SKILL DEVELOPMENT

The main focus for each program at Varsity Hockey is skill Development. Developing skills correctly with speed, precision, strength, balance, and athleticism is our ultimate goal. Each program is developed and created in a way that will produce excellent habits. For our skills sessions we want to create excellent practice habits that can be carried over into competition. This doesn’t mean players will not fail, as a matter of fact players and parents should expect to fail, but they will learn from their failures. This statement is important for skill development. Failing is okay, and actually is encouraged when it comes to developing skills. When we fail we need to correct our technique and try again. Some times we need to slow the skill down to complete it correctly, and once we successfully produce the intended task, we will increase the speed and difficulty, then we will repeat over and over again.

Varsity Hockey also offer programs at ScotiaBank Pond in Toronto. Click here to find out more.



 SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS (April Training)

  •  DEFENSIVE Skills Clinics (OPEN Program - 7:1 Ratio)

    This Defensive Skills Clinic is an OPEN program that is designed to develop the defensive game skills for ALL CALIBER level players who want to improve their Defensive game performance.

    The skill training will include a focused effort on how to react to forechecking pressure, gap control, rushing with the puck, and understand the defensive game that will be applied to in-game situations.

    The weekly ‘Lesson Plan’ will focus on the following areas of skill development:

    Quick Feet and Agility
    Backward Acceleration
    Pivoting to Each Side
    Lateral Movement & Mobility
    Transition and Escapes
    Angling and Cornering
    Defensive Shooting Drills
    Puck Handling & Breakout Passes

    Defensive Skills Program Availability:
    Defensive Skills – 4 Saturday’s
    April 5, 12, 19, 26

    Defensive Skills Program Details
    ALL CALIBER Level Players: 2018/17/16 Born Players: 9:00 am (14 Spots Available)
    ALL CALIBER Level Players: 2015 & Earlier Born Players: 11:00 am (14 Spots Available)

    160 + HST

    DEFENSIVE Skills Clinics - From Apr 5, 2025 to Apr 26, 2025
    REGISTER


    •  OFFENSIVE Skills Clinics (OPEN Program - 7:1 Ratio)

      This Offensive Skills Clinic is an OPEN program that is designed to develop the offensive game skills for ALL CALIBER level players who want to improve their Offensive game performance.

      The skill training will include a focused effort on working in confined areas along with learning how to deke and fake at high speeds and that will be applied to in-game situations.

      The weekly ‘Lesson Plan’ will focus on the following areas of skill development:

      Shooting Quickly and Under Pressure
      Shooting While in Stride
      Shooting Skills of Wrist Shots, Slap Shots, Snap Shots and One Timers

      Stick Handling in Traffic
      Puck Control and Evasive Puck Handling
      Give and Go Passing
      Battle and Compete Drills

      Offensive Skills Program Availability:
      Offensive Skills – 4 Saturday’s
      April 5, 12, 19, 26

      Offensive Skills Program Details
      ALL CALIBER Level Players: 2018/17/16 Born Players: 10:00 am (14 Spots Available)
      ALL CALIBER Level Players: 2015 & Earlier Born Players: 12:00 pm (14 Spots Available)

      160 + HST

      OFFENSIVE Skills Clinics - From Apr 5, 2025 to Apr 26, 2025
      REGISTER


      •  April Pre-Tryout Skills Program OPEN Program - 7:1 Ratio

        The Pre Tryout Clinics are designed to prepare players for the team tryout selection process

        A great way for players to get Team Tryout ready with 1.5 hours of On-ice drills every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday evening.

        The class ‘Lesson Plan’ will focus on the following areas of skill development:

        Power Skating
        Stride Mechanics
        Acceleration
        Balance and Edges
        Tight Turns
        Crossovers
        Backwards Skating

        Puck Skills
        Puck Control
        Speed with the Puck
        Creative Stick Handling
        Dekeing

        Compete Drills
        Competitive Drills
        Game Situations
        Confined Space Battle Drills.

