Novice
The Novice division is divided into three tiers : Mites, Novice I and Novice II.
These divisions provides the opportunity for starting players to develop their game in an environment that stresses skill, progress, and fun over wins and losses. Our goal is to focus on the child's physical and emotional self-confidence. There are no official scores, no league standings and no losers. The sole emphasis is placed on fun, good team efforts and recreation.
The Mite program is designed to introduce skating to children for the first time in an organized fashion. The average age of children in the Mite program is 5 and 6, with older and younger children participating also. Volunteer instructors are on hand to help children with the basic concepts and fundamentals of skating. Although the main focus of the Mite program is skating, children must attend in full hockey gear. They are introduced to basic puck control and participate in 10 minute "games" at the end of each practice session.
Novice I practices are generally held in a " split-ice" format with the Mites. This is the second year of the beginners hockey program designed to teach basic playing skills and the rules of hockey in a cooperative team environment. The average age of children in the Mite program is 7 and 8, with older and younger children participating also. More advanced skating skills are introduced and are a major focus of this division. There are ten minute "games" at the end of each session. Players rotate positions so that each player gets a feel for playing all positions, including goalie. Shifts are timed so that each player receives the same amount of ice time and therefore the same opportunity to develop his or her love for the game.
Novice II practices are generally held on full ice. This is the third year of the beginners hockey program designed to teach further playing skills. More advanced skating and playing skills are introduced and are a major focus of this division. There are longer game and practice times offered, depending on the session. Shifts are timed so that each player receives the same amount of ice time. The Novice II players usually attend at least one invitational tournament during the season.
As with House League play, Novice II stresses skill development. It is the coaches responsibility to ensure that every player, regardless of ability or game situation be given equal ice time in every game. Ice time must be allocated on a game by game basis. If there are two goaltenders, then their time must be divided equally in every game. Situational play (power plays, penalty killing, line /player matching) is not allowed in this division.
