U7 and U9 Program Goals
- Have fun and get active
- Learn fundamental hockey skills
- Develop and practice basic skills
- Practice cooperation and fair play
U7 What To Expect
- 2 ice times per week, one team practice/game time and one skill development session, usually on the weekends
- Players are assigned to balanced teams through a draft process
- Players are also assigned to tiered or like skill groups for skill development
- Players are required to attend assigned team and skill group sessions - there is no switching of groups due to family schedules
- Game format is cross ice and league games begin in January
- User pay camps or skill development options are provided throughout the season
- TBirds Family Day Tournament in February
U9 What To Expect
- 3 ice times per week, one team practice, one team game time, and one skill development session
- Skill development sessions are usually during the week and can start as early as 4:00 pm
- Team practice and games times are usually on the weekends
- Players are assigned to balanced teams through a draft process
- Players are also assigned to tiered or like skill groups for skill development
- Players are required to attend assigned team and skill group sessions - there is no switching of groups due to family schedules
- Game format is full ice and league games begin in December
- User pay camps or skill development options are provided throughout the season
- TBirds Family Day Tournament in February
Skill Development
- Vancouver Hockey School led by Derek Popke designs and implements the on-ice skill development program for U7 and U9 players
- ProFormance Goalie School provides goalie training for our U9 players
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
When does the season start?
U7 programming usually starts mid-September
U9 programming usually starts the first weekend after Labour Day
When do I get my schedule for the season?
Season schedules are firm once balancing and team formation is completed - this will occur by mid-October
*September ice times are used for team formation for all age groups within the Association and are not regular ice times for the season*
How early are ice times?
Ice sessions can start as early as 7:15 am on weekends and 4 pm on weekdays (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)
Volunteer Roles
Volunteer opportunities exist at both the team and association level. Some roles are:
- Head and Assistant Coaches
- Team Managers
- Team Safety
- Rule of Two: dressing room monitors
- Skill Group Managers
- Skill Group Coaches
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.
