Skills First Program (schedule links below)
master schedule
6 & under schedule / 7 &8 schedule / 8A1 - 12's schedule / goalie schedule

NWMHA is running a skill development program entitled "Skills First".

This program is designed to give our players the needed skills to play to their best ability and to learn the game in a fun, curriculum based approach. The program will work as follows:

6 & under - 1 hour skill sessions (target is 40 hours of instruction) for the year.

7 & 8's - Skill specific instruction on the fundamentals. (4 hours pre christmas and 4 hours after christmas)

8A1 - 12's - Skill specific instruction on the fundamentals. (3 hours pre christmas and 3hours after christmas)

Goaltenders - GDI hockey will run our goaltender development. (4 hours in the first half and 4 hours in the second half)

(Hockey Canada Initation Program - IP) 6 and under

NWMHA implements this program for all players at the 6 and under age groups. The intent of this program is to teach players the basic fundementals of the game in a fun and safe environment. The program consists of 40 (1 hour) on ice sessions.

Goals for the Initiation age category are:

Fun
Introduction of basic skills
Reviewing of basic skills
Refining of basic skills

Who Is This Program For?

Hockey Canada developed the Initiation Program to make children's first contact with hockey a safe and positive experience. It's a structured, learn to play hockey program designed to introduce beginners to the game's basic skills. It enables participants to become contributing members of a team effort, develop self-confidence, and experience a sense of personal achievement. These goals are achieved in an atmosphere of fun and fair play.

Just as the future of Canadian society lies with our youth, so to does the future of hockey. Hockey Canada understands the important role it plays in helping beginning hockey players to develop playing attitudes and foster an enjoyment of hockey as a lifetime sport and hobby.

What Does This Program Do For You?

Hockey Canada has developed the best methods of starting beginners on the right path to an enjoyable involvement in Canada's great game of hockey.

The Initiation Program incorporates the most current and innovative ideas of leading hockey people across the country. The lesson plans have been tested and proven successful in a wide variety of community settings.

The Goals of the Program are the following:

To have fun while playing hockey and engaging in physical activity.
To learn the basic skills required to play the game of hockey.
To develop an understanding of basic teamwork through participation in a variety of activities and adapted game situations.
To create and refine basic motor patterns.
To be introduced to the concepts of cooperation and fair play.

Program Focus

Developing basic hockey skills:
Skating
Puck Handling
Stopping
Passing
Turning
Shooting

The IP Teaches Hockey skills and much more!