GTA Aces Program Overview
ORGANIZATION
The GTA Aces are an organization that believes hockey should be fun in order to grow ones passion and love for the sport as much as its meant to help players improve their hockey skills and knowledge.
We have a professional non-parent coaching and skills development staff dedicated to fostering a fun, safe, and competitive learning environment, ensuring each players on- and off-ice development.
Practices involve stations, small-area games, teaching game systems to promote individual and team skills including:
- Skating Mastery - Master essential skating techniques for speed and agility.
- Puck Control Proficiency - Hone stick-handling skills for confident playmaking.
- Passing and Receiving Excellence - Improve teamwork through precise passing.
- Shooting Accuracy and Power - Develop scoring ability with accurate shots.
- Tactical Awareness and Body Contact - Understand game strategies and respectful physical play.
*Two weekend morning/afternoon practices each week guaranteed*
The GTA Aces development program is available to U7, U8 and U9 players on a tryout basis.
MISSION
The GTA Aces Development Program is designed to give our youngest players a fun, competitive and age-appropriate hockey development experience with the intent of preparing each child to compete in a Full Ice Development program.
This program was developed with the additional goal of providing players and their families with an affordable, consistent, and time-efficient hockey schedule.
CORE PRINCIPLES
Our Core Principles are focused on:
- Play - Our key focus will be on players having fun. Players will engage in full ice games throughout the season. They will participate in small area games regularly in practice. We want KSL players to love coming to the rink.
- Compete - Our players will play in a healthy competitive environment. They will be playing against the top players from across the province and beyond. Our focus will not be on winning but on competing.
- Develop - Lastly, our focus will be individual player development. The program must have a minimum of 3hrs for team practice sessions per week. Further, players may engage in skating and skill sessions.
SEASON STRUCTURE
Teams will participate in 6 mandatory events throughout the course of the season with an optional tournaments throughout the season. In addition, teams will have the opportunity to schedule exhibition games throughout the course of the season. All games will be FULL ICE. An end-of-season tournament will bring together all teams for a celebration and to fight for the championship! (Included in the 6 mandatory events) Two Tiers will be created for each age division (U7/U8/U9)