NOVA 8U PROGRAM: 2026-27 SEASON

Welcome to the NOVA 8U program! Our mission is to provide a structured, fun, and competitive environment for families to develop their 6U and 8U skaters. To do that, NOVA follows elements of the Hockey Canada (9U) Pathway and the USA Hockey American Development Model (ADM). If NOVA 8U practices look a little different, it’s by design.

NOVA'S 8U PROGRAM PRINCIPLES

Skating "ABCs" (Agility, Balance, Coordination)

NOVA’s 8U program builds athletes (not just hockey players) by prioritizing the ABCs (Agility, Balance, and Coordination). These fundamentals are the foundation of athleticism and determine an athlete’s long-term performance ceiling. Without this adequate physical literacy, players cannot maneuver effectively in the high-speed, dynamic environment of a hockey match.

Habits of a Good Teammate

Instilling positive player habits is as vital as developing technical skill

• Responsibility: Take ownership of their gear and exercise initiative when dressing themselves (with minimal help)
• Hustle: Maintain high intensity in every shift or drill, effort is dictated by character not the scoreboard
• Move the Puck: Utilize teammates as options to create more opportunities for team success
• Composure: Managing reactions to mistakes and remaining resilient after failure
• Coachability: Active listening with consistent eye contact indicating the player is focused and wants to improve

Quality Instruction

NOVA's 8U program lays the foundation for long-term athletic success by prioritizing physical literacy and individual skill development during this critical "golden age" of motor learning. Through station-based drills and half-ice games, we develop creative, confident players in an environment that balances healthy competition with the love for the game.

• Station-Based Training: maximizes engagement and puck touches by eliminating downtime, keeping players active and accelerating skill acquisition throughout every session.
• Half-Ice Games: building hockey sense from an early age, half-ice introduces offensive and defensive zones, challenging 8U players to think and play with purpose. This format rewards smart passing and intelligent positioning over the individual rushes that cross-ice play tends to encourage.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Skaters are divided into two primary divisions to ensure appropriate skill development and competition levels:

• Metropolitan Division (Travel): Focused on competitive play.
  • Red Team: 3–4 games per month (games will be either HOME or AWAY)
  • Blue Team: 2–3 games per month
  • Green Team: 2 games per month
• Atlantic Division (House): Focused on recreational play and fundamentals

Each Metropolitan and Atlantic team will have the same amount of HOME games or jamborees over the course of the season.

SAMPLE WEEKEND PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Schedule & Training
Training sessions are held on Saturday and Sunday mornings at Mount Vernon and Sunday afternoons at Tucker Road.