Erindale Player and Coach Development The development of our players begins with the Hockey Canada's Initiation Program (IP). The IP program is known as "Hockey for the fun of it." The objective is to teach the fundamentals of hockey, fitness, and fair play in a fun environment. One of the important elements of the Initiation Program is the development of self-esteem and self-confidence of the players as they progress through the program. In addition to the Initiation Program, Erindale offers players 8 - 11 years of age a skills development hockey school that also focuses on the fundamentals of hockey in a non-competitive environment.

Erindale actively encourages and supports the continuing education of coaches through in-house coaching clinics and the Hockey Canada CBET (Competency Based Educational Training), or the National Trainers Certification Program (NTCP). All house league Head Coaches in Erindale must be certified at the "Coach Stream Level" and all "A" team Head Coaches at the "Development One Level" (revised Intermediate Level) under the NCCP. As well, Erindale strongly encourages all coaches to obtain their Trainers Certificate. IP Instructors must also be certified under the NCCP at the "Initiation Program" level. Finally, all coaches are required to take the Harassment and Abuse Awareness Program.

Initiation Program

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Making Hockey a Very Positive and Fun-Filled Experience

• Having fun in a physical activity
• Learning the basic skills needed to play hockey
• Creating and refining basic motor patterns
• Learning the concepts of co-operating and fair play
• Developing an understanding of teamwork
• Build self - esteem in the player's minds.
• Develop all the players to the fullest and encourage creativity.

PROGRAM FOCUS
The overall program objective is: to provide children with an opportunity to learn and develop hockey Fundamentals and Fitness in an environment of Fun and Fair play (The Four F's)

• Developing basic hockey skills:
• Skating
• Stopping
• Turning
• Puck handling
• Passing and shooting
• Each skill is introduced and refined in a progressive manner.
• The goal is to build a foundation for the future years.
• Focus on all the players.

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM CURRICULUM

• Participants are grouped by skill level and supervised by 4-5 instructors.
• Ratio of 1 instructor for every 1.6 players allowing for greater one-on-one attention for each player
• Skill development tailored to the individual needs of each group.
• Overall more structured and better use of time and ice.
• A head instructor monitors overall flow of practices.
• Non-competitive games part of the process.
• High practice to game ratio 1:1 or better

Erindale Hockey Association's
Version of the Hockey Canada's Initiation Program

This is a hockey program for four, five, and six year olds. In a fun, non-competitive environment the players learn hockey skills and fair play, with an emphasis on the development of self-esteem and self-confidence. We believe if the introduction to hockey is a positive one, the players will develop a lifetime life long love of the game. All games and practices are held at Erin Mills Twin Arena, 3205 Unity Dr. Each player has a 45 to 50- minute practice once a week, on Saturday morning. All practices planned and skills are introduced in a progressive manner. We try to maintain a good ratio of qualified volunteer instructors to players. This allows us to attend to the individual requirements of the players. All our instructors must attend a clinic that focuses on skill analysis and development, lesson organization, and communication.

Games are on Sunday starting around 7:30 am. Each player has equal ice time. To build self-confidence they play against children of an equal skill level. No scores or individual stats are kept. The emphasis is on participation and skills development - not winning. The season starts in late September and runs through to March. Boys and girls who are residents of Mississauga and are five years of age are eligible. No prior skating or hockey experience is required. Registration is limited to 192 players. Each player receives a team jersey and a pair of hockey socks.

Here is a link to a Hockey Equipment Fitting Guide on the Hockey Development of Ontario website.

For more information, go to the IP Program section of the website or contact the Initiation Program Convenor.

Minor Novice Skills Development
"Skills to grow by"

A new Minor Novice Skill Development program began in the 2008-2009 season throughout all associations in the MHL. There are three divisions: Red/White; Blue and Green. As with other house league loops, all entries will be subject to a convening period to ensure all teams are fairly balanced.

Practices
The Red/White division will practice two weeks prior to the first game. Practices to be held on Erindale practice ice and MHL (game) scheduled ice.

The Blue and Green divisions will practice three weeks prior to the first game. Practices to be held on Erindale practice ice and MHL (game) scheduled ice.

MHL will provide suggested practice plans to all coaches.

Goaltenders
Prior to January 15 (each season), goaltenders in the Red/White, Blue and Green divisions will not be permitted to tend goal in two consecutive MHL league games. Following this date, a permanent goalie will be permitted.

Certification
All team officials will be encouraged to achieve IP certification, with the MHL office to schedule an IP clinic open for all association's coaching staff. Finally, all coaches are required to take the Harassment and Abuse Awareness Program and need to have a police check.

Pre Season Meeting
A Minor Novice Coaches meeting will be scheduled for early (pre-evaluation) September.

Commitment
The 2008-2009 seasons will be the first year of a two year commitment. All eight associations and the MHL will continue to work together to develop the program as required.

• A Tryouts
• Erindale Apparel
• Players Wanted