The game is fun.

While ice hockey requires a great deal of skill, the proper instruction and attitude make the game fun and rewarding.

The Initiation Program incorporates the most current and innovative ideas available today. It represents the best methods of starting beginning players on the right path to an enjoyable experience in our sport.

The Initiation Program lesson plans have been tested, and have proven successful in every type of community setting.

The established program objectives are:

• To learn the basic skills required to play the game of hockey.
• To develop an understanding of basic teamwork through participation in a variety of activities and adopted game situations.
• To have fun while playing hockey and engaging in physical activity.
• To mate and refine basic motor patterns.
• To be introduced to the concepts of cooperation and fair play.

The Initiation Program Teaches Basic Hockey Skills and Much More

USA Hockey’s Initiation Program has four levels of instruction designed for beginning hockey players. Each classification represents a different level of skill progression. At the beginning of the program, players are evaluated according to ability and placed in the appropriate program level.

Each level consists of 20 lesson plans that form a defined path of progression. As players move through the program, they improve both hockey skills and self confidence.

The program focuses primarily on the basic hockey skills – skating, puck handling, passing and shooting. Each skill is introduced and refined in a progressive "one step at a time" manner. Players participate in practice drills, informal and modified games (such as shinny or pond hockey.) Players are soon proficient enough to have fun while they play.

Although the main emphasis is on fun and progressive skill development, the Initiation Program also allows youngsters to experience: cooperation, fair play, fitness, and safety.

The Initiation Program is the Foundation of Your Hockey Structure

USA Hockey introduces the Initiation Program to make youngsters’ first contact with hockey a safe and positive experience. It’s a structured "want to play" hockey program designed to introduce beginners to the games basic skills. It enables participants to become contributing members of a team effort; to develop self confidence; and to experience a sense of personal achievement. These goals are achieved in an atmosphere of cooperation and fun.

The future of our sport lies within our youth. USA Hockey understands the important role it plays in helping beginning hockey players to develop responsible playing attitudes. A well run Initiation Program will foster enjoyment of hockey to our young players and ensure the growth of our sport and your association.

Why Should You Get Involved?

Instructors are recruited on a volunteer basis. The Initiation Program needs people like you to help foster hockey activities in your community.

The manuals are designed to be of great benefit to the beginning coach as well as the more experienced.
The development of this program will benefit all newcomers to the game of hockey. You can take advantage of this resource and get involved. You’ll meet new people, get lots of exercise and have fun at the same time.

Off the ice, you can also play an important role in the program as an administrator or a hockey organizer and help get the program under way in your community. In whatever capacity you’re involved you’ll be helping local children learn to enjoy hockey and have fun.

For further information, contact your District Initiation Program Administrator.

USA Hockey Makes Your Initiation Program Easy!

The overall success of the program relies on the leadership and teaching abilities of the instructors. To assist Moms and Dads, we’ve developed an eight hour Instructional clinic designed to ensure that instructors are fully
prepared to present a successful program.

This program was developed by the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association. It has been used throughout Canada. USA Hockey has also piloted this program throughout our country. The results have been tremendous.

The Instructional package consists of six manuals:

• One manual provides the organizational and administrative details of the program.
• One manual explores the special teaching considerations of the specific skill level of the group.
• Four manuals provide the instructor with the step-by-step lesson plans. There is one manual for each of the four program levels.

Moms and Dads Play an Important Role

Leadership is the key to the Initiation Program. In addition to developing players’ hockey skills and promote physical fitness, instructors are responsible for encouraging initiative, stimulating interest in the sport and instilling a desire for continued participation. Instructors are called upon to:

• Be an effective leader and teacher.
• Be a model of cooperation and fair play.
• Provide a positive, non competitive atmosphere.
• Provide instruction in a way that motivates and challenges players.
• Develop players’ self respect and self discipline.

For additional information regarding the Initiation Program, please contact:
Wade Hughes
Vermont Initiation Program Director
802 878-5414