Player Development

Hockey Canada continues to be the world leader in the development and implementation of Development Programs for young hockey players of all ages. It is important to for Minor Hockey Associations and Minor Hockey Coaches to pay close attention to what is being taught to young players as the progress through their minor hockey careers.

The following is a guide to what young players should be doing as they progress through their minor hockey days

The Initiation Program recommends the following practice time allotment:

• 85% technical skills
• 15% individual tactics
• 0% team tactics
• 0% team play
• 0% strategy
  Initiation Program Sample Practice Plan

The Novice Program recommends the following practice time allotment:

• 75% technical skills
• 15% individual tactics
• 10% team tactics
• 0% team play
• 0% strategy
  Novice Program Sample Practice Plan

The Atom Program recommends the following practice time allotment:

• 50% technical skills
• 20% individual tactics
• 15% team tactics
• 10% team play
• 5% strategy
  Atom Program Sample Practice Plan

The Peewee Program recommends the following practice time allotment:

• 45% technical skills
• 25% individual tactics
• 10% team tactics
• 10% team play
• 10% strategy
   Peewee Program Sample Practice Plan

The Bantam Program recommends the following practice time allotment:

• 40% technical skills
• 15% individual tactics
• 20% team tactics
• 15% team play
• 10% strategy
   Bantam Program Sample Practice Plan

The Midget Program recommends the following practice time allotment:

• 35% technical skills
• 15% individual tactics
• 20% team tactics
• 15% team play
• 10% strategy
   Midget Program Sample Practice Plan



Development Objectives for Goaltenders include:

BEGINNER
• 75% movement and positional skills
• 20% save movement
• 5% tactics

Beginner development should be built on practicing individual technical skills 75% of total practice time

INTERMEDIATE
• 50% movement and positional skills
• 20% save movement
• 30% tactics and transition

Intermediate development should be built on practicing individual technical skills 50% of total practice time

ADVANCED
• 35% movement and positional skills
• 10% post-save consequences
• 40% tactics and transition
• 15% advanced positioning

Advanced development should be built on practicing individual technical skills 35% of total practice time