TOP Hockey Club
U7 Development Program
Our U7 Program is designed to provide young players with a development-focused hockey experience that bridges the gap between Learn-to-Play and competitive Academy teams. Led by professional non-parent coaches, this program focuses on building fundamental skating and puck skills, small-area gameplay, and basic hockey strategy. The U7 Development Program features a predictable weekly schedule with two practices per week at local rinks, with the full schedule set well before the season starts. During the ski season there are typically no practices or games from Friday 4pm to Sunday 4pm each weekend.
All games for the U7 Development program will be played as half-ice intersquad “Showdown Games,” designed to optimize development time and create a highly efficient schedule. Showdown Games provide more puck touches and more scoring, while introducing competitive hockey and teaching core skills like listening, hard work, teamwork, and more.
- Ski-Friendly Program: no events from Friday 4pm to Sunday 4pm throughout ski season.
- Set Schedule: two skills practices per week plus a weekly 'Showdown' Game; no rotating times or changing schedules.
- Development-First: age-appropriate environment with ≈2:1 practice-to-game ratio.
- Professional Coaches: technical staff, non-parent coaches, modern curriculum.
- Multi-Sport Friendly: minimal overlap with TOP Lacrosse & TOP Soccer.
- Player Pathway: clear progression U7 → U8 → U15+ with consistent standards.
- Showdown Games: half-ice intersquad games designed to maximize development and schedule efficiency.
- Arena Locations: all practices take place in Midtown Toronto (UCC Arena, St. Mike’s Arena, Forest Hill Arena, or RINX Arena).
- Registration Fees: include practices, games, festivals, coaching, admin fees, player insurance, and more.
- Coaches: all TOP Hockey coaches complete NCCP requirements.
- Inquire: email TOP Hockey to register your interest in this program.
- Availability: returning families have first right of refusal; remaining spots are filled from applications.
- Evaluation: staff review for program fit; invitations sent as spots open.
- Acceptance: program details, fees, and schedules are shared prior to acceptance.
- Registration: non-refundable deposit secures your roster spot; balance in instalments.
Questions? Email hockey@topsports.ca.
Behind The Scenes
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FAQs
Common Questions
How are teams selected? Are there tryouts?
At the Grassroots level, we don’t use tryouts. It’s like giving a math test before the first day of class—it doesn’t help long-term development and can push kids out of sport. Players are selected via an application that considers previous experience, multi-sport history, and family philosophy.
What is the structure of the program?
We combine high-quality practices, intersquad Showdown Games, and professional coaching to create a development-focused program that’s efficient and family-friendly—no over-investment of time or resources at young ages.
What does a weekly schedule look like?
Typical weeks feature two skills practices, plus a weekly 'Showdown' Game. Once the season schedule is set, changes are minimal.
Who are the coaches?
Our professional coaches are teachers and mentors who model teamwork, respect, and work ethic. They’re selected for coaching and playing experience, aligned philosophy, and are fully trained on the TOP Hockey model and expectations.