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.
For the 2024-2025 season, U7 and U9 will be comprised of 2 birth years each. For more information about the 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.
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.
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.
- VTMHA U7 Bust the Rust Pathway Skate Schedule will be added to your TeamSnap schedule soon. First ice times will be on September 14, 2024
- VTMHA U9 Bust the Rust Pathway Skate Schedules for September 7&8 have been added to your TeamSnap schedule. Additional times will be added soon.
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.
- 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.