U11 - Port Coquitlam Minor Hockey

U11 (2014/2015)

U11 Development Philosophy

At PCMHA, development is central, with a strong emphasis on building skills to help players succeed in both practices and games. Given how children learn, practices offer significantly more repetitions of essential skills and scenarios than games do, making practice the primary setting for players to enhance their abilities.

This age group benefits most from a structured, learn-to-play curriculum tailored to the needs and skill levels of 9- and 10-year-olds. PCMHA's U11 program provides a continuous opportunity for young athletes to grow and perfect fundamental movement skills (like skating, turning, and acceleration), manipulation skills (such as shooting, puck control, and passing), and motor skills (including balance, coordination, and agility). All of this occurs in a fun, safe environment that builds self-confidence through skill development.

When players experience consistent positive progress, they find more enjoyment in the game and are more likely to continue playing hockey for many years. PCHMA is dedicated to ensuring all players have a program that caters to their unique needs, offering steady skill development through effective practice sessions and age-appropriate gameplay, all within an environment suited to their skill level.

What are we trying to achive?

U11 Skill Development Model

During practice sessions, the focus will be on small-area games, station-based drills, and skill-specific exercises. 85% of practice time is allocated to developing individual skills and tactics, with only 15% dedicated to team play, strategies, and systems.

Basic rules and positional play will be introduced. Concepts like defensive-zone positioning, offside, and icing will be covered during initial ice sessions.

Players may or may not be moved into different positions throughout the season depending on the needs and makeup of the team.

PCMHA Fair Play Policy

Every player should have an equal opportunity to contribute, regardless of skill or ability level. Coaches are responsible for developing all players, and bench-shortening to try to win games is not allowed. Both skaters and goaltenders should receive fair and as equal as possible ice time.

U11 FAQ's

U11 FAQs U11 Rep (A1 / A2) FAQs U11 House (C) FAQs

U11 FAQs

U11 General Information

U11 consists of players born in 2014 and 2015
U11 is the first age group where there are Rep (A1 and A2) and House (C) teams
Players who want to play Rep hockey must go through the tryout process and be selected for either the A1 or A2 teams.
Rep Teams typically have a high level of commitment throughout the season.
- It is expected that athletes who make a Rep team will attend the majority of practices and games.
PCMHA offers a variety of additional training opportunities through weeknight skating with Inside Edge and Goalie Coaches.
- More information on Fall Development programs.
Goalies in the U11 age group are expected to have their own equipment
- For more information about goalie equipment, visit our Goalie page.

U11 Rep (A1 / A2) FAQs

U11 Rep (A1/A2) General Information

Team
- PCMHA typically fields 2 Rep teams at U11 - A1 and A2
  - A1 is made up of the top 15/18 players (based on position) from the age group
  - A2 is made up of the next 15/18 players (based on position) from the age group
  - Any players who try out and do not make either A1 or A2 will be assigned to a House (C) team
  - **Note - Just because a player has been cut from A1 does not guarantee them a spot on the A2 team**
- Players wanting to join a Rep team must go through the tryout process at the beginning of the season.
  - View more information about the Try-Out Process.
- Rep teams will typically have a roster of 17 players - 9 Forwards, 6 Defence and 2 Goalies - this can vary year-to-year.
- Players at the Rep level will typically be placed in their position early in the season if they do not already have a preferred position.
Practise / Games
- Teams will typically have 2-3 practices and 2 games (1 home game and 1 away game) per week
  - 1 practice will typically be early morning during the week at 6:00 am
  - Expect coaches to pick up additional ice time throughout the season.
- Teams may include dryland in the practice schedule as an additional activity off-ice.
- Rep teams will have a series of balancing games at the beginning of the season to determine which flight they will be placed in.
- Rep teams can expect to play games anywhere in the lower mainland from Chilliwack to North Vancouver.
  - *There is potential to play games as far away as Seattle and Whistler for regular league play*
- Teams typically enter 2-4 tournaments throughout the season. 1-2 tournaments may be out of town and require travel.
Financial
- Players will be required to pay additional team fees at the beginning of the season. These fees cover practice jerseys, tournament entry, dryland training, additional ice times, year-end gifts for players and coaches, and other items.
- Expect team fees to range from $800-$1500 depending on the year, team and additional training.
- Teams have the opportunity to participate in team fundraising activities to bring down the team fees.
- A jersey deposit will be required at the beginning of the season and returned when the jerseys are returned.
- A volunteer deposit will be required at the beginning of the season and returned if volunteer hours are reached.

U11 House (C) FAQs

U11 House (C) General Information

Team
- House teams will typically have a roster of 16 players - 9 Forwards, 6 Defence and 1 Goalie.
  - Teams may have more or less year to year depending on registration.
- Should a team have more than 1 rostered goalie, the goaltender not playing goal will be permitted to play as a skater.
- While players may rotate positions at the start of the season, they will typically have set positions (Forward or Defence) by the end of the season.
Practice / Games
- Teams will typically have 1-2 practices and 1 game (home or away) per week.
  - On weeks a team has an away game, their home game ice time will typically become a practice.
- 1 practice will typically be early morning during the week at 6:00 am
- Coaches may pick up additional ice time throughout the season.
Regular Season
- House teams will play a series of balancing games at the beginning of the season to determine which tier they are in.
- U11 house teams compete in the Fraser Valley North Division, which consists of:
  - Coquitlam MHA
  - Port Coquitlam MHA
  - Port Moody MHA
  - Ridge Meadows MHA
- The U11 C season will typically run from mid-October to mid-February
  - Playoffs (if necessary) will run from mid-February to early March
Tournaments
- Port Coquitlam U11 House teams will be required to participate in the Pirates Cup Tournament that takes place between Christmas and New Year's Eve.
- Teams will enter between 1-3 tournaments throughout the season.
  - There is the possibility of an out-of-town tournament that will require travel.
Financial
- Players will be required to pay additional team fees at the beginning of the season. These fees cover practice jerseys, tournament entry additional ice times, year-end gifts for players and coaches, and other items.
- Expect team fees to range from $400-$900 depending on the year, team and additional training the team has.
- Teams have the opportunity to participate in team fundraising activities to bring down the team fees.
- A jersey deposit will be required at the beginning of the season and returned when the jerseys are returned.
- A volunteer deposit will be required at the beginning of the season and returned at the end of the season if the volunteer commitment has be met.

*Content created is based on Hockey Canada's Development Model along with PCMHA Staff and Coaches