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An opening word:
"How a player gets that first taste of hockey is crucial.
If a beginner has fun, developing some basic skills and building confidence, there is a good chance that player will go on to enjoy hockey for many years.
But if a beginner has an unhappy, unrewarding experience, the chances are that he, or she, will quit at and early age and never discover the real of Canada's great game."
...An opening word - taken from the Canadian Hockey Associations (Hockey Canada) Initiation Program Guide.
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What is CHIP?
The Canadian Hockey Initiation Program (CHIP) is a progressive, fun approach to learning the skills of hockey. The program is based on a teaching curriculum that incorporates all the appropriate skills for the entire year. This curriculum was developed by Hockey Canada and continues to be one of the most advance programs in the world.
The main objectives of CHIP are:
Basic enjoyment of the game - have fun!
Stimulate interest and desire to continue playing
Develop basic hockey skills
Develop self-esteem through a sense of achievement
Promote physical fitness
Encourage initiative
Introduce concepts of co-operation, sportsmanship, and leadership
Emphasis on enjoyment and skill acquisition
What is the Flamborough Hockey Association's Pre-Novice Program?
- The FHA's Pre-Novice program is based on the Canadian Hockey Initiation Program (CHIP).
- It is a comprehensive program designed to give the young participant the best possible start to an enjoyable playing experience.
- The emphasis is on skill development and fun without the pressures of competition.
- Aims to create participants and instructors who will continue in the game.
- The FHA's Pre-Novice Program is divided into 2 divisions:
- Initiation (4 & 5 year olds)
Practices follow CHIP manual sections A and B
- Jr. Tyke (6 years old)
Practices follow CHIP manual section C and D
- Instructors are encouraged to participate in an 8 hour IP certification course. Certified Instructors can then move on to instruct or coach at a higher level
We use the CHIP coaching manuals as a guide for all on ice lessons. Lessons are customized by FHA instructors to suit the skill level of the players. The program is flexible enough to allow for modification of drills, or portions as required to ensure each participant is challenged at their skill level.
On-Ice Sessions Focus On:
Refining basic movement patterns
Ensuring skills/activities/games are challenging yet not overly complex
Variety due to short attention spans of the participants
Ensuring instructors are trained on giving short, clear explanations
Positive comments, constructive criticism, and encouragement
Breaking down all skills into small steps
Having fun!
Initiation Division
FHA operates "Timbit" Hockey for our 4 and 5 year old participants. Structured around the skill building approach of the Initiation Program and focused on a fun and non-competitive introduction to minor hockey, this program provides an excellent learning environment for our entry level players.
The weekly ice session is held using a cross ice approach at Carlisle arena, separated into three mini-rinks with removeable rink boards.
Each child is grouped according to age, and works through skills, activities and games, bringing continuity to the instruction.
One instructor for every 5-7 players is and effective way to ensure each player gets maximum attention. An instructor can more effectively manage a small group of young players. Drills are run much faster, players are spending less time waiting in line
Smaller nets are used as well as the lighter blue puck.
Jr. Tyke Division
FHA operates "Timbit" Hockey for our 6 year old participants. Structured around the skill building approach of the Initiation Program and focused on a fun and non-competitive introduction to minor hockey, this program provides an excellent learning environment for our Initiation Program graduate players.
Teams are structured with 16 participants.
Junior Tyke players play a one hour learning games and a one hour IP session per week.
The “learning game� is a half ice game designed to introduce the player to a hockey game without the pressures of official rules and over competitiveness. Our aim here is to teach basic positional play and face-offs as well as safety and team participation. The smaller ice surface allows less skilled players to join the play and touch the puck more often.
One weekly ice session is designed as an instructional practice working together on skill building activities as outlined in the CHIP manual as well as fun and games.
Instructors are required to have completed the CHIP certification course.
In February, the players will be introduced to full ice games to further enhance and re-inforce their skill development in many areas including offsides.
Smaller nets are used as well as the lighter blue puck with no referees or score keeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
My player has never skated before, can he/she still participate?
The Flamborough Hockey Association does not provide learn to skate programs.
Contact the City of Hamilton Parks and Recreation department for Learn to Skate programs.
My player can already skate, where should I put him?
All new players should start as a CHIP, regardless of their experience. It is important for your player's development to learn the skills of the first level before he moves on. Again, we have sessions for more advanced players.
My player is 7 years old and just a beginner, where should she be?
A beginner is still a beginner whether she is 4 or 7. We always have several older players in CHIP and this is the best way to introduce them to hockey. Eventually they get caught up to their age group.
I am a new hockey parent, how do I learn?
We were all new at one point. The Initiation Program offers every parent an orientation session designed to teach the new hockey parent about the IP, equipment and safety.
What equipment does my player need to participate?
All players must have C.S.A. approved helmet (with ear protectors), C.S.A. approved facial protector (full cage or full visor), B.N.Q. approved throat protector (collar or bib type), Mouth guard (coloured 1 piece attached to face protector)- The mouthguard is mandatory for all players including goalies since January 1, 2002, Athletic support cup (male), Athletic jill strap (female), Hockey pants, Shoulder pads, Elbow pads, Garter belt, Shin/knee pads, Hockey gloves, Skates, Hockey Jersey and socks (provided after first on-ice session), Stick (right or left handed), Tape for stick, Shin pad tape. Contact your local sports store that sells hockey equipment for more information on purchasing equipment for the first time.
I think my player is much more advanced than the other players. Can he play in a higher level?
As Certified Instructors, we are trained to evaluate skill and in most cases, in a better position to make that call. Your player may be missing some very important skill training if he skips a level and it can be very detrimental to a player's development if he plays at a level beyond his capabilities.
Why don't they play games?
A player must learn the skills of hockey before putting them into practice. Putting a player into a high-pressure situation such as an official game may be too stressful. We have found that introducing the players slowly to games is best for all players regardless of skill level. Remember, a player develops their skills in practice, not in games.
Why blue pucks?
The blue pucks are actually lightweight 4-ounce pucks. An official puck is 6 ounces. It is easier to handle for less physically developed players and is used internationally. After all, every other sport uses downsized equipment for younger players, now hockey does too.
