u7 IDCMHA Program
The U7 IDCMHA program is focused on providing fun, engaging, and positive experiences for all 4-6 year old players starting hockey. The following is a general outline of the program for reference. The guiding principle is to facilitate an environment for young players to excel, whilst encouraging the coaches of each team to foster fun skill development at a pace that is appropriate/relevant for their team/group.
U7 IDENTIFICATION (ID) SKATE
Saturday, October 3, 2026
The U7 ID Skate is a fun, informal opportunity to get on the ice and start the season together. Coaches will be asked to help with basic skating instruction and coordinate games on the ice. Parents who wish to attend this first skate with their player are welcome. Helmets, skates, gloves and a stick are required.
COACHES
We require volunteer coaches for all teams. If interested, please visit and complete your coaching application here.
TEAM FORMATION
IDCMHA will organize all players into equal teams and communicate team rosters to each family.
FRIEND REQUESTS:
Under Resources (right hand side of webpage), please complete the form to submit friend requests. You may list up to three names. IDCMHA will do its best to accommodate requests. However, we cannot guarantee all listed players will be placed on the same team. We will ensure at least one requested friend is accommodated where possible. Submit all friend requests by September 11, 2026.
PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT
See our Registration page for information on our Parent Information Night(s). Each team will be assigned a meeting time via email. This is an opportunity to meet the rest of the team and finalize volunteer roles (visit here for more information). Each player is required to have a minimum of one parent/guardian present. Individuals who plan to volunteer are expected to attend.
PRACTICES
U7 games begin in January for Eastman Minor Hockey Association. Teams are welcome and encouraged to schedule exhibition games starting at a time that is appropriate for their group. Shared practice times may also be used for scrimmages between IDCMHA U7 teams, as agreed upon by coaches.
Important: All additional ice must be booked through the Ice Convvenor. If you plan to use a shared practice time for an exhibition game against a non-IDCMHA team, please coordinate in advance with other teams to avoid scheduling conflicts or confusion.
CROSS-ICE FORMAT:
U7 IDENTIFICATION (ID) SKATE
Saturday, October 3, 2026
The U7 ID Skate is a fun, informal opportunity to get on the ice and start the season together. Coaches will be asked to help with basic skating instruction and coordinate games on the ice. Parents who wish to attend this first skate with their player are welcome. Helmets, skates, gloves and a stick are required.
COACHES
We require volunteer coaches for all teams. If interested, please visit and complete your coaching application here.
TEAM FORMATION
IDCMHA will organize all players into equal teams and communicate team rosters to each family.
FRIEND REQUESTS:
Under Resources (right hand side of webpage), please complete the form to submit friend requests. You may list up to three names. IDCMHA will do its best to accommodate requests. However, we cannot guarantee all listed players will be placed on the same team. We will ensure at least one requested friend is accommodated where possible. Submit all friend requests by September 11, 2026.
PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT
See our Registration page for information on our Parent Information Night(s). Each team will be assigned a meeting time via email. This is an opportunity to meet the rest of the team and finalize volunteer roles (visit here for more information). Each player is required to have a minimum of one parent/guardian present. Individuals who plan to volunteer are expected to attend.
PRACTICES
- Coaches are encouraged to collaborate with their fellow coaches on their assigned team, within the U7 Program and across IDCMHA
- Practices will be shared, with the ice divided into sections (half-ice or thirds) for each team to use
- We ask parents to assist coaches in putting dividers on the ice and taking them off for each practice
- We strongly recommend the use of small area games, skill stations and development zones
- This ensures the skaters are staying active and engaged throughout the practice
- Coaches are expected to coordinate and develop practice plans that consider the needs of their team
- Coaches can use our Coaching Development page to develop their practice plans
U7 games begin in January for Eastman Minor Hockey Association. Teams are welcome and encouraged to schedule exhibition games starting at a time that is appropriate for their group. Shared practice times may also be used for scrimmages between IDCMHA U7 teams, as agreed upon by coaches.
Important: All additional ice must be booked through the Ice Convvenor. If you plan to use a shared practice time for an exhibition game against a non-IDCMHA team, please coordinate in advance with other teams to avoid scheduling conflicts or confusion.
CROSS-ICE FORMAT:
The U7 Program uses a cross-ice format for all practices and game situations, dividing the ice into one-third lateral sections for games and drill stations rather than using full or half ice. This approach is supported by long-term player development research, which shows that smaller playing surfaces increase skill development opportunities and maximize participation for all players.
Cross-ice play is required throughout the U7 season in Manitoba and is strongly recommended during the early stages of U9. For U7 players, this format provides the most appropriate and realistic game experience, helping ensure players develop their skills effectively while staying engaged and having fun.
resources
The following is a list of heplful resources for parents and volunteers. Coaching resource are available here.
Hockey Canada U7 Program
Hockey Canada U7 Pathway
Core Skills: U7 Fundamentals
Hockey Equipment Checklist
Hockey Equipment Sizing
Hockey Canada U7 & U9 Techniques: Identify/Error Correction
Hockey Canada U7 Program
Hockey Canada U7 Pathway
Core Skills: U7 Fundamentals
Hockey Equipment Checklist
Hockey Equipment Sizing
Hockey Canada U7 & U9 Techniques: Identify/Error Correction
Friend Request (U7 Program only)
Submit requests to play with friends in U7 Program