6U Developmental
The HCF 6U Developmental program follows the USA Hockey guidelines emphasizing age appropriate skill development. Coaches utilize station based training to develop skills by remaining active and keeping repetitions high. Station based training also enables coaches to team basic hockey skills, skating, shooting, puck handling while mixing in small area games to introduce game like situations and the competitive nature of the game.
Ages
This program is open to all 4-6 year olds (2017-2019 birth years) of all experiences. Players are grouped into skill similar groups to promote development.
Cost
The cost of the 6U program for the 2024-25 season is $325.
Rental Gear
Limited rental gear is available for families, check out this link to read more about it.
Where
The 6U program skates at both the Big Dipper Arena and Polar Ice Center.
When
This program runs 20 weeks starting late September/early October and runs until late February/early March with a two week break during the holiday season.
Practices
Each team will have two, 45 minute practices per week.
All players will participate in Saturday practices at the Dipper. Families will have a choice for the second practice of the week, either Sunday at the Dipper or Tuesday evening at Polar Ice.
Games
At the 6U level the focus of practices are skill development. However once a month HCF hosts game days for the kids.
In addition to games there are also two Olympic skates, one early in the season and one near the end.
Jerseys
Jerseys and socks are included in the player fee and will be provided by the association.
One note is jerseys will not be ready until the second week of practice so players are encouraged to bring something to wear the first week while assessments are being conducted.
Volunteering
Our organization counts on amazing volunteers to help provide a great experience for the kids. If you are interested in volunteering, either as a Coach or Manager, please check the appropriate box during the registration process and we will contact you to get you involved! Remember, you're going to be at the rink anyway, you might as well help out :)
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my child has is brand new to hockey?
Have no fear, our coaches have years of experience getting kids up and moving around the ice! However, we do recommend athletes participate in a Learn to Skate or have basic skating skills as it will provide a confidence boost and make for an easier transition to the ice.
How do I help?
The strength of our program is the number of volunteers we have both on and off the ice but we can always use more. Please reach out to the 6u Coordinator, Coaching Coordinator or Hockey Director if you are interested in helping. The more coaches we have on the ice, the better the experience will be!
My child wants to be a goalie?
That's great! However at the 6U age the priority is to teach basic hockey skills before progressing to positions. With that in mind we focus on having all players work as skaters in 6U. Once athletes get more comfortable on their skates they will have opportunities to try out goalie during game days.
2024-25
The 6U Developmental Registration module is for boys & girls who wish to play at the 6U level (birth years 2018-2020) for the upcoming season. This division is for boys and girls starting their hockey development. The emphasis is on skill development and building a lifelong passion for the game of hockey.
Rental gear may be available for 6U players based on a first come first served basis. If you wish to rent gear, please choose that option as you go through registration (rental gear does not include skates or a stick).