The Canadian Hockey Initiation Program was developed by Hockey Canada to make children’s first contact with hockey a safe and positive experience. It is a structured, learn to play hockey program designed to introduce beginners to the games basic skills.

It is a comprehensive program designed to give the young participant the best possible start to an enjoyable playing experience. The emphasis is on skill development and fun without the pressures of competition. It aims to create participants and instructors who will continue in the game.

Level 1: CHIP (Age 4 of as Dec 31 this year)
This program is for 4 year olds with or without skating experience, or for any player new to hockey.

Level 2: Mites (Age 5 of as Dec 31 this year)
Mite is for hockey players that have 1 year of Initiation Program Experience or other experience as deemed acceptable by the IP Director. These are players who are comfortable on their skates and can develop in the “learning game”, a half ice game designed to teach players the basics of hockey.

Level 3: Tykes (Age 6 of as Dec 31 this year)
Tyke is for hockey players that have 1 or 2 years of Initiation Program Experience (typically CHIP + Mite). These players are ready to play the game on full ice.

Evaluation Practices
Mass practices for the Tyke and Mite Divisions will be held during the first skating session of the season to evaluate each player’s skill. The mass practice helps the coaches and instructors to determine which program is the right fit for your child(ren). In certain cases, the IP Director or lead instructor may recommend a change in programs (i.e. Mite to Tyke, or Tyke to Mite) to better accommodate your child's skill level. If a change is required, this will be communicated to you. An additional fee is associated with a move from Mite to Tyke.

Click here for fee information or to register your child.



My player has never skated before. Can she still participate?
Absolutely. CHIP is for players still learning to skate. It is recommended that skaters older than 5 starting hockey also participate in the JumpStart program.

My player can already skate, where should I put him?
If you are unsure which level your player is at, let us determine that. We can advise you where they belong based on our determination of their skill level.

My player is 7 year old and just a beginner, where should she be?
A beginner is still a beginner whether she is 4 or 7. There are always some older players in CHIP and this is the best way to introduce them to hockey. Eventually they will catch up to their age group.

I am a new hockey parent, how do I learn?
We were all new at one point. The Initiation Program offers every parent an orientation session designed to teach the new hockey parent about the IP, equipment and safety.

Are parents allowed on the ice with CHIPs skaters?
Starting this season the AMHL is bringing in a professional hockey development organization to run the Initiation Program. In order to improve the program parent volunteers will not freely be allowed on the ice. There are however certain roles (such as station assistant, people mover, etc.) that will be required. The minimum certification for this is SpeakOut / PRS, but additional certifications such as Initiation Coach training are preferred. Please contact chips@ancasterminorhockey.com to get involved.

I think my player is much more advanced than the other players. Can he play in a higher level?
As Certified Instructors, we are trained to evaluate skill and in most case, in a better position to make that call. Your player may be missing some very important skill training if she skips a level and it can be very detrimental to a player’s development if he plays at a level beyond his capabilities.

Why don’t they play real games?
A player must learn the skills of hockey before putting them into practice. Putting a player into a high pressure situation such as an official game may be too stressful. We have found that introducing the players slowly to games is best for all players regardless of skill level. Remember, a player develops their skills in practice, not games.

What's with the blue pucks?
The blue pucks are lightweight 4-ounce pucks. An official puck is 6 ounces. It is easier to handle for less physically developed players and is used internationally. Most sports use smaller equipment for younger players, now hockey does too.

Why do Mite players play on half ice?
On any Mite team, there is a wide variation of skill. The smaller ice surface allows less skilled players to join the play and touch the puck more often.

What is the JumpStart program, and is my child eligible?
The JumpStart program is designed to bring over-age skaters in CHIPs up to speed with their peers. During registration, if your child is new to hockey and the system is directing you to register them in a division by age, there are two options. In working with the registrar you can choose to enroll your child only in CHIPs, for the CHIPs rate. This is 1-hour of skating instruction per week. Your other option is to pay the full registration fee, and have your child participate in the JumpStart program. JumpStart is a league subsidized program and offers a number of weeks of power skating and targeted, small-group hockey instruction to your child depending upon upon the balance of your registration fees.

Who can I contact for more information?
If you have any questions, please contact chips@ancasterminorhockey.com.