h-u7-u9-division

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.

As of the 2023-2024 season, U7 and U9 will be comprised of 2 birth years each.  For more information about the new format, click here.

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: We are always on the lookout for the next goalie of the future. TBirds has all players in U7 and U9 put the pads on at least once over the season.  The Tbirds are proud to offer goalie training on an opt-in basis for our U9 players led by ProFormance Goalie School.

Participant Information:

Bust the Rust Pathway Skate Schedule:

Pathway skate plans will be consistent amongst the groups. Please place your player's name on their helmet with masking or painters tape to assist coaches and officials during the pathway skates. Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your scheduled ice time to allow you ample time to get your player ready.

Placement Evaluation Schedule:

Placement evaluation schedules will be sent via email.  Friendly reminder, please do not wear any non-VTMHA helmet stickers, helmets, other team-affiliated socks and equipment to assessments.

Volunteer Roles

We will be looking for parent volunteers to fill a number of roles throughout the balancing process.

  1. HCSP
  2. On-ice assistants (certified coaches or on ice volunteers only)
  3. 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 Audrey White at awhite@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.

Novice Players Affiliation or Registration to Atom Teams

Click here for the Memo dated October 2, 2017 from BC Hockey

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BC Hockey – On Ice Helpers

For any team wishing to use an older players or other volunteers to assist with practices, scrimmages or other activities, click here for the BC Hockey guidelines.

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BC Hockey – Special Events Process

Information from BC Hockey on the Special Events Process can be found here. Please note that special events include dryland training, inclusion of a 3rd party skills provider.

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