey and engaging in physical activity;
• Learn the basic skills required to play the game of hockey;
• Develop an understanding of basic teamwork through participation in a variety of activities and adapted game situations (scrimmages not games) and fun days;
• Create and refine basic motor patterns;
• Introduction to the concepts of cooperation and fair play

• Skating
• Puck handling
• Stopping
• Passing
• Turning
• Shooting

• 85% technical skills
• 15% individual tactics
• 0% team tactics
• 0% team play
• 0% strategy