The 2020-21 IP Program is currently slated to begin November 2020.
Further information will be provided once direction has been
received by the OWHA regarding Covid-19 regulations.
BGHC INITIATION PROGRAM
The Initiation Program is one that is mandated by both Hockey Canada and the OWHA and one that the BGHC is excited to support. The program will be divided into Initiation Program 1 (IP1) and Initiation Program 2 (IP2) for the coming season, to accommodate players who wish to participate either once or twice a week.
IP1
AGE: 4 and 5-year olds (2015/14 with no previous experience) are encourage to register for IP1
FREQUENCY: Once per week
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE: Sunday morning at Appleby – 10 AM
FEE: $
IP2
Games will be on half ice, and likely start after Christmas, but this is TBD
AGE: 5 year olds (2014 with previous experience), 6 year olds (2013) & approved 4 or 5-year olds
FREQUENCY: Twice per week
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE: Thursday at 5 PM and Sunday morning at 8 or 9 AM (time may change based on numbers)
FEE: $
The IP program is designed to shrink the size of the game and focus on small area games, allowing the players more puck touches and the opportunity to develop skills more effectively than on full ice. The best way to illustrate is, when 4 and 5 year olds start in soccer, they are in small areas with mini nets, a system that allows the athlete to be successful rather than constantly chasing the ball.To put them on a regulation soccer field with regulation nets would be unfair to the players.
The BGHC have invested in new equipment for this program which includes, rink dividers, smaller nets and lighter pucks.
Hockey Canada developed the Initiation Program to make a child's first contact with hockey a safe and positive experience. It is a structured, learn-to-play hockey program designed to introduce beginners to the game's basic skills. It enables participants to become contributing members of a team effort, develop self-confidence, and experience a sense of personal achievement. These goals are achieved in an atmosphere of fun and fair play.
Recognizing the necessity to provide a positive experience for the beginner hockey player, the Initiation Program builds upon a number of values providing a qualitative experience, which include:
- Providing a safe environment in which to be introduced to hockey's fundamental skills.
- Developing an understanding of basic teamwork through participation in structured activities and adapted game-like situations.
- Introducing participants to the concepts of fair and co-operative play.
- Refining basic motor patterns and building self-confidence.
- Providing an environment that challenges individuals positively and rewards the participants for their efforts.
- Provides opportunities to experience a number of activities related to the building of a lifestyle of fitness and activity.
ONLINE REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT: Online participant registration and payment for the season opens May 8, 2019. All participants MUST be registered through online registration. Early registration will remain open until 11:59 PM on June 28, 2019. Late registration will open August 1, 2019 and close in late August. You can access the online registration page HERE. Please read all details before registering.