Development Pathway
Why Small Area and Cross Ice are great for Development
Steps of Development - Introduction to hockey
Step 1
Learn To Skate (LTS)
Learn To Skate is the first step to playing hockey!
This program offered by the NH Selects is a beginners ice skating program for athletes who have not yet mastered their skating skills. It is designed to prepare skaters who wish to pursue hockey.
Program Details
- All skaters are required to wear a helmet (HECC certified hockey or bike helmet)
- Warm clothing: warm gloves, water repellant pants and jacket or snowsuit
- Skaters must also have their own ice skates. Hockey or Figure (No double runners)
- No Hockey Gear Allowed in this program. Gear will be part of the Learn to Play Hockey program once the athlete has successfully passed their Learn to Skate program.
Levels
(Ages 3-5): 25 min group lesson
Youth Beginner (Ages 6+): 40 min group lesson w/ 10min supervised free time to practice on their own
Youth Advanced (Ages 6+ must have passed beginner or been approved by staff): 40 min group lesson w/ 10min supervised free time to practice on their own
Step 2
Learn To Play
Learn To Play Hockey is designed for first time hockey players.
Program Details
These sessions are the perfect place to start young hockey players. Players will be separated into groups based upon their age, size, previous hockey training (if any) and present abilities.
We’ll focus on stops, starts, crossovers, backwards skating, stick-handling and shooting.
Our coaches establish an enjoyable learning environment which makes it easy and fun to introduce young skaters to the game of hockey.
Through applied demonstrations and positive reinforcement, our programs will allow your athlete to improve his or her abilities as well as build character.
Levels
(8 and under Beginner and Advanced Groups): 40 min group split by ability. 30 minutes of multitasking skills, skating edge work and reactive countering introduction with 10 minutes of introduction to game like play.
Step 3
8U DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The 8U Development Program (8UDP) is the NH Selects introductory hockey league for novice players. It is NOT a learn to play program (please see our Learn to Play program for that).
Program Details
This program is Full Season September – February. The 8UDP players skate two (2) days a week for 1 hour each session. They will play in GSL mite Jamborees.
They will practice/game Saturday mornings at 8:00am.
The cost of this program is $1,600 for the Full winter Season.
Each player receives uniform package which includes game jersey/socks and practice jersey.
Our main coaches for the 8UDP team are John Sikich, Executive Director and Director of Player Development, Grant Sikich.
Grant and John are Power Edge Pro Certified Development Coaches and Head Coaches for the NH Selects Organization.
If you are interested in the 8UDP please email John Sikich below.