        This week will provide players with a great opportunity to fine tune their in game performance skills.

        Dates: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
        Week 1: April 8, 9, 11
        Week 2: April 15, 16, 18
        Week 3: April 22, 23, 25

        ALL CALIBER Level Players: 2018/17/16 Born Skaters – 6:00 – 7:30 pm
        ALL CALIBER Level Players: 2015 & Older Skaters – 7:30 – 9:00 pm

        Times and dates are subject to change depending on registration.

        180 + HST

        April Pre-Tryout Classes Week 1 - From Apr 8, 2025 to Apr 11, 2025
        REGISTER
        April Pre-Tryout Classes Week 2 - From Apr 15, 2025 to Apr 18, 2025
        REGISTER
        April Pre-Tryout Classes Week 3 - From Apr 22, 2025 to Apr 25, 2025
        REGISTER


       SKATING CLINICS (Fall/Winter Training)

      •  Power Skating & Skills Clinics (OPEN Program - 7:1 Ratio)

        This Power Skating & Skills Clinic is an OPEN program that is designed to develop skating and puck handling skills for ALL CALIBER level players and will focus on training proper mechanics towards combining the speed and skill that will be applied to in-game situations

        The weekly ‘Lesson Plan’ will include the following areas of development:
        • Skating Efficiency and Edge Control
        • Puck Handling Fundamentals
        • Stopping and Crossovers for balanced transitions with and without the Puck
        • Controlled Stick Handling while skating

        Clinics can be registered in 8 week long programs and will be delivered from a 50 minute Lesson Plan to provide skill specific repetition necessary for technical improvement.

        POWER SKATING & SKILLS DATES & TIMES
        The training sessions are booked on Pre-Scheduled Dates and Times once per week for a 50-minute on-ice session over a 8-Week Training Cycle.

        Program 3 Availability:
        Program (3) – 8 Sunday’s
        February 2, 9, 16, 23
        March 2, 9, 16, 23

        Sundays: Program 3 Details
        ALL CALIBER Level Players: 2018/17/16 Born Players – Sundays: 4:00 pm (1 Spot Available)
        ALL CALIBER Level Players: 2015 & Earlier Born Players – Sundays: 5:00 pm (7 Spots Available)

        The Fall/Winter Clinic schedule spans over 24 weeks of the season and can be registered in THREE (3) separate 8-Week Training Cycles.

        305 + HST

        Program 1 - From Sep 22, 2024 to Nov 17, 2024
        CALL 905-874-8418
        Program 2 - From Nov 24, 2024 to Jan 26, 2025
        CALL 905-874-8418
        Program 3 - From Feb 2, 2025 to Mar 23, 2025
        REGISTER


        •  Power Skating & Skills Clinics (REP Program - 6:1 Ratio)

          This Power Skating & Skills Clinic is a REP program that is designed to develop skating and puck handling skills for ADVANCED level players and will focus on training proper mechanics towards combining the speed and skill that will be applied to in-game situations.

          The weekly ‘Lesson Plan’ will include the following areas of development:

          • First Step Speed and Explosive Acceleration
          • Agility & Quickness
          • Power, Speed and Dynamic Balance
          • Stopping & Crossovers for Speed with the Puck
          • Dynamic Puck Handling with Maximum Skating Efficiency and Edge Control

          Clinics can be registered in 8 week long programs and will be delivered from a 50 minute Lesson Plan to provide skill specific repetition necessary for technical improvement.

          POWER SKATING & SKILLS DATES & TIMES
          The training sessions are booked on Pre-Scheduled Date and Time once per week for a 50-minute on-ice session over an 8-Week Training Cycle.

          Program 3 Availability:
          Program (3) – 8 Sunday’s
          February 2, 9, 16, 23
          March 2, 9, 16, 23

          A, AA, AAA Level Players: 2016 Born Players & Older – Sundays: 3:00pm (5 Spots Available)

          The Fall/Winter Clinic schedule spans over 24 weeks of the season and can be registered in THREE (3) separate 8-Week Training Cycles.

