BGHC U7 PROGRAM
UPDATES for the 2025-2026 SEASON
We trust that all of our little Cudas are enjoying a great season. The BGHC is excited to communicate the following updates to our U7 program for the 2025-2026 season. Starting next season, U7 players will have the opportunity to progress through three distinct phases as they development toward our house league program.
QUESTIONS??
The BGHC has a dedicated individual to answer your questions for this program. Should you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected]. Please do NOT reach out to Celina Clark with questions about this program.
DEVELOPING FUTURE FEMALE GOALIES
The BGHC is dedicated to supporting girls who show an interest in trying and/or pursuing the goalie position. Within our U7 program:
- All players in both Fundamentals 1 and Fundamentals 2 will put on the goalie equipment and play the goalie position at least once during the season.
- Players on U7 house league teams will rotate through the goalie position, playing the position at least once during the season in both a practice and a game.
- Players on U7 house league teams who wish to play more goal will be accommodated to the extent possible, once all other players have had their opportunity.
- All necessary goalie equipment is provided by the BGHC.
Once girls graduate to the U9 house league or Rep programs, any player wishing to pursue the goalie position will be supported through BGHC-supplied goalie equipment (at house league), reduced registration fees (at both house league and Rep) as well as BGHC paid goalie development sessions (at both house league and Rep).
THE BGHC U7 PROGRAM
(NOTE: Ice times below can change due to unforeseen circumstances)
Registration to these programs is open ONLY to residents of the City of Burlington.
FUNDAMENTALS 1
- open to all 4-year-olds
- limited to 80 players; 40 players per ice session
- ONE ice time per week
- ice time will be Sunday morning between the hours of 8:30 AM and 10 AM at Appleby Arena
- PROFESSIONAL ON-ICE INSTRUCTION for EVERY session
- focus on introductory skills
- volunteer assistants required on the ice and as trainers for EVERY session
- all NEW Fundamentals 1 players will receive the BAUER hockey equipment package FREE OF CHARGE
FUNDAMENTALS 2
- open to all 5-year-olds
- limited to 80 players; 40 players per ice session
- TWO ice times per week
- first weekly ice time is Tuesday (or possibly Thursday) between 5 PM and 6:30 PM - final decision to be posted here soon
- second weekly ice time will be Sunday morning between the hours of 7 AM and 8:30 AM at Appleby Arena
- PROFESSIONAL ON-ICE INSTRUCTION for EVERY session
- building on skills; progressing to small area games
- volunteer assistants required on the ice and as trainers for EVERY session
U7 DEVELOPMENTAL HOUSE LEAGUE
- open to all 6-year-olds
- teams of 15 players
- TWO ice times per week - ONE practice and ONE game
- practice times will rotate between 9 AM, 10 AM and 11 AM Saturday mornings at Appleby Arena
- game times will rotate between 8 AM, 9 AM and 10 AM Sunday mornings at Mountainside Arena
- volunteer Head Coaches, assistant coaches and trainers
- coaching support
- player development during selected practice ice times
ONLINE REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT
Registration for the 2025-2026 season OPENS at 12:01 AM on Tuesday May 6, 2025 and will remain open until all spots are filled. Register EARLY to avoid disappointment. Please click HERE to access the U7 Registration Page with details of our fees and our Refund Policy.
IMPORTANT NOTE: FIRST TIME HOCKEY REGISTRANTS - The OWHA requires that each player has a Hockey Canada Registry ID (HCR#) PRIOR TO registering. Within the RAMP registration you will be directed to create this number. Questions about the HCR# are to be directed to the OWHA Registrar at [email protected] - the BGHC is not involved in this process and cannot assist with this.
Previously registered players should have a HCR# already in their profile - if not, follow the link within RAMP to find the number.
OUR ON-ICE INSTRUCTOR
Female Athletes of Today Coaching the Future Athletes of Tomorrow
The U7 Program is one that is mandated by both Hockey Canada and the OWHA and one that the BGHC is excited to
support. This program focuses on small ice development for our youngest skaters helping them to develop the strength and skills to propel forward into a lifetime of hockey achievements.
The BGHC is focused on building programs with key female leaders, providing guidance, coaching and
encouragement for our aspiring athletes.
We are excited to announce
Celina Clark will continue in 2025-2026 as lead coach for the BGHC U7 division
Celina is a graduate of Adrian College, and played on the Women's ACHA Division 1 Hockey Team. She began her hockey
career at the age of 5 and continued to play throughout the Halton region, completing her minor career with the Hamilton Hawks MidgetAA team.
The knowledge she has gained throughout this path is the knowledge she wishes to pass onto the athletes she trains and mentors. Her passion for the sport shows through her teachings and instruction, allowing her to help prepare athletes throughout their own career, from their first set of skates through to pursuing their own hockey goals.
Creating a safe space for athletes is her ultimate goal. Establishing a respectful environment for all, allows athletes to feel more comfortable and confident. "Understanding that you are your only limitation, helps motivate and push athletes further than they ever thought they would be capable of".
Celina Clark, sole proprietor of Clark Hockey Camp (CHC) www.clarkhockeycamp.com
The U7 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 has invested in new equipment for this program which includes, rink dividers, smaller nets and
lighter
pucks.
Hockey
Canada developed the U7 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 U7 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.