Welcome to Pirates U7/U8 Hockey
The early years in hockey should be a positive and enjoyable experience, setting the stage for a lifelong love of the game. A fun and exciting introduction helps young players feel engaged and motivated to continue with hockey. When beginners have fun, build basic skills, and gain confidence, they're more likely to enjoy themselves and stick with the sport. However, if the initial experience feels frustrating or unfulfilling, they might miss out on all that Canada’s game has to offer.
PCMHA U7 hockey is designed with a progressive, learn-to-play curriculum for 5- and 6-year-olds. At this stage, children benefit most from practice drills, skill sessions, and casual games like shinny, freeze tag, and obstacle courses. Fundamental skills such as skating, puck handling, passing, and shooting are introduced and gradually refined. While fun and skill development are the primary goals, these early years in hockey also give young players a chance to experience fitness, fair play, and teamwork. To ensure this positive experience, a specialized coaching clinic has been created for on-ice coaches. This training emphasizes communication, teaching techniques, leadership, skill assessment, lesson planning, and safety and risk management.
Goals of the PCMHA U7 Hockey Program
We aim to allow every young Canadian to join a program that meets their unique needs, promotes gradual skill development through effective practices, and offers age-appropriate gameplay in a supportive environment. PCMHA U7 hockey lays the groundwork for the entire hockey journey. It’s an essential starting point that prepares players with the skills they’ll build on at every level, giving them the best foundation for a rewarding experience in the game.
what are we trying to achieve?
U7/U8 Skill Development Model
During practice sessions, focus is on small-area games, station-based drills, and skill-specific exercises. 85% of practice time is allocated to developing technical skills and 15% dedicated to individual tactics.
All players at the U7 will receive equal and fair ice time to ensure players have the same opportunities regardless of skill and ability.
Players will rotate being goalie to ensure everyone has the opportunity to try the position.
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.
U7/U8 FAQ's
General:
- U7/U8 consists of athletes born in 2018 and 2019
Game Play:
- U7/U8 Age group play cross-ice to encourage more puck touches and skill development.