          320 + HST

          Program 1 - From Sep 22, 2024 to Nov 17, 2024
          CALL 905-874-8418
          Program 2 - From Nov 24, 2024 to Jan 26, 2025
          CALL 905-874-8418
          Program 3 - From Feb 2, 2025 to Mar 23, 2025
          REGISTER


          •  Learn to Play Clinics (BEGINNER Program - 5:1 Ratio)

            This Learn to Play Clinic is a BEGINNER program that is designed to introduce skating and puck handling skills to NOVICE Level players who are just starting hockey and will be delivered in a fun and encouraging training environment.

            The weekly ‘Lesson Plan’ will include the following areas of development:

            • Fundamental Skating Skills
            • Basic Puck Handling Skills
            • Mini-Hockey games

            Clinics can be registered in 12 week long programs and will be delivered from a 1 hour Lesson Plan to provide a fun and safe environment.

            LEARN TO PLAY CLINIC DATES & TIMES
            The training sessions are booked on Pre-Scheduled Date and Time once per week for a 50-minute on-ice session over a 12-Week Training Cycle.

            Program (2) – 12 Sunday’s

            January 5, 12, 19, 26
            February 2, 9, 16, 23
            March  2, 9, 16, 23

            NOVICE Level Player: 4, 5, 6 Years Old – Sundays: 2:00pm

            375 + HST

            Program 1 - From Sep 22, 2024 to Dec 15, 2024
            CALL 905-874-8418
            Program 2 - From Jan 5, 2025 to Mar 23, 2025
            REGISTER


           SHOOTING CLINICS (Fall/Winter Training)

          •  Shooting Clinics - Friday Program (Group Circuit- 7:2 Ratio)

            The Shooting Clinics are designed to develop the shooting skills that will improve a player’s mechanics and balance required to efficiently and effectively release a shot with accuracy.

            The program syllabus will address the fundamentals of specific Shooting Techniques along with stick handling & deking necessary prior to release. These basic skills will be improved through correct repetition of the mechanics within a circuit training format.

            The weekly ‘Lesson Plan’ will include the following areas of development:

            Shooting Techniques
            • Wrist shot
            • Slap shot
            • Snap shot
            • Backhand shot
            • Quick Release

            Stick Handling & Deking
            • Wrist agility
            • Hand Speed
            • Puck to Body position
            • Weight Shift for Balance

            Clinics can be registered in 8 week long programs and will be delivered from a 50 minute Lesson Plan to provide skill specific repetition necessary for technical improvement.

            SHOOTING CLINIC DATES & TIMES
            The training sessions are booked on Pre-Scheduled Date and Time once per week for a 50-minute on-ice session over an 8-Week Training Cycle.

            Dates:
            Program 3 – 8 Fridays
            January 31
            February 7, 14, 21, 28
            March 7, 14, 21

            Program 3 Availability:
            ALL CALIBER Level Players: 2018/17 Born Skaters – 5:40 pm FULL!!!
            ALL CALIBER Level Players: 2016/15 Born Skaters – 6:40 pm (2 Spots Available)
            ALL CALIBER Level Players: 2014/13 Born Skaters – 7:40 pm (4 Spots Available)
            ALL CALIBER Level Players: 2012 & Older Born Skaters – 8:40 pm FULL!!!

            The Spring/Summer Clinic schedule spans over 24 weeks of the season and can be registered in THREE (3) separate 8-Week Training Cycles.

            350 + HST

            Shooting Program 1 - From Sep 27, 2024 to Nov 15, 2024
            CALL 905-874-8418
            Shooting Program 2 - From Nov 22, 2024 to Jan 24, 2025
            CALL 905-874-8418
            Shooting Program 3 - From Jan 31, 2025 to Mar 21, 2025
            REGISTER


            •  Shooting Clinics - Sunday Program (Group Circuit- 7:2 Ratio)

              The Shooting Clinics are designed to develop the shooting skills that will improve a player’s mechanics and balance required to efficiently and effectively release a shot with accuracy.

