Photo Gallery GMHA Fun Festival
The Guelph Minor Hockey Initiation Program (IP)
SKILL DEVELOPMENT 1 and SKILL DEVELOPMENT 2
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 GMHA’s IP Program?
- Guelph Minor Hockey's IP 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 program applies to players in GMHA's Skill Development 1, Skill Development 2 and Novice levels.
- All season House league practice days for these levels will include CHIPS based practice lessons.
- For season House league game days for each division will have a structure allowing for improved skill development, player ice-time and overall enjoyment of the game of hockey.
- Each child is grouped according to skill level, and works through skills, activities and games.
Recent changes for the 2008/09 season include the addition of Skill Development 1 (replacing the former Paperweight), and SD 2 (replacing the former Pre-Novice). These programs, along with Skating School are offered for players aged 4 – 7. These changes enhance the ability of our instructors to improve player skills in a fun and encouraging atmosphere. Players will now be placed in the program (Skating School, SD 1, SD 2) predominantly by skill level rather than age.
See the chart for what can be expected in our programs.
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Skating School |
IP Skill Development 1 former Paperweight) |
IP Skill Development 2 former Pre-Novice) |
| Age Guide |
Ages 4 - 7 |
5- 7 |
6-7 |
| Entry Criteria |
- For beginners or non-skaters
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- 1 year Skating School or other skating experience
- Players can stride without assistance
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- 1 year of SD 1 or other hockey development program
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| Lesson Program |
- Skill development and fun
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- 20 IP prepared lessons
- stations based by skill level
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- 20 IP lessons
- stations based by skill level
- Introduction of game rules and game positioning.
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| Eligibility for Minor Development Status or Select |
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- Minor Development, known as Tyke MD. Players must attend tryouts to make team. Open to 7 year olds only.
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| Overview |
- 1 hour/week
- skill focus
- fun
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- 2 hours/week
- high practice: game ratio
- early – skill based IP lessons – first 2 months
- migrate to half ice pond hockey, then full ice for approx last month
- Fun Festival/parent meeting for players at season start in September
- Year End Fun ‘Fest at end
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- 2 hours/week
- high practice: game ratio
- early – skill based IP lessons at start of season
- 1 hour practice, 1 hour full ice game thereafter
- Year End Fun ‘Fest at end
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These programs are based on the Canadian Hockey Initiation Program, developed by Hockey Canada as a resource to member associations. More information can be found at http://www.hockeycanada.ca/e/develop/players/initiation/index.html.
We use the CHIP manuals as a guide for all on ice lessons. Lessons are customized by GMHA instructors to suit the skill level of the players. The program is flexible to allow modification of drills, or portions as required to ensure each participant is challenged at their skill level.
On-ice Sessions
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 !
Each week there are 2 sessions of 1 hour skates.
For Skill Development 1 players aged 5, 6 and 7 years old, they use both skates as practice and skill development days. However, in December, the second skate of the week becomes pond hockey game day. Games are 1/2 ice which allows for players to have more ice time, build confidence, and have fun. In the last month, full ice games are introduced.
- A "Fun Festival" starts the season in September. This is for new players
and parents. Fun activities are planned for the players. A seminar that
overviews the program is presented for parents.
- The season ends with a Rendezvous Tournament for Skill Development 1.
For Skill Development 2 players aged 6 and 7 years old, they use both skates as practice
and skill development days. However, in November, the second skate of the week
becomes Game day.
- A "Skill Review" starts the season in September. This is for returning players or for those who have had at least one season of prior hockey experience.
- The season ends with a Year End Fun Fest Tournament for Skill Development 2.
For Novice aged 8 years old the first skate is practice and the
second skate of the week is game day.
- The season ends with a tournament style round robin game play, leading to Semi-Final, and Final Game Day
- The season wraps up at the end of March
Our Instructors
 Guelph Minor Hockey mandates that all Head Instructors/Coaches and Assistants Coaches at the Novice, Skill Development 2 and Skill Development 1 Levels become CHIP certified. Instructors must attend and 8 hour clinic which includes 6 hours of classroom instruction and 2 hours on ice. - We rely on the commitment and assistance of parent volunteers. We need your help!! Please contact the office if you would like more information.
Guelph Minor Hockey Initiation Program(IP)Contacts
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