Welcome to the U9 Half-Ice page for players aged 7 and 8 years old. This page serves as a guideline/resource for the upcoming season. Outlined below are the playing rules, game structure, regulations and other items pertaining to Half-Ice hockey.
Half-Ice Hockey Structure
WHY HALF-ICE HOCKEY?
- The first years of hockey need to be a positive experience. A fun and exciting start gives young players the opportunity to enjoy hockey for life!
- If a beginner has fun, develops basic skills and builds confidence, there is a better chance they will enjoy themselves. But if the early experience is unrewarding, they may never discover what all Canada’s winter game has to offer.
- U9 hockey should be delivered through a progressive, learn-to-play teaching curriculum for 7-8-year-olds. Children learn best through practice drills and skill sessions, as well as informal games like shinny, freeze tag and obstacle courses.
- The skills of skating, puck control, passing and shooting are introduced and refined one step at a time. The focus should always be on fun and skill development, but the early years of hockey should also allow youngsters to experience fitness, fair play and cooperation.
- To ensure a positive experience, a coaching clinic has been designed for the on-ice coaches that focus on communication, teaching skills, leadership, skill analysis, lesson organization, and safety and risk management.
Cost-Effective Practice Structure
To help reduce the costs associated with ice rentals, multiple teams can share ice time and split the cost. This approach not only makes Half-Ice practices more affordable but also encourages collaboration between teams and coaches, providing a richer developmental environment for the players.
- U9 hockey serves as the foundation upon which the entire hockey experience is built. It is a crucial piece in building the skills of players at every level – players benefit from getting the ‘right start’ in the game.
| THE WHY? | |
|---|---|
| 2X | Puck Touches: Players are close the the play and can touch the puck often, meaning opportunities to be engaged offensively are doubled. |
| 6X | Shot Attempts: Players are closer to the puck at all times and the puck is put towards the net much more often. |
| 3X | Shots on Goal: Players are much closer to the net, skate shorter distances and have increased opportunities to create offence. |
| 2X | Pass Attempts: Players pass and attempt to pass the puck more often with and without the puck, they are closer to the game. |
| 5X | Passes Received: When passes are shorter (5 to 10 feet), accuracy improves and players have more success receiving the pass. |
“You need to be able to make quick passes and have quick communication. Small area games are important.”– Brianne Jenner, Canada’s National Women’s Team
“You have to be able to make plays in pretty small areas. The more you practice in small spaces the better off you are.” – Sidney Crosby, Canada’s National Men’s Team
U9 Half-Ice Hockey
GRASSROOTS PROGRAMMING
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