              The program syllabus will address the fundamentals of specific Shooting Techniques along with stick handling & deking necessary prior to release. These basic skills will be improved through correct repetition of the mechanics within a circuit training format.

              The weekly ‘Lesson Plan’ will include the following areas of development:

              Shooting Techniques
              • Wrist shot
              • Slap shot
              • Snap shot
              • Backhand shot
              • Quick Release

              Stick Handling & Deking
              • Wrist agility
              • Hand Speed
              • Puck to Body position
              • Weight Shift for Balance

              Clinics can be registered in 8 week long programs and will be delivered from a 50 minute Lesson Plan to provide skill specific repetition necessary for technical improvement.

              SHOOTING CLINIC DATES & TIMES
              The training sessions are booked on Pre-Scheduled Date and Time once per week for a 50-minute on-ice session over an 8-Week Training Cycle.

              Dates:
              Program 3 – 8 Sundays
              February 2, 9, 16, 23
              March 2, 9, 16, 23

              Program 3 Availability:
              ALL CALIBER Level Players: 2018/17/16 Born Skaters – 5:00 pm (5 Spots Available)
              ALL CALIBER Level Players: 2015 & Older Born Skaters – 6:00 pm (1 Spot Available)

              The Spring/Summer Clinic schedule spans over 24 weeks of the season and can be registered in THREE (3) separate 8-Week Training Cycles.

              350 + HST

              Shooting Program 1 - From Sep 22, 2024 to Nov 17, 2024
              CALL 905-874-8418
              Shooting Program 2 - From Nov 24, 2024 to Jan 26, 2025
              CALL 905-874-8418
              Shooting Program 3 - From Feb 2, 2025 to Mar 23, 2025
              REGISTER


              •  PRIVATE SHOOTING Lessons (1:1 Ratio)

                The PRIVATE SHOOTING sessions program is a One-on-One session that would initially involve all aspects of the student’s shooting skills to assess the mechanics and balance required to efficiently and effectively release a shot with accuracy.

                The progression of the lessons would be designed based on the development needs demonstrated by the student with the objective of improving specific Shooting Techniques along with Stick Handling & Deking skills necessary prior to release.

                The Private Shooting lesson would address development needs in the following areas:

                Shooting Techniques

                Wrist shot
                Slap shot
                Snap shot
                Backhand shot
                Quick Release

                Stick Handling & Deking

                Wrist agility
                Hand Speed
                Puck to Body position
                Weight Shift for Balance

                BOOKING INFORMATION

                Sessions can be customized in 1 Hour or 30 minute sessions

                Sessions can be registered in 5 or 10 Private Lesson packages or on a Pay-As-You-Go booking.

                Sessions are booked based on availability of ice and instructor.

                Contact our experienced staff to inquire about booking your private session and package rates





                •  SEMI-PRIVATE SHOOTING Lessons (2:1 Ratio)

                  The PRIVATE SHOOTING sessions program is a One-on-One session that would initially involve all aspects of the student’s shooting skills to assess the mechanics and balance required to efficiently and effectively release a shot with accuracy.

                  The progression of the lessons would be designed based on the development needs demonstrated by the student with the objective of improving specific Shooting Techniques along with Stick Handling & Deking skills necessary prior to release.

                  The Private Shooting lesson would address development needs in the following areas:

                  Shooting Techniques

                  Wrist Shot

                  Slap Shot

                  Snap Shot

                  Backhand Shot

                  Quick Release Shots

                  Stick Handling & Deking

                  Wrist agility

                  Hand speed

                  Puck to Body position

                  Weight Shift for Balance

                  BOOKING INFORMATION

                  Sessions can be customized in 60 min or 30 minute sessions

                  Sessions can be registered in 5 or 10 Private Lesson packages or on a Pay-As-You-Go booking.

