Mini Thunder U5-U7

(Hockey Initiation Program)

Sponsored by Tim Hortons Tim Bits Hockey Program

Halton Hills Minor Hockey (HHMH) Mini Thunder program is designed to introduce young players, typically aged 4 to 6 years, to the fundamentals of ice hockey in a fun and engaging way. The program focuses on skating, skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship while fostering a love for the game.

Overview of the Mini Thunder Program:

1. Skill Development: Focusing on fundamental skills of hockey such as skating, puck handling, passing, and shooting. Using age-appropriate/skill level drills and activities to help children improve their coordination and confidence on the ice.
2. Fun and Engaging: Our program is designed to be enjoyable, offering children a chance to learn to skate and play games while participating in activities that keep them engaged. Our program focuses on having fun rather than focusing on competition, allowing players to learn at their own pace.
3. Inclusive and Supportive: Encourages participation from all children, regardless of skill level, experience or background. Our Instructors and Volunteer Coaches work together to create a supportive atmosphere that promotes teamwork and social interaction.
4. Teamwork and Social Skills: Players will learn the basics of teamwork, cooperation, and communication, which are essential life skills both on and off the ice.
5. Building Confidence: Introduce hockey through fun, skill-building activities, players will develop confidence in their abilities and grow more comfortable on the ice.

Program Structure

• Hockey School Format: Structured to be player-centered, with sessions that involve lots of drills and activities to keep the kids engaged.
• Stations and Rotations: Players rotate through different stations where they can work on specific skills like skating, passing, or shooting. This rotation helps keep the kids moving and prevents them from becoming bored.

Program Benefits

• Physical Activity: Provides a great outlet for physical activity and promotes fitness at an early age.
• Social Skills: Players learn how to work in teams, communicate with others, and make new friends.
• Foundation for Future Success: The skills developed in the HHMH Mini Thunder program can serve as a foundation for future hockey development for the success of a player who chooses to pursue hockey more seriously in the future.

What is Cross Ice Hockey (U5, U6, U7)?

Cross-ice hockey, is a format where the ice is divided into two or more sections, with teams playing in a reduced space. This version of the game offers several benefits for skill development and more, especially for younger players, utilizing:

Puck control. With less space, players have to work on their puck handling, passing, and shooting accuracy more than in full-ice games.

Skating. Players get more frequent opportunities to skate and change direction, which helps improve their agility, speed, and overall skating technique.

Decision-making. The smaller space forces quicker thinking and faster decisions, helping players enhance their hockey IQ.

Increased Puck Touches. Since the play area is smaller and there are more players involved, each player tends to touch the puck more frequently. This leads to more active participation and faster-paced action.

Teamwork and Communication. Cross-ice games promote better teamwork as players need to communicate and coordinate more closely to move the puck effectively through a smaller rink. The tight space emphasizes passing and moving without the puck, which are crucial elements for team play.

More Scoring Opportunities. The smaller ice surface and condensed play lead to more shots on goal and scoring chances, making the game more exciting for players and spectators alike.

Game Understanding. Young players can better understand the fundamental aspects of the game (passing, positioning, and strategy) when playing on a smaller rink. It allows them to learn how to create offensive plays and defend effectively in tight spaces.

Fun and Engaging. The smaller area creates a more dynamic and fast-paced game, which keeps players more engaged and makes it fun. The frequent transitions between offense and defense make it exciting.

Lower Costs. Cross-ice hockey uses a smaller portion of the rink, which can lower the costs for ice time. This makes it more accessible to younger or recreational players who might not have the financial means for full-ice games.

Coach Involvement

Coaches in the Mini Thunder program are typically volunteers.

Coaches will focus on encouraging positive experiences, teaching fundamental skills, and ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities to participate.

Parents are encouraged to be involved in their child’s hockey experience. This may include helping out at practices, volunteering as a coach to help out on game days, volunteering as a trainer to help support the team on game days.

Parent volunteers help to support player's development will fostering a positive attitude toward the sport.

Requirements for Mini Thunder Coaches. Coach 1 is required to coach the Initiation Program. The previous hybrid course which included Coach 1 and 2 is no longer being offered as an option. Courses are now separate.

