top hockey program overview
top hockey program overview
TOP Hockey is a not-for-profit minor hockey club with a player pathway from Learn-to-Play to Competitive Academy teams. Our unique model prioritizes seasonal set schedules, multi-sport participation, professional coaching, and character-building through sport.
NEW for the 2024-2025 season, TOP Hockey will be joining the GTHL, Ontario Hockey Federation, and Hockey Canada as a sanctioned hockey organization competing in a tournament-based schedule, the first of its kind for an independent hockey club.
Learn-to-Play Programs
The TOP Hockey Learn-to-Play program combines professional coaching and high-quality development with an efficient ski-friendly schedule that provides a perfect introduction for beginner players to improve their skills in a fun, engaging environment.
U7 Development Program
NEW for the 2024-2025 hockey season is the introduction of the U7 Development Program for 2018 and 2019 birthyears, designed to provide young players with a development-focused hockey experience that bridges the gap between introductory hockey programs and competitive Academy teams.
Competitive Academy Teams
TOP Hockey Academy teams offer an innovative competitive hockey experience that features professional coaches, high-quality player development, and a unique tournament-based schedule through the GTHL that encourages multi-sport participation.
The TOP Hockey season runs from late September to early April, with breaks over Christmas, Family Day, and March Break. Academy teams compete in a tournament-based schedule within Hockey Canada, allowing TOP Hockey players to continue to play in TOP Soccer and TOP Lacrosse programs while minimizing conflicts and maximizing multi-sport development. Additionally, the tournament-based schedule will allow us to provide a predictable, set schedule with no rotating games and unmatched visibility on the hockey schedule for the whole season.
Once the season ends, we strongly believe that children should put away their hockey equipment and play something different - it will help their hockey skills in the long run!
If you’re interested in learning more about our unique seasonal schedules, please click the link below!
SEASON AT A GLANCE
program streams
Academy Teams
Level: Competitive
Ages: 7-15, Coed
Seasons: Fall/Winter
Commitment: 3x week
U7 Development
Level: Development
Ages: 5 & 6, Coed
Seasons: Fall/Winter
Commitment: 2x week
Learn-to-Play
Level: Recreational
Ages: 4-6, Coed
Seasons: Fall/Winter
Commitment: 1-2x week
MEET TECHNICAL DIRECTOR IAN MACKENZIE!
If you've been involved with our programs over the past five years, it's likely you've seen Coach Ian hanging around the rink, field, or gym. One of the founders of TOP Sports, Ian is one of the most experienced and respected youth hockey coaches around. A native of Toronto, Ian was a very successful multi-sport athlete in high school, playing golf, basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, and hockey, some at the provincial level, and found equal success in all sports. Upon graduation from high school Ian attended Wilfrid Laurier University to study Business and Communications, and briefly played junior hockey in Waterloo before shifting his focus to coaching.
After graduating from Laurier and spending time living abroad, Ian began running his own hockey school and worked with a number of major minor hockey clubs in Toronto. When TOP was founded in 2017, Ian was instrumental in developing the hockey program to what it is now, and is a huge part of creating #TheOtherPath.
Ian currently holds certificates from the National Coaching Certification Program and Hockey Canada, and will be pursuing his NCCP Advanced Coaching Diploma later this year. In addition to his role as the Technical Director of TOP Hockey, Ian also oversees parts of our Summer Hockey Camps, Collingwood Programs, and Coach Development Programs.
If you'd like to reach out and chat about our hockey programs, Ian can be found via email at ian@topsports.ca.
Questions about TOP Hockey programs?
Connect with Ian using the email link below!
OUR CORE VALUES
#1 - Multi-Sport Development
We believe that multi-sport play, over time, is essential to creating a well-rounded and successful athlete.
#2 - Seasonal Set Schedules
Our programs feature an efficient, set schedule for the whole season, providing ultimate predictability and allowing you to plan around your sports’ commitments.
#3 - Quality Coaches Who Care
Our professional coaches take pride in building relationships with players and pushing them to reach their full potential, in sport and beyond.
#4 - Character Building Through Sport
We use sports as a vehicle to teach essential life skills like discipline, teamwork, respect, work ethic, & accountability.