Timbits U7 Program Overview

U7 Timbits Hockey (Ages 5–6) The U7 Timbits program is the starting point for many young players and their families. It emphasizes fun, friendship, and learning the FUNdamentals of hockey in a welcoming environment. Beyond skills, the program helps children build confidence, teamwork, and a love for the game that can last a lifetime.

• Program Philosophy:
  • Focus on fun and skill development rather than competition.
  • Players learn skating, puck handling, teamwork, and sportsmanship through age‑appropriate activities.
  • The program encourages friendships and positive experiences both on and off the ice.
• Sponsorship & Support:
  • Tim Horton’s sponsors the program, providing jerseys and medals.
  • Local franchisees contribute generously to ensure all players feel part of the Timbits community.
• Events & Jamborees:
  • All U7 teams participate in the Tim Horton’s Fall Jamboree (December) and Winter Jamboree (March).
  • These events celebrate participation and effort, not competition.
  • Each player receives a Timbits Medal - March) at the Jamboree to recognize their progress and enthusiasm.
• Season & Scheduling:
  • Ice times and schedules are finalized in mid‑September.
  • Families are contacted by the program director with team assignments and practice/game times.
  • Patience is appreciated during this setup period as teams and volunteers are organized.
• Team Environment:
  • Teams are built to foster inclusion and fun.
  • Coaches and volunteers focus on teaching basic skills through drills, small‑area games, and playful activities.
  • The emphasis is on participation, effort, and enjoyment rather than scores or statistics.

Program Goal:

To give first‑time players and families a positive introduction to hockey — building skills, friendships, and memories that last well beyond the rink.

 

U7 Discovery Timbits (2021 Birth Year)

The Discovery program is designed for children brand new to hockey, with an emphasis on learning to skate and introducing the basics of the game.

• Who Can Join:
  • Players born in 2021 who are first‑time participants and learning how to skate.
• Equipment:
  • Full hockey equipment is required (see equipment checklist).
  • Each player must bring a labeled water bottle with a long spout to fit through the helmet cage.
• Teams:
  • Teams consist of 8–12 players.
  • Friend requests must be submitted to the registrar by August 20; efforts will be made to accommodate them.
• Practices:
  • One practice per week on weekends.
  • Approximately 18 practice ice times during the season.
  • Practices are typically held at the Meadows Recreation Centre.
  • Multiple teams share the ice, with players rotating through stations and activities in smaller groups.
• Jerseys & Socks:
  • Players receive a team jersey and socks once assigned to a team.
  • Jerseys must be returned at the end of the season; socks may be kept.

Program Focus: To provide first‑time players with a fun, supportive introduction to hockey, helping them learn to skate, develop basic skills, and enjoy the game in a team environment.

U7 Jr Timbits (2020 Birth Year)

The Jr Timbits program focuses on hockey fundamentals, with an emphasis on skating, balance, and passing, all in a fun and supportive environment. Players showing higher skill levels may be considered for movement to a Sr Timbits team.

• Who Can Join:
  • Typically for second‑year players, but first‑year players may also participate based on skill level.
  • Registration is open even if players did not take part in the Jr Discovery program.
• Equipment:
  • Full hockey equipment is required (see equipment checklist).
  • Players must bring a labeled water bottle with a long spout to fit through the helmet cage.
• Teams:
  • Teams consist of 8–12 players.
  • Friend requests must be submitted to the registrar by August 20; efforts will be made to accommodate them.
• Practices:
  • One practice per week on weekends.
  • Approximately 18 practice ice times during the season.
  • Practices are typically held at the Meadows Recreation Centre.
  • Multiple teams share the ice, with players rotating through stations and activities in smaller groups.
• Jerseys & Socks:
  • Players receive a team jersey and socks once assigned to a team.
  • Jerseys must be returned at the end of the season; socks may be kept.

Program Focus: To help young players build core hockey skills while keeping the experience fun, inclusive, and development‑oriented.

U7 Sr Timbits (2019)

The Sr Timbits program is an instructional level designed to build on hockey fundamentals, focusing on skating, puck handling, balance, passing, and shooting in a fun and supportive environment.

• Who Can Join:
  • Generally for third‑year players, but first‑ or second‑year players may also participate based on skill level. ( can request to be assessed in the Sept eval session)
  • Registration is open even if players did not take part in the Jr or Discovery programs.
• Equipment:
  • Full hockey equipment is required (see equipment checklist).
  • Players must bring a labeled water bottle with a long spout to fit through the helmet cage.
• Teams:
  • Teams consist of 8–12 players.
  • Friend requests must be submitted to the registrar by August 20; efforts will be made to accommodate them.
• Practices & Games:
  • Held primarily at the Meadows Recreation Centre.
  • Multiple teams share the ice, with players rotating through stations and activities in smaller groups.
  • Practices and games emphasize skill development and participation.
• Jerseys & Socks:
  • Players receive a team jersey and socks once assigned to a team.
  • Jerseys must be returned at the end of the season; socks may be kept.

Program Focus: To provide young players with a structured, skill‑building hockey experience that develops core fundamentals while keeping the emphasis on fun, teamwork, and growth.

 

For more information on what you might expect to see in a U7 program, please take a look at the Hockey Canada U7 Development Guidelines.

 

Volunteers - We need you!

Volunteers are what makes this program and all hockey programs possible. We encourage you to connect with your coach to see how you can help make this a successful season for all. If you are interested in coaching, please let us know when you register, or reach out to your Category Director.

 

Hockey Equipment Checklist

Note: Mouthguards are optional for U7 players, but recommended.