Note: You cannot coach the Hockey Initiation Program if you only have a D1 trained/certification. Rules state you must have at least Coach 1, regardless of other credentials to coach the Hockey Initiation Program.

If you are interested in coaching visit our Team Staff Resources page on the main menu and look for Coach Resources

Interested in Volunteering as a Team Trainer, or Team Manager?

We are looking for volunteers to help with the teams. Being a volunteer on your child's team is a great way to participate and contribute while your children spend the next years in hockey.

To be a Trainer, you will need to complete the OMHA Trainer course, obtain a Police Check, complete Respect in Sport Activity Leader and Gender Expression course. More information can be found on our Team Staff Resources page from the main menu.

We will call upon volunteers as we start the September season.

How do I Register/Get Started?

To get your player started in the HHMH Mini Thunder Program, simply visit our Registration page from the main menu for more information and processes.

Also, if you are new to the sport of hockey and wondering what you need for equipment, how the game of hockey is played an other resources, including helpful links, visit the Parent/Player Resources page from our main menu.

We look forward to seeing you!

Hockey School and Development

Click the images below for an overview and information on the Mini Thunder Hockey School

U7/U8 House League Extra Development Schedule

ABOUT ROB RICCI HOCKEY DEVELOPMENT
(Our Mini Thunder Development Coach)

Rob, a Georgetown resident is going into his 9th year of player development and during this time has trained a wide range of athletes all the way from youth to pro players. Rob has been able to use his 7 year pro playing experience and combine that with his 8 years of coaching experience to understand the needs of young athletes and help them make improvements toward their individual goals. Rob and his staff are looking forward to helping the Mini Thunder formulate a solid base of skills and knowledge that will help them along their young hockey journeys.

Junior Thunder

Junior Thunder (Pre-Representative Hockey) - U7, U8, U9

U7MD, U8MD, U9MD Pre-Representative Hockey is a travel hockey program designed for young hockey players in the early stages of their development, who desire more hockey and are ready to play above the recreational level (i.e. House League).

This pre-rep MD program focuses on fundamental skill-building, fun, and creating a positive learning environment to foster a love for the sport.

Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3, where applicable, corresponds to a tiered teams based on a player's skill level. Each level focuses on skill development while working towards the competitive level of the game.

MD Pre-Rep is an evaluation based format in which players must purchase an HHMH Evaluation Card for the level the wish to tryout for.

Junior Thunder House League Hockey - U8, U9

Junior Thunder House League Hockey is a start of the recreational hockey following 'graduation' from the Mini Thunder Program. It is local whereby competition is within HHMH and interlock with Milton. Tavel is minimal and there are less practices. The focus is still on fun and development building.

To register, visit our Registration page under House League Registration.

More Information

Click Images for more information.

Representative Hockey (U10-U18)

Representative (Rep) Hockey is the highest level of hockey that can be played within HHMH. HHMH is an AA center with 3 divisions within the Rep Program AA/A/B and non-contact BB. Rep Hockey consists of home and away (travel) games, development program for goaltenders and players, tournaments and play-offs.

The Rep team is picked through player evaluations in which players must purchase a HHMH Tryout Card for the level the wish to tryout for.

Tryouts and Evaluations

Tryouts and Evaluations start in the spring at the end of the previous season. For more information regarding evaluations and purchasing tryout cards, visit HHMH's Tryout and Registration pages.

Representative Hockey is a great way to build a young player's skill level, work ethic and team work while creating new friendships and having fun!

Note: Body contact is added to the Rep Program starting with the U14 (AA/A) year.
Body contact clinics are held prior to tryouts of that same year.

House League Information

General information - Halton Hills Minor Hockey - HL Program U8-U21

The Thunder House-League program is a recreational level of hockey offered to players U8 to U21. The teams are rostered using a major/minor mix. For example, U15 consists of U14 and U15 players.

U8 to U15 will be playing in an Interlock League with Milton Minor Hockey, there will be minimal travel to Milton throughout the regular season. Our partnership with Milton will provide HHMH's players the opportunity to enhance their hockey skills while competing in a league that provides a variety of team competition.

U16 to U21 if registration numbers allow, this age group will be split into two divisions. Once registration numbers are completed in September, we will update.

