As you prepare for the upcoming season, there are a number of questions you may be asking yourselves. This list of frequently asked questions should help to introduce you to the U7 program. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any other questions you may have.
Q: When does the season run?
A: The Initiation Program season runs from the beginning of September to the end of March. The first two weeks of the program are conditioning sessions that are designed to help your child get comfortable on the ice, and to get them into the hockey spirit. These sessions are optional, but are a great way to get prepared for the season. Sessions run on Saturday and Sunday mornings each week.
Q: What does my child need to play?
A: Please see the equipment list here. Each child will be provided with a jersey for games and practices, but will not receive hockey socks at this level (contrary to what is listed on the website). For children new to hockey, Canadian Tire Kanata sells a great kit that includes much of the hockey equipment you'll require for the year. Please ensure that all hockey helmets are CSA-approved with a wire face guard or full plastic face shield, and have not expired.
Q: What does the program cost?
A: In addition to your registration fees, each team will raise funds for events such as a holiday party, a year end party, fun days, and/or team apparel. These fees generally range from $50 - $150 but can be mitigated through sponsorship and fundraising by the team.
Q: What rinks will my child play at?
A: Most sessions will be played at Beckwith Recreation Complex (1319, 9th Line Carleton Place) and Johnny Leroux Arena (10 Warner-Colpitts, Stittsville). Each team will register for at least one fun day (to a maximum of three over the year) which will be hosted within the Ottawa area.
Q: What are the evaluation sessions?
A: After the conditioning sessions, the players will be asked to participate in two evaluation sessions. On ice helpers will be watching the players perform drills similar to those used during the conditioning sessions, to help ensure that all players are placed with the right team for the year. Our goal is to ensure that all players continue to develop on the ice and have fun. If your child will miss these sessions, it is critical that you notify the convenor in advance and that you plan to attend the conditioning sessions.
Q: Can my child play with a friend?
A: Our first priority is to ensure that your child is placed on the right team for their skill level. All friend requests at U7 must be submitted by completing the following form here
Q: What is Respect in Sport?
A: The Respect in Sport mission is to empower people to recognize and prevent abuse, bullying and harassment through interactive, online certification. Their Vision is to eliminate abuse, bullying and harassment by inspiring a global culture of respect.. Beginning with the 2015-16 minor hockey season, parents of players in HEO jurisdiction will be required to take the Respect in Sport Parent Program. The program is taken online once at a cost of approximately $12 and a minimum of 1 parent/guardian from each family with players at the IP and Novice level or new to Hockey will need to take the program.
Players will not be able to go on the ice unless the RIS parent program is complete.
NOTE - The Respect in Sport Parent Program differs from the Respect in Sport Leader/Coach Program or formerly Speak Out. Therefore parents that have taken the Leader/Coach Program or Speak Out, must still take the Parent Program certification.
To complete the program, use the following link:
Respect in Sport - Respect Group Inc. | Harassment + Abuse Online Prevention Training
If you have completed the program in the last two years for a player or their sibling, please contact [email protected] for details on how to update your Respect in Sport profile.
Q: How can I get involved?
A: The U7 program could not run without the help of many, many parent volunteers. Each team will need coaches, on ice helpers, a trainer and a team manager. At this age, volunteering with the team is very rewarding for both parents and players and I ask that you consider becoming a volunteer to make your child’s hockey even that much better. All volunteers will be required to complete a Police Record Check. Please reach out to us by e-mail ([email protected]) if you have an interest or if you would like to initiate the record check process.