                  Sessions are booked based on availability of ice and instructor.

                  Contact our experienced staff to inquire about booking your private session and package rates





                 Port Credit Skating & Skills Program

                •  Port Credit Skating & Skills Program

                  This Port Credit Skating & Skills Program is only for members registered in the Port Credit Minor Hockey Association for this season.

                  The purpose of this program is for players to work on all of their skills and further develop their power skating, puck skills and shooting ability.

                  Each class players will have the opportunity to work on their skating and edge control. We will work on all different types of skating as the year progresses. When breaking up into smaller groups, players will have the opportunity to work in a smaller group setting with the instructor to further develop their puck skills and their shooting skills.

                  PROGRAM TRAINING DATES & TIMES:
                  2017, 2016 Born Skaters: 8:15 – 9:45 AM (8 Sessions)
                  October: 19,
                  November: 2, 23,
                  December: 21,
                  January: 18,
                  February: 1, 15,
                  March: 1

                  2015, 2014, 2013 Born Skaters: 8:15 – 9:45 AM (8 Sessions)
                  October: 26,
                  November: 16,
                  December: 14,
                  January: 4, 25,
                  February: 8, 22,
                  March: 8

                  Location: Paramount Fine Foods Centre
                  5500 Rose Cherry Place

                  PLAYERS BORN IN: 2017/2016: 8:15 – 9:45 AM (24 Spots Available)
                  PLAYERS BORN IN: 2015/2014/2013/2012: 8:15 – 9:45 AM (24 Spots Available)

                  300 + HST

                  Port Credit Skating & Skills (2017/16 Group) - From Oct 19, 2024 to Mar 1, 2025
                  REGISTER
                  Port Credit Skating & Skills (2015/14/13/12 Group) - From Oct 26, 2024 to Mar 8, 2025
                  REGISTER


                 PRIVATE SESSIONS

                •  PRIVATE Lessons (1:1 Ratio)

                  The PRIVATE sessions program is One-on-One instruction that will provide close personal training.

                  Initial lessons would challenge all aspects of the student’s current skill level with the objective of identifying and improving observed weaknesses.

                  The progression of the lessons would be designed based on the development needs demonstrated by the student in the specific areas of Skating, Stick Handling and Shooting skills that will improve the skill execution and bring consistency to their in game performance

                  BOOKING INFORMATION

                  Sessions can be customized in 60 min or 30 minute sessions

                  Private session bookings can also be made for Rink 2 (Shooting Pad) at a reduced price.

                  Private Lessons can be registered in 5 or 10 Private Lesson packages or on a Pay-As-You-Go booking.

                  Shooting Sessions are booked based on availability of ice and instructor.

                  Contact our experience staff to inquire about booking your private session and package rates

                  Pricing
                  Rink 1
                  $220 for 1 Hour with 1 Skater
                  $120 for 30 Mins with 1 Skater

                  Rink 2
                  $175 for 1 Hour with 1 Skater
                  $100 for 30 Mins with 1 Skater

                  Discount Options
                  Rink 1
                  Package of 5: $1,025
                  Package of 10: $1,850

                  Rink 2
                  Package of 5: $800
                  Package of 10: $1,550





                  •  SEMI-PRIVATE Lessons (2:1 Ratio)

                    The SEMI-PRIVATE sessions program is One-on-Two instruction that will provide close personal training.

                    Initial lessons would challenge all aspects of the student’s current skill level with the objective of identifying and improving observed weaknesses.

                    The progression of the lessons would be designed based on the development needs demonstrated by the student in the specific areas of Skating, Stick Handling and Shooting skills that will improve the skill execution and bring consistency to their in game performance

                    BOOKING INFORMATION

                    Sessions can be customized in 60 min or 30 minute sessions

                    Private session bookings can also be made for Rink 2 (Shooting Pad) at a reduced price.