Please note: the below is subject to changed based on registration and ice planning.

Season Dates:

Schedules for the below will be posted on the HHMH website under the player's team. For a guide on how to find your team, see the Parent/Player Resources page.

• September - player evaluations, development, exhibition games
• October - pre-season exhibition games
• November - Regular season begins
• March - Champs Tournament - March (schedules for playoffs will be posted early March)

Season games/practices:

• U8 to U13, one game/week (minimal travel)
• Team practices, team development, goalie development.
• U14/U15 1 game/week, rotational team practices, added practices when able.
• U16 to U21 1 game/week

Player Placement:

Player draft takes place in September. Note; if required, player movement can take place up to mid November.

Scheduling:

It is planned to have the House-League schedule posted in August. It is important to note that the schedule is subject during the season, therefore, it is recommended that you check the team schedule each week prior to game or practice time.

Tournaments: (Optional)

House-league teams may enter their teams in a travel tournament if they wish. Once our coaches are placed to a team, we will provide more information to our coaches to inform their team.

Week/Weekend of Champs Schedules will be updated in March following the regular season.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED:

Volunteering is a great way to get involved in your hockey community, meet new friends, as well, give back to HHMH's young athletes

If you are interested in either coaching, being a team trainer, please email:

Wendy Highfield at: [email protected], or

Brenda Geim at [email protected]

as soon as possible so we can prepare you for the upcoming season.

Communication

Most communication from HHMH will be via email and/or this website. To ensure communications reach you or your family:

• Keep email addresses up to date. Email addresses are obtained when you register via the Hockey Canada registration system. Please check that we have the right information on file by keeping your Hockey Canada profile up to date. Other than the HHMH website, email is the tool that we use to communicate to you. You can access your profile through the Hockey Canada Registration site.
• Please do NOT send an updated email to HHMH as we do not have access to the registration system of Hockey Canada to change your information.
• Throughout the season, always check our website for Information on events happening in House League.

If you need clarification on any matter, reach out to your Coach first, then Convenor, then the Director of House League.

If your information is correct, periodically check your email spam folder for any possible missing emails from Coaches or HHMH.

Equipment

Players

All players are required to provide and wear full hockey equipment which will be current CSA approved and per Current OMHA regulations.

Directors, Conveners, Coaches and team staff must advise players or parents of players improper fitting or illegal equipment.

Any player not suitably outfitted will not be allowed on the ice. HHMH requires that players use a mouth guard. Click here to go to our Parents/Player Resources Pager Corner for more information on equipment guidelines.

Coaching Staff

Coaches and Assistant s must wear protective head gear properly secured during activities on the ice in accordance with O.M.H.A rules.

Sweater and Socks

HHMH will supply a sweater and socks to each House League player. Once a player is assigned a sweater he/she must use this sweater for the remainder of the season, without alterations.

Advanced Hockey League/Select Information

Note: Advanced League hockey competes in a formal, competitive league made up of Tri-County associations, including Brampton, Halton Hills, Orangeville, Guelph, CW, Hespeler, Oakville, Erin, Flamborough, Woolwich and more.

What is Advanced League?

The 'Advanced League' is a recreational competitive program that will offer players an enriched hockey experience, enhancing competitiveness,all within a structured seasonal framework that will cultivate healthy competition among different associations.

Advanced League Structure

The Advanced League is a structured league governed by both the Tri-County Minor Hockey League and the OMHA. The league is designed for 2 distinct programs to play within and against each other, which are:

NOTE: At HHMH, age groups will either have an Advanced Full Time Team or an Advanced Part Time Team (i.e. Select).

Comparison for Advanced League Teams Scheduling and Commitment:

How to the Advanced League Tryouts Work?

In order for your child to play on an Advance League team (full time or part time), your child must register and partake in the essential evaluation process, U11 to U16 tryouts are in the spring, U10 Select and U18 Advanced League will be held in the fall.

Please Note: The U10 division, will have Select Evaluations ONLY, taking place in the Fall (subject to change pending player registration).

For more information regarding evaluations and tryouts visit our Registration and Tryout pages.

This determination is made in recognition of the shift from 1/2 ice to full ice transitioning from U9. Its objective is to afford them supplementary opportunities for skill development and hockey comprehension within a less rigorous hockey regimen.

