Ottawa Girls Hockey Association © 2025
The Canadian Player Pathway is supported by the Hockey Canada Long-Term Player Development Model. This framework provides the guiding principles for age-appropriate and skill-specific programming for all players in Hockey Canada’s minor hockey system.
By utilizing LTPD principles, Hockey Canada membership offers systems and structures that are more consistent and ensures continuity as players move through the system from one age level to the next. Player development is at the core of the Canadian Player Pathway, with a focus on skill development so each player will experience success in both practice and game settings
All players in the Under-9 age category will play on a half-ice surface for the duration of the season. Hockey Manitoba’s Under-9 half-ice model incorporates core elements and concepts from Hockey Canada’s Under-9 guidelines with a few modifications.
The Under-9 half-ice format continues age appropriate modifications into the Under-9 Program with the Long Term Player Development model and philosophy as the fundamental basis for change. Players at the U9 level require a continued focus on physical literacy while also beginning to develop some of the more advanced individual skills inherent in the game.
By moving from cross-ice at U7 to half-ice at U9, we increase the size of the ice surface in accordance with the increase in the size of player. This modified ice will continue to provide players with an environment that is more inclusive, competitive and conducive to skill development through puck touches and puck control, shots, passes completed, transitions, decision making, puck support, overall involvement…and FUN! In addition, with the creation of the new Development Zone, kids will have up to 40% more ice time during games!
Continuous play and change of possession
As identified by Hockey Canada as a core element at the U9 category, one of the keys to improving the flow of each game and
reducing stoppages is to create continuous play, particularly on change of possession. These basic rules apply:
- There will be no face-offs or stoppages in play during shifts; continuous play will be used (exception; injury)
- Puck shot out of play: Official blows whistle, offending team backs off and non-offending team gets possession.
- Goalie freezes puck: Official blows whistle, attacking team backs off and defending team gets possession
- Goal scored: Official blows whistle, attacking team backs off and defending team gets possession
Note: In all cases, “backing off” will require the offensive team to move back to the ringette line (or top of circles). The defensive team must wait for the official to indicate they can begin their attack and must start with the puck on or behind their goal line. Both teams resume play on the officials’ signal.
Coaches should ensure that all players understand this concept from both the offensive and defensive perspective.
The Under-11 program is designed for players graduating from U9 hockey and for entry level hockey players who may start playing hockey at this age level.
The U11 program is delivered through a learn-to-play teaching curriculum that is age-appropriate and skill-specific for 9 and 10 year olds. It is a continuous opportunity for young players to develop and refine fundamental movement skills (skating, turning, acceleration), manipulation skills (shooting, puck control, passing) and overall motor skills (balance, coordination, agility) in a fun and safe environment, promoting skill development through self-confidence.
Fair and equal ice time is a key principle of the U11 program. Fair and equal ice time is designed to ensure that all players get the same opportunity to contribute to the outcome of games, regardless of skill or ability.
Focus on Skill Development
- Small-area games in practice / station-based practices / skill-focused drills.
- Only 15% of practice time should be spent on team play and strategy/systems with 85% of practice time spent on skills and
tactics.
- Basic positional play and rules can be introduced at the end of the U9 season or prior to the start of the U11 regular season. Basic defensive-zone positioning, offside, icing, etc., can be introduced during the ice sessions prior to evaluation/tryouts or after teams are selected.
- Players should rotate through forward and defence in the first half of the season and then may move to more consistent positions in the second half. Recommended rotation over a five-game segment would be: LW/C/RW/RD/LD.