Programs

Ottawa 67’s “AA” High Performance Program

The Ottawa 67’s AA program is a leading high-performance pathway for female hockey players at the U15, U18, and U22 levels. Our mission is to provide an environment that combines elite hockey development with personal growth and leadership. Guided by Hockey Canada’s Long-Term Player Development model, we emphasize progressive training and a consistent philosophy built on five core pillars: Create Space, Dictate the Play, Rush Defence, Create Green Shots, and Patient | Present | Deliberate. This approach ensures athletes receive structured, stage-appropriate development while maintaining a strong focus on teamwork, discipline, and character. Our program integrates advanced on-ice skill sessions with off-ice conditioning, video analysis, and mental performance coaching, creating a holistic experience that prepares players for success both in hockey and life.

Competitive play is central to the Ottawa 67’s AA experience. U22AA teams compete in the OWHL Elite league with approximately 40 games per season, while U18AA and U15AA teams participate in 20 league games and multiple showcase tournaments. Weekly practices, skill development sessions, and leadership workshops complement this schedule, offering athletes exposure to high-level competition and recruitment opportunities for NCAA and U Sports programs. With a proven track record of advancing players to post-secondary hockey, the Ottawa 67’s AA program delivers more than just hockey excellence—it builds confident, resilient leaders ready for the next stage of their journey. For families seeking a program that balances competitive performance with personal development, Ottawa 67’s AA offers an unparalleled opportunity to grow and succeed.

Ottawa Ice Competitive Program

Competitive hockey offers players the opportunity to develop their skills in a highly structured and challenging environment. Unlike house league, competitive teams are formed through tryouts and selection based on merit, including skating ability, speed, and overall hockey skills. These teams compete at higher levels of play, often traveling to face strong opponents and participating in showcase tournaments. The program emphasizes advanced skill development, teamwork, and game strategies, supported by experienced coaching staff who focus on preparing athletes for the next stages of their hockey journey.

Players in competitive hockey can expect a significant commitment in terms of time and resources. Teams typically practice multiple times per week and play a full schedule of league games and tournaments, which may include travel across the province or beyond. This level of hockey provides athletes with exposure to elite competition and opportunities for advancement, including pathways to provincial, collegiate, and national programs. Competitive hockey is ideal for players who are passionate about the game, eager to improve, and ready to embrace the dedication required to succeed at the highest levels.

Ottawa Ice House League (HL) Program

The Ottawa Girls Hockey Association (OGHA), also known as Ottawa Ice, is a community-driven organization that provides an inclusive and supportive environment for girls to learn and enjoy hockey. Our goal is to create a positive experience where players develop skills, confidence, and friendships that last a lifetime. House League hockey is open to all skill levels and focuses on balanced teams, equal ice time, and fun, with sort-outs held in September. Competitive hockey, on the other hand, requires tryouts and selection based on ability, offering more ice time, travel, and a higher level of play. For those who want a little extra competition without the full commitment of rep hockey, the Development Stream (DS) program provides additional games and tournaments for house league players starting in December. Whether your child is new to hockey or looking to advance, OGHA offers options to suit every level of interest and ability.

House League teams typically practice and play twice a week, mostly on weekends, at arenas across Ottawa, with occasional games in Gatineau or Clarence-Rockland. OGHA guarantees a full refund if your child tries hockey and decides it’s not for them. Players can start as young as four, and beginners are always welcome—many of our athletes began with little or no skating experience. Safety is a priority, with no body checking allowed and certified trainers on every team. At OGHA, we believe hockey is about more than just the game—it’s about building confidence, friendships, and a lifelong love of Canada’s sport in a fun and supportive environment.

Ottawa Ice Development Stream (DS) Program

Development Stream is an optional program within house league hockey that gives players the chance to experience a higher level of competition while remaining committed to their regular house league team. Designed as a bridge to competitive hockey, DS allows motivated athletes to develop their skills without the full-time commitment of a rep program. Teams are formed in divisions such as U11, U13, U15, and U18, provided there are at least two house league teams in that division. Tryouts typically take place in early to mid-November, and selected teams usually consist of 15 skaters and 2 goalies, with additional roster spots for alternates. House league coaches often lead the selection process because they know their players well by this point in the season.

The DS season runs from December through March and includes approximately eight exhibition games and up to three tournaments, along with one extra practice or game per week in addition to house league commitments. Players remain fully dedicated to their house league team, which always takes priority. Costs vary by association but generally include a small tryout fee and team fees to cover ice time, jerseys, referees, and tournament expenses. DS offers excellent value by providing extra ice time, competitive play, and personalized coaching focused on skill development, effort, and teamwork. For families seeking more hockey without the demands of full rep, DS is a popular and rewarding option. If your child is interested, let your coach know early—spots are limited and highly sought after.

FUNdamentals Program

The first years of hockey should be a positive and exciting experience that helps young players develop a lifelong love for the game. When beginners have fun, build confidence, and learn basic skills, they are far more likely to enjoy hockey throughout their careers. A poor early experience, however, can prevent them from discovering all that Canada’s game has to offer. The Fundamentals Hockey Program was created to provide that strong start through a progressive, learn-to-play curriculum designed for new skaters of any age who aren’t ready for house league. Players learn through structured drills and skill sessions, as well as fun activities like shinny, freeze tag, and obstacle courses. Core skills such as skating, puck control, passing, and shooting are introduced gradually, with an emphasis on enjoyment, fitness, fair play, and cooperation.

To ensure this positive experience, the program is delivered by coaches with expertise in communication, leadership, skill analysis, and safety. Following Hockey Canada guidelines, Fundamentals Hockey offers age-appropriate instruction and game play in an environment suited to each player’s ability. This program serves as the foundation for all future hockey development, giving players the “right start” that builds confidence and competence for every level of the game. By focusing on fun and progressive skill development, Fundamentals Hockey not only teaches the essentials but also instills values that will benefit players for life.

BAUER FIRST SHIFT

The NHL/NHLPA First Shift program is designed to give new-to-hockey families a positive and welcoming introduction to the sport. Open to Canadian children ages 6 to 10 who have never been registered in minor hockey, the program focuses on making hockey accessible and enjoyable. All on-ice sessions are scheduled on the same day, at the same time, and in the same arena to provide consistency and convenience. The goal is to create a fun, stress-free environment where kids can learn the basics of the game through engaging drills and activities that spark a lifelong love for hockey.

Affordability and safety are key pillars of the program. Each participant receives a full set of properly fitted BAUER equipment and six on-ice sessions led by trained coaches using Hockey Canada’s curriculum. Insurance coverage is included, and the emphasis is always on fun, skill development, and building confidence. By combining accessibility, affordability, safety, and enjoyment, the NHL/NHLPA First Shift program ensures that every child has the opportunity to experience hockey in a way that encourages continued participation and growth in the game.