The U7 and U9 divisions are where kids learn to love coming to the rink! Our goal is to guide them to learn how to soar like a Thunderbird as they progress through the game of hockey.
U7 and U9 comprised of 2 birth years each.
Our program is led by Vancouver Hockey School's Derek Popke. We follow a dual approach to maximizing a player's development:
- Skill groups - each player is assigned to a skill group with players that are of a similar skill level,
- Teams - for U7 and U9, all players will be drafted to a balanced team that they will have practices and games with over the season
Goalie development:
U7 and U9 players will rotate through the goalie position and play it at least once over the season
Opt-in goalie training is offered for our U9 players and is led by ProFormance Goalie School
Typically when are my ice times?
U7-U9: Ice sessions can start as early as 7:15 am on weekends and 4 pm on weekdays.
When can we sign up for the High Performance program led by Derek Popke?
Registration for the HP program with Derek Popke will begin following the first weekend of assessments for U9 with information distributed to those who are eligible for the program.
For the 2025-26 season it is expected that options will be provided for U7 and U9.
Volunteer Roles
We will be looking for parent volunteers to fill a number of roles throughout the balancing process.
- HCSP
- On-ice assistants (certified coaches or on ice volunteers only)
- Dressing room monitors
In addition, we have posted lead or coordinator roles for a number of our in-season programs such as our Career Mentorship Program, Players Giving Back program and many others. We would love to be able to offer all of these and many more programs this year but we need help to do so. Log into the volunteer portal here to look through the options and help us make TBirds even better!
Ordering Apparel:
Please visit https://www.vancouvertbirds.ca/resources/tbirds-apparel/
Questions?
Please contact thunderbirds@vancouvertbirds.ca
Skill Development
TBirds, through the Vancouver Hockey School, and opt-in programs & ProFormance Goalie School offer a variety of a full skill development program.
Hockey 101
If you are new to the sport of hockey, these resources will help you understand the basics.
Parent Participation
Our parents are our most valuable resource and we want everyone to enjoy their experience - players, parents & team staff.