Hockey Canada developed the Intro to Coach to make a child's first contact with hockey a safe and positive experience.  It's a structured, learn to play hockey program designed to introduce beginners to the game's basic skills.

The Intro To Coach has four levels of instruction designed for beginning hockey players ages six (6) and under. Each level represents a different set of skill progressions. These levels consist of 20 lesson plans that follow a defined path of progression. Each of the four levels emphasizes the basic hockey skills of skating, puck handling, passing, and shooting.

As players move through the program, they improve on both hockey skills and self-confidence. This progression of skill development is reinforced through practice drills, informal and modified games (such as shinny, freeze tag, and obstacle course).

The overall success of the program relies on the leadership and teaching abilities of the instructors. To assist coaches Hockey Canada developed a fie hour instructional clinic designed to ensure that instructors are fully prepared to present a successful program. The focus of the clinic is on skill analysis and development, lesson organization, and communications.

All coaches of players six (6) years of age and younger must attend this clinic regardless of prior coaching certification.  The duration of this clinic is 5 hours total, with 4 hours in classroom sessions and 1 hour on-ice session.

The Initiation Program recommends player development be built on practicing technical skills 85% and individual tactics 15%.

"Up to a certain age, kids should just be let out to play pond hockey. Skate and be creative with the puck,"
Wayne Gretzky