NOVICE & BELOW PROGRAMING BASICS
The FUNdamental stage of Hockey Canada’s Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) Model serves as the foundation upon which the entire minor hockey association is built.
Youngsters at every level of play benefit from getting the “right start” in the game and it is crucial in building the skills of recreational and competitive players alike. Children learn through participating in practice drills and informal modified games which forms the basis of Long-Term Player Development (LTPD).
Starting in the 2019-2020 season, Hockey Canada has mandated players 8-years-old and under will participate in modified-ice games, which includes cross-ice or half-ice.
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM
Developing fundamental movement skills (skating, jumping, twisting, turning), manipulation skills (shooting, puck control) and overall motor skills (agility, balance, coordination) in a fun and safe sport environment that promotes self-confidence. Practice and gameplay exists primarily in a modified form with formalized games introduced throughout the season. Some tiering of the players with the goal is to have players working with players of like skill to develop confidence and self-esteem.
TWO STREAMS FOR MINOR NOVICE AND NOVICE HOCKEY PROGRAMMING
The GMHA will be offering two streams for Minor Novice & Novice programing;
1) House League Skills Development Program Stream or “SDP” program is geared toward players who want to participate in a less competitive stream of hockey with reduced time commitment and travel.
2) Advanced Development Program Stream “ADP” is geared toward players who want to participate in a more competitive stream of hockey with an increased time commitment and higher intensity training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does my child have to participate in this modified cross ice/half ice format of hockey?
A: Yes this is a mandatory policy from our governing bodies; GMHA will not offer any programming that is not endorsed by Hockey Canada and our other governing bodies.
Q:What is ADP Stream?
A: The Advanced Development Program stream is a representative initiation programming that promotes skill development at an accelerated rate within the framework of Hockey Canada's modified ice programming model. ADP Stream players will be eligible to play other OMHA centres in exhibition games and jamborees. Novice teams will at some point be eligible to participate in League play against other OMHA Centres.
Q: Does my child have to participate in the ADP program?
A: No normal house league programming is still available.
Q: How much does it cost to participate in the ADP Program?
A: Cost is not finalized but will be similar to past rep registration costs.
Q: Which OMHA teams do you play in these jamborees/exhibition games for ADP?
A: The 8 and Under 4v4 leagues are similar to our rep centers i.e. Burlington, Oakville, Brampton, Flamborough, Orangeville etc.
Q:Will there be tryouts for each level?
A: Yes Minor Novice and Novice ADP will have their own tryout dates in late August early September, formats are TBD as we are waiting finalization of the programming for next year from the OMHA.
Q: Can I try out for the ADP program if I am not registered for Guelph Minor Hockey’s Upcoming season?
A: No, you must be registered for our House League Skill Development Program before you can attend ADP tryouts.
Q: How are the players for Minor Novice and Novice ADP selected?
A: There will be a selection panel for each Level. The Head of Player Development for the program will Chair the Panel, the Panel will also have members of the Rep and Development Programs.
Q: Who will the GMHA Practice Instructors be?
A: The GMHA Practice instructors will be a combination of a Skills Instructor, Skating Instructor and a Goalie Training Instructor. All our instructors have a deep background in hockey training, development and coaching. All our instructors also have the appropriate Hockey Canada certifications to instruct/coach.
Q: Will there be someone teaching Goalie Instruction?
A: Yes for Novice ADP, a professional instructor will dedicate one practice a week for instruction for each ADP group/session. The Novice House League goalies will all be able to attend a Goalie Development Series being provided to house league goalies for the first 8 weeks of the season. However no other streams of Minor Novice and Under programs will have goalie instruction?
Q: If my child wants to be a goalie full time are they allowed?
A: Not initially for Minor Novice program, the Hockey Canada mandate is for all players in 8 and under to have a chance to try playing goalie. As the season progresses if you child has a strong desire to continue to focus on developing as a goalie the GMHA coaches and convener will work to accommodate.
Novice ADP will be managed differently as many of these players will be preparing to try out for Rep Teams in Minor Atom.
Q: Do I have to have my own goalie equipment if my player wants to play goalie?
A: No, GMHA will provide quick change goalie gear for all 8 and under goalies.
Q: If I want to apply to coach, who do I contact?
A: If you wish to coach in the House League Skills Development Program please reach out to our Director of House League. (Jim Sullivan - [email protected])
If you wish to coach in the Advanced Development Program please contact our acting Director of Rep. (Jen Brisbin– [email protected]). There will be a selection process for this stream managed by an independent Coach Selection Committee
Q: What qualifications do I have to have to coach in these streams?
A: Please see attached grid for Team Official Certification requirements.