South Delta Minor Hockey Association Initiation Division

Build Strong Skill Set Through FUNdamentals, as per Hockey Canada’s and BC Hockey’s LTPD and the SDMHA Dev. Program. SDMHA’s Initiation Division’s programming is led by our Director of Hockey, Lawson “Boots” Boutilier, by adopting a dual approach to maximizing players’ development.

U6 – U9 is based on grouping like-skilled players of similar ability, to provide consistent instruction and overall player development. Players will be assigned to U7 to U9 based on their age, ability, experience, and development level. All new U7 – U9 age players will be evaluated prior to the start of practices and returning players will be evaluated at the beginning of the year. Policies and procedures will be mandated by BC Hockey and the Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association, the principals and rationale will be discussed at our first parent meeting.

Players will be assigned to teams to practice with and play games with over the hockey season. U7 will verse teams within their association division, while U9 will have the opportunity to verse teams outside their association division, as per PCAHA. Please note that game play begin at various times of the season, based on division.

SDMHA encourages players to try on the goalie pads, at least once, over the hockey season. Players who are interested and enjoy playing goalie can finish out the season on a rotational basis. We do ask that all U7 and U8 players play as a skater more than goalie, as the fundamentals of skating is an important aspect of all positional play of hockey and a solid basis of skating is needed.

Players who want to enhance their goalie experience will have opportunities to expand their playing time in the net. Goalie training occurs on an opt-in basis for U9 players, in the first half of the season, led by Stage One Goaltending School.

For more information, please select the appropriate What to Expect document for your division below.