GBHA 2013-14 Tyke "TIMBITS" Hockey Program

THANK YOU TO OUR TYKE SPONSOR "TIM HORTON'S TIMBITS" 

Tyke Convenor:  Alice Bell    alicebell@sympatico.ca

Tyke Player Age:  Tyke players for the 2013-14 season have birth years 2007, 2008, 2009 (therefore in September 2013 are entering Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten or Grade 1).  If your player is older, please check the Novice Division (birth years 2005 & 2006).

Tyke Program Length:  The season runs from mid September to mid April (final schedules not yet available).  Tykes play weekly on Sunday mornings (between 7:00-11:30 AM). 

How does the program work?  The Tyke program is very unique because it begins with a "Learn to Play" format before moving into team game format. Here are details:

• Learn to Play Program:  From mid Sept. to end of Nov. (approx. 8-10 weeks) the Tykes participate in the "Learn to Play" portion of the program.  Players are divided out into one of four different groups based on skill (these are fluid groups and you can move between them to find the appropriate level).  These sessions focus on developing skills at a pace and intensity appropriate for the needs of each group.

1.  Old Timers:  Select Level skaters/players (with a 2007/8 birth year)
2.  Veterans: 2007/8 birth year players that are decent skaters with some hockey experience
3.  Rookies:  2007/8/9 birth year players that are unassisted skaters with some hockey experience
4.  Prospects:  2007/8/9 birth year players who are beginner skaters with little to no hockey experience.  Since we do not have enough volunteers to work with all of these players, it is expected that a parent will join them on the ice for the duration of the Learn to Play sessions or until the player is able to skate independently and join the instructional group.  The ice surface is divided so that parents can work with their child on one half of the ice and those ready to follow basic instruction can join the instructor on the other half of the ice.  

• GAMES BEGIN: End of Nov./early Dec.  Players are divided onto teams in either the Tyke Titan Tier (from Old Timers and Veterans levels) or Tyke Olympian Tier (mainly Rookies and Prospects). Games will replace the Learn to Play sessions and continue until April.  The OLYMPIAN TIER teams will play a cross-ice game format for the majority of the season.  This smaller surface game play ensures that these newer players maximize ice time to work on skating and puck handling.

• Outdoor Skills Sessions from Mid Dec. to March at High Park Rink:  In addition to the weekend games there will be a mid week skills session for approx. 11 weeks from mid. Dec. to March.  The sessions are run according to the "Learn to Play" levels.  The days and times of these sessions will not be available until early December.  Outdoor sessions are run by House League coaches.

Goals of the House League Program:  FUN!  FUN!  FUN!

1. SPORTSMANSHIP
2. DEVELOPMENT
3. KIDS COME FIRST!

Volunteers Needed!   GBHA is a volunteer run organization!  In the Tyke Division we need volunteer coaches for each house league team (3-4 coaches per team).  Coaches are expected to do the 'pre/post game talk' and run the lines on the bench.  In the Olympian Tier, coaches are also responsible for running on-ice practices prior to games each week.  Please let the Tyke Convenor, Alice Bell, know if you are interested in coaching:  alicebell@sympatico.ca

How does the SELECT Program work?  Players interested in the Tyke Select Program should contact the Tyke Select coach contact (look under the 'Select' tab).  There are two Tyke Select teams- Titans Navy Team (highest level) and Titans White Team.  For players to be eligible to tryout for the Select teams they must be registered with GBHA’s house league program.  Tryout times will be posted on the website.  Navy team tryouts will take place in May and White team tryouts will be held in September.  If your player is chosen for a Select team they will have regular weekly NYHL (North York Hockey League) games around the city and 1-2 Select practices per week.  Players playing Select MUST also participate in their house league games (as per NYHL rules).

FAQ:

Q: Does my child need to know how to skate to join?  

A: No, HOWEVER, we do NOT run a ‘Learn to skate’ program.  Instead, PARENTS are able to work with their child during the 8-10 weeks of ‘Learn To Play’ sessions to get them to a level where they are independently walking/skating and can join in the ‘Learn to Play’ practices.  As well, our house league game program is divided into higher level 'Titans' and lower level 'Olympians' allowing all players to enjoy some success in game situations as they continue to learn to skate and acquire basic hockey skills.

Q:  Does GBHA have a Girl's League?

A:  No.  George Bell Hockey Association is a CO-ED league.  Girls and boys play together in both house league and select programs.  Please go to the ‘GIRLS’ tab at the top of the page to read more about Girls’ opportunities at GBHA.  Last year there were over 80 girls playing at GBHA.  In the Tyke division we had approx. 4 girls per team.

Q:  When do we get jersey and socks?

A:  Because the Tyke program begins with the 'Learn to Play' sessions and teams are not determined until December, jerseys and socks are not handed out until then.  If you require jersey and socks in September, please contact the Tyke Convenor and we can supply used jerseys and socks.

Q:  How many children are in the Tyke program?

A:  There are 160 Tyke spots.  There are 10 Tyke teams with 16 players per team.