*The above information (age groups participating) is subject to change pending interest and registration numbers.

ADVANCED LEAGUE FAQs

Q: Can a player try out for Advanced League from another center?

Q: Do you need to register and pay for House League, or do you just wait to register and pay for Advanced League?

A: No matter which program you are enrolling in or playing for, all HHMH members must pay the base registration membership fee (House League Cost) before tryouts. For players selected for Rep and Advanced League hockey teams, the base registration fee is not refunded as it is built into the Rep and AL fees. Those who are not selected for a team within the Advanced League continue with House League and no further payment is required.

HHMH refund policies can be found here.

HHMH registration is now open and can be found here.

Q: Can a player who makes an Advanced League team, play for another team or another association?

A: No, a player within a minor hockey association can only play for one team, except for the Select program. In Select, where players participate in House League and form a separate Select team, all of this must occur within the same association.

Q: When are tryouts for the Advanced League?

A: Tryouts for the Advanced League will take place in the Fall for the 2024-2025 season. More information will be sent out late summer, so please check out website and social media for more details.

Q: What game jerseys do the Advanced League teams wear?

A: The Advanced League teams will wear the same jerseys as the Rep teams (White, Black and an optional 3^rd jersey)

Q: How many games will the Advanced “full time” teams play?

A: Season overview:

• The regular season will begin end of Oct/start of November through to March.
• Full time teams are allowed up to 3 regular season tournaments, 1 Christmas and 1 March Break tournament if the team

Q: What is the difference between full time teams and part time teams?

A: Full time teams will play as a designated team in the Advanced League (the teams do not play both HL and Select)

Part time teams will play in both the Advanced League and on their HHMH House League team, following the OMHA select game policy (max games allowed per month).

Q: Will HHMH still have Select teams PT teams?

A: Where HHMH is not able to roster a full-time team, a part time (select team) will be considered pending player interest. For the upcoming season. Select teams will play the tradition program (HL and Select). *subject to change

Q: Will HHMH enter a team in the Advanced League in every age group?

A: It is planned where there are enough participants to have a full time in all single birth years except for U10 (part time). In the event we need to enter a two birth year team due to not having enough players in a single birth year, we will to allow the players the opportunity to play.

Introducing NHL/NHLPA First Shift

Thousands of children across Ontario will have the chance to fall in love with hockey this season thanks to the First Shift program. A number of programs will be held across OMHA centres over the fall and winter in the upcoming season.

First introduced in 2014 as a pilot project, the First Shift program is a learn-to-play hockey program designed for kids aged 6-10 who are new to the game. To-date, more than 15,500 Canadian boys and girls have been introduced to Canada’s game through the First Shift, with many programs filling up on the first day of registration.

With an emphasis on fun, the First Shift allows participants to easily try hockey for $299, which includes enrolment for a six-week, on-ice curriculum and head-to-toe Bauer Hockey equipment that each child can keep.

Playing hockey allows kids to learn teamwork and leadership skills, inspire hard work and dedication and the experience of being involved in a community. The core values and lessons taught help to develop good citizens and healthy athletes.

The First Shift covers a vast area of routines, games and activities that will be beneficial to the participant’s enjoyment of the program and experience as a hockey player. All drills are run in small groups and focus on a variety of skills throughout each session.

More Info here.

First Shift Sign Up - OPENS JUNE 2, 2025

The NHL/NHLPA First Shift is open to children ages 6-10*, who have never previously enrolled in minor hockey within Canada or the NHL/NHLPA First Shift program.

*For 2025: To be eligible to participate, children must be born between January 1, 2015 and May 1, 2020.

FALL Session Sign-up

Important Registration Information

To register, you must have an HCR account. We recommend creating one in advance.

Please note:

1. Participants may only be registered for one program. Please ensure you select the correct program during registration.
2. Children who have previously participated in the First Shift program or have been registered with a Local Hockey Association are not eligible. For questions, contact: [email protected].
3. No transfers will be permitted between June 2 and June 8.

More Info and to Register with Hockey Canada click here

Already have an HCR Account then,
Click here to Register (use search bars to find Georgetown)