U7, U9, U11 Programs
The Ravens offer multiple teams for U7 (Kindergarten & grade 1), U9 (grade 2 & 3) and U11 (grade 4 & 5) players.
- Never skated before?
- Skating experience but new to hockey?
- Been playing hockey for several years?
Whatever your daughter's experience, we are happy to see girls of all skill levels and ages joining us! And we have a place for everyone.
U7 Program
U7 is the division for girls who are 6 years old and younger (kindergarten & grade 1). We typically have two teams in this age group and all U7 girls skate together for practice.
This level is a basic introduction to hockey for our youngest Ravens. Parents with coaching certification are welcome to come on the ice to help.
At this level, the players will learn basics like:
- Introduction to skating
- Proper skating stance
- How to hold a stick properly
- How to fall and get up
Once the player has mastered these basic skills and can comfortably move around the ice, they will progress to:
- Fun small area games
- Start to understand competition
- Further skating skills, stopping, and turning
- Puck handling
- Understanding what it means to be part of a team
- Developing friendships
The U7 program starts in the 2nd week of September and lasts through to early March. Players in this program get 2 practices a week at Richmond Ice Centre and/or Minoru Arena.
U9 Program
U9 is the division for girls who are 7-8 years old (grade 2 & 3). We typically have two teams in this age group.
We are happy to welcome both beginners and experience players. Note that playing U7 before U9 is NOT a pre-requisite.
This level is designed to help players with:
- Skating progressions
- Shooting and passing
- Small area games
- Understanding rules of the game
- Introduction to faceoffs and offsides
- Playing half-ice games (3on3 and 4on4)
- Basic hockey strategy
The U9 program starts in the 2nd week of September and lasts through to early March. Players in this program get 2 practices a week at Richmond Ice Centre and/or Minoru Arena and begin playing half-ice games in December.
U11 Program
U11 is the division for girls who are 9-10 years old (grade 4 & 5). We typically have three teams at this age group: C1, C2, and C3.
We host evaluations in the 2nd week of September to evaluate all U11 players so we can place them on the most skill-appropriate team. We are happy to welcome new players at this age group!
Once team rosters are set, each team will receive:
- 1-2 practices/week
- 1-2 games/week
- 1 skills session/week
- 2-3 tournaments for the year
Players at this level will learn:
- Skating, passing, shooting, puck handling
- Team play and rules of the game
- Line changes and penalties
- Teamwork and friendships
The U11 program starts in the 2nd week of September and lasts through to the end of March, finishing with the Ravens Ice Classic Tournament during Spring Break. Players in this program get 2 practices a week at Richmond Ice Centre and/or Minoru Arena.