U6–U9 Hockey
A fun, supportive introduction to hockey where young players build confidence, develop skills, make friends, and discover a lifelong love of the game.
Welcome to Surrey Minor Hockey's U6–U9 Program
Whether your child is stepping onto the ice for the very first time or returning for another exciting season, the U6–U9 program is designed to provide a positive, age-appropriate hockey experience that emphasizes fun, participation, and skill development.
Following Hockey Canada’s Long-Term Player Development model, our youngest players learn the fundamentals of skating, puck control, passing, shooting, and teamwork in an encouraging environment where every child has the opportunity to grow at their own pace.
Our focus isn't on winning championships—it's on building confidence, developing friendships, and creating a lifelong love for hockey.
Our Development Philosophy
Helping Every Player Learn and Grow
Every child develops differently, which is why our U6–U9 program focuses on creating a positive environment where players can learn at their own pace while building confidence both on and off the ice.
Rather than measuring success by wins and losses, we believe young players learn best when they are actively involved in every practice and game. Smaller playing surfaces, more puck touches, and plenty of opportunities to skate and make decisions help players develop skills faster while keeping the game fun and engaging.
At the U6–U9 level, our focus is to:
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Build confidence and a love for hockey
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Develop strong skating and fundamental hockey skills
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Encourage teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship
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Create a safe, positive, and inclusive environment
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Ensure every player has the opportunity to participate and develop
These principles guide every practice, game, and coaching interaction, helping young players build a strong foundation for the years ahead.
Built on Hockey Canada's Player Pathway
Surrey Minor Hockey follows Hockey Canada's nationally recognized Player Pathway, which is designed to give young players the best possible introduction to hockey through age-appropriate programming.
By following the Player Pathway, every child has the opportunity to build confidence, develop fundamental hockey skills, and enjoy a positive hockey experience from their very first season.
What familes can expect
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Age-appropriate practices and games
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Cross-ice hockey (U6–U7) and half-ice hockey (U8–U9)
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Equal ice time and maximum participation
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Skill development before competition
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Multiple practice sessions before formal evaluations begin
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A gradual progression that prepares players for U11 hockey
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Surrey Minor Hockey's U6–U9 program.
New to hockey? These are some of the questions we hear most often from parents. If you can't find what you're looking for, please contact U6-U9 Division Coordinator Shawna Daya.
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Cross-ice hockey gives young players more opportunities to skate, handle the puck, pass, shoot, and make decisions during every game. With a smaller playing surface, players stay involved rather than chasing the play, helping them build confidence while developing skills more quickly.
This format follows Hockey Canada's nationally recognized Player Pathway and provides the best possible introduction to the game.
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Players in U9 continue to play on a half-ice surface for the first part of the season before gradually progressing toward full-ice hockey. This allows players to continue developing their skating, puck control, and game awareness while preparing for the transition to U11.
The gradual progression helps ensure players are confident and ready before moving to full-ice hockey.
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Surrey Minor Hockey follows Hockey Canada's recommended evaluation process.
Before formal evaluations begin, players participate in several practices and skill sessions so coaches have the opportunity to observe player development in a positive learning environment.
When evaluations take place, multiple sessions are used to help ensure fair and balanced team placement.
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Yes.
At the U6–U9 levels, every player is encouraged to participate and develop. Equal ice time ensures every child has opportunities to learn, build confidence, and enjoy the game regardless of experience or skill level.
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Young players benefit from experiencing every part of the game. During U9, players continue developing skating and puck-handling skills before specializing in a specific position.
This approach supports Hockey Canada's Long-Term Player Development model and helps create more well-rounded hockey players.
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Surrey Minor Hockey follows Hockey Canada's official Player Pathway guidelines for U6 through U9 hockey.
If you'd like to explore the full documents and learn more about the research behind these programs, you can visit Hockey Canada's official resources below.
Register Today
Give Your Child a Great Start in Hockey
Whether your child is stepping onto the ice for the very first time or returning for another exciting season, Surrey Minor Hockey's U6–U9 program provides a fun, welcoming, and supportive environment where young players can learn, grow, and develop a lifelong love of the game.
Registration is now open. We look forward to welcoming your family to the rink this season.
