top hockey OVERVIEW
top hockey overview
Since 2018, the TOP Hockey program has provided a competitive hockey pathway for players ages 4 and up, focusing on our core values of quality coaching, character building, long-term development, and seasonal schedules that make it easier for kids to play multiple sports.
For the 2024-2025 season, we will be offering programs for boys and girls born between 2009 and 2019 in three different streams.
Academy Teams
Ages 7+
TOP Hockey teams offers a unique approach to minor hockey by combining an efficient tournament-based schedule with local practices and professional coaching, resulting in a positive competitive hockey experience that doesn’t dominate family life.
One of the biggest differentiators of the TOP Hockey program is our emphasis on player development and character building, along with a unique ski-friendly schedule, which allows players to ski on Saturdays and Sundays from January to March.
Academy teams generally feature 3x practices per week throughout the late September to mid-April season, as well as a tournament-based schedule through the GTHL, OHF, and Hockey Canada.
Depending on the team, TOP Hockey teams compete at the Select, ‘A’, or ‘A'A’ level in tournaments and exhibition games. Teams from U11 to U14 will play approximately 30 games per season, and teams from U8 to U10 will play between 15-20 games per season, following the Hockey Canada LTPD plan. All TOP Hockey teams feature three practices per week, resulting in a 3:1 practice-to-game ratio throughout the season.
Recreational Programs
Ages 4-6
TOP Hockey Recreational Programs are designed for boys and girls ages 4-6 who are new to hockey or looking to improve their skills in an age-appropriate and dynamic environment. Starting with Learn-to-Play for our youngest players and advancing through to our U7 Development program, TOP Hockey has the perfect program for the aspiring hockey player in your family.
top hockey season
Depending on the location, the TOP Hockey season typically runs from mid-September to early-April, with season breaks over Christmas, Family Day, and March Break. Once the season ends, we strongly believe that children should put away their hockey equipment and play something different - it will help their hockey skills in the long run!
If you’re interested in learning more about our unique seasonal schedules, please click the link below!
MEET TECHNICAL DIRECTOR IAN MACKENZIE!
If you've been involved with our programs over the past six years, it's likely you've seen Coach Ian hanging around the rink, field, or gym. One of the founders of TOP Sports, Ian is one of the most experienced and respected youth hockey coaches around. A native of Toronto, Ian was a very successful multi-sport athlete in high school, playing golf, basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, and hockey, some at the provincial level, and found equal success in all sports. Upon graduation from high school Ian attended Wilfrid Laurier University to study Business and Communications, and briefly played junior hockey in Waterloo before shifting his focus to coaching.
After graduating from Laurier and spending time living abroad, Ian began running his own hockey school and worked with a number of major minor hockey clubs in Toronto. When TOP was founded in 2017, Ian was instrumental in developing the hockey program to what it is now, and is a huge part of creating #TheOtherPath.
Ian currently holds certificates from the National Coaching Certification Program and Hockey Canada, and will be pursuing his NCCP Advanced Coaching Diploma later this year. In addition to his role as the Technical Director of TOP Hockey, Ian also oversees parts of our Summer Hockey Camps, Collingwood Programs, and Coach Development Programs.
If you'd like to reach out and chat about our hockey programs, Ian can be found via email at ian@topsports.ca.
Questions about TOP Hockey programs?
Connect with Ian using the email link below!