Instructional Program

Instructional Program (IP)

The Ancaster Avalanche Girls Hockey Association (AAGHA) is excited to announce that we will be offering our Instructional Program (IP) during the 2023-2024 season. We have again partnered with the amazing team from Mak’s Hockey Academy (formerly Pro Hockey Life Academy) to provide instruction.

The program is open to girls currently registered with AAGHA or to any girl that would like to give hockey a try. The program will provide a fun, supportive learning environment that will encourage young players to further develop their skills and their love for the game.

For those looking for kids 5 and under that are just learning to skate, please see our Under 7 (U7) Fundamentals. Please click here.

The goal of the AAGHA is to provide quality opportunities to our girls so they can reach their fullest potential as hockey players and strong, confident, young ladies. This program will offer our young players an opportunity to develop their core hockey skills.

In response to the program’s popularity, we have planned this year to accommodate up to 30 girls. Spots fill up quickly! Please register early to avoid disappointment. Register here!

Who is this Program For?

Hockey Canada developed the IP to make children's first contact with hockey a safe and positive experience. It is a structured, learn-to-play hockey program designed to introduce beginners to the game's basic skills. It enables participants to become contributing members of a team effort, develop self-confidence and experience a sense of personal achievement. These goals are achieved in an atmosphere of fun and fair play. Hockey Canada and the OWHA (Ontario Women’s Hockey Association) understand the important role it plays in helping beginning hockey players develop playing attitudes and foster an enjoyment of hockey as a lifetime sport and hobby.

The Philosophy of the IP is:

To have fun while playing hockey and engaging in physical activity
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 adapted game situations
To create and refine basic motor patterns
To be introduced to the concepts of cooperation and fair play

Hockey skills including, Puck Handling, Passing, Shooting, Turning and Stopping

Local SPOKESPEOPLE for the Instructional Program - (HCIP - Hockey Canada Instructional Program)

Geraldine Heaney & Laura Fortino

“This program sets the foundation for all future enjoyment and success our young players will have in the sport of hockey. How a player gets that first taste of hockey is crucial. If the beginner has fun, developing some basic skills and building confidence, there is a good chance that player will go on to enjoy hockey for many years.”

Geraldine Heaney

“I believe it is important for every player to have access to the best program in the world for developing skills while having fun. Learning the basic skills in practice at a young age is so important, because it allows the children to skate more, make more passes, take more shots on net and have the puck on their stick more than in any game.”

Laura Fortino

Instructional Program Details

The program consists of 15 one-hour sessions with some of the most qualified, experienced coaches/instructors in Southern Ontario. It will run on Tuesday evenings from 5:00 - 6:00pm at Spring Valley Arena in Ancaster.

The program will take place on the following dates:

Nov - 7, 14, 21, 28 /2023

Dec - 5, 12, 19 /2023

Jan - 9, 16, 23, 30 /2024

Feb - 6, 13, 20, 27 /2024

Program Cost

$225 for players currently registered with the AAGHA. Current association members have already paid the insurance as part of their registration fee.

$275 for persons not currently registered in the AAGHA. The extra cost is to cover our insurance obligations.

The AAHGA would like to ensure that all our youngest and first-time players have a chance to benefit from this program. All U9 and U11 players are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.

Enroll your daughter in the Instructional Program TODAY!! You can register online.

Jeff Evans

AAGHA Director of Player and Coach Development

development@ancastergirlshockey.ca

Info: Mak’s Hockey Academy Website (MHL) - http://phlacademy.ca/

Contact Mr. Leo Paone - Director MHL - info@phlacademy.ca

Thank you for choosing the AAGHA as your Hockey Home