The gold standard
Hockey Player Development Pathway
At Golden Glide Hockey, our programs are designed to guide players through every stage of development - from their first steps on the ice to advanced game performance. Each level of our Hockey Player Development Pathway focuses on age-appropriate skill development, confidence building and a clear pathway for progression.
Our progressive development model ensures every player has a clear path to success, whether their goal is learning to skate, playing recreational hockey or competing at higher levels of the game. Golden Glide Hockey provides the coaching, structure and support needed to help every player reach their full potential.
- LEVEL 1 - BALANCE
Focus: Building comfort on the ice
Key Skills: Standing & balancing, Marching, Safe falling & recovery
Outcome: Skaters develop confidence on the ice and become comfortable moving independently - LEVEL 2 - MOVEMENT
Focus: Basic skating movement
Key Skills: Forward gliding, Basic turns, Stopping techniques
Outcome: Skaters gain control of their skating and begin moving efficiently on the ice - LEVEL