                    The customer will be required to provide 2 (two) players for the private sessions and they should ideally be similar in ability

                    Sessions can be customized in 60 min or 30 minute sessions

                    Private Lessons can be registered in 5 or 10 Private Lesson packages or on a Pay-As-You-Go booking.

                    Shooting Sessions are booked based on availability of ice and instructor.

                    Contact our experience staff to inquire about booking your private session and package rates

                    Discount Options

                    Rink 1
                    Package of 5: $500 Each Player
                    Package of 10: $950 Each Player

                    Rink 2
                    Package of 5: $425 Each Player
                    Package of 10: $800 Each Player





                    •  GROUP-PRIVATE Lessons (Small Group Ratio)

                      The GROUP-PRIVATE sessions program is Small Group instruction that will provide fundamental skill development.

                      Lesson plans will be designed based on the development needs in the specific areas of Skating, Stick Handling and Shooting skills that will improve the skill execution and bring consistency to their in game performance

                      GROUP-PRIVATE SYLLABUS

                      First Step Speed and Explosive Acceleration
                      Agility & Quickness
                      Power, Speed and Dynamic Balance
                      Stopping & Crossovers for Speed with the Puck
                      Dynamic Puck Handling with Maximum Skating Efficiency and Edge Control

                      BOOKING INFORMATION

                      Sessions can be customized in 60 min or 30 minute sessions

                      Private session bookings can also be made for Rink 2 (Shooting Pad) at a reduced price with a maximum of 5 players.

                      Sessions can be customized in 60 min or 30 minute sessions

                      Group Private Sessions are booked based on availability of ice and instructor.

                      Contact our experience staff to inquire about booking your private session and package rates

                      Group Rates

                      Rink 1
                      2 Skaters: $115 Each Player
                      3 Skaters: $85 Each Player
                      4 Skaters: $65 Each Player
                      5 Skaters: $55 Each Player
                      6 Skaters: $50 Each Player

                      Rink 2
                      2 Skaters: $90 Each Player
                      3 Skaters: $65 Each Player
                      4 Skaters: $55 Each Player
                      5 Skaters: $45 Each Player
                      6 Skaters: $40 Each Player





                     GOALIE PROGRAMS

                     AA/AAA Skill Development Program

                    •  AA/AAA Skill Development Program

                      Stay sharp throughout the season with our AA and AAA skill development programs. An hour on the ice filled with fast paced drills working on skating, passing, puck handling and game like scenarios paired with an hour off-ice working on maintaining strength and conditioning throughout the season.

                      Head On and Off-Ice Instructor, Chad MacMillan will run a fast paced program for players born in 2008, 2009 and 2010 looking to keep their skills sharp throughout the season.

                      Dates and Times:

                      Jan 13th, Paramount Fine Foods, 8:15 PM to 9:15 PM
                      Jan 14th – Iceland, 5:15 PM to 6:15 PM
                      Jan 20th – Paramount Fine Foods, 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
                      Jan 21st – Erin Mills Twin Arena, 6:15 PM to 7:15 PM
                      Feb 3rd – Burnhamthorpe CC, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
                      Feb 4th – Burnhamthorpe CC, 7:45 PM to 8:45 PM
                      March 3rd – Varsity Training Centre, 9 PM to 10 PM
                      March 9th – Erin Mills Twin Arena, 7:45 to 8:45 PM
                      March 10th – Erin Mills Twin Arena, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
                      April 2nd, 4th, 9th, 11th, 16th, 18th, 23rd, 25th,  – Varsity Training Centre
                      Two Groups, 7 PM to 9 PM
                      On-ice 1 hour, Dryland 1 hour
                      Pay as you go pricing: $40 per skate
                      595 + HST

                      AA/AAA Skill Development Program - From Jan 13, 2024 to Apr 25, 2024
                      CALL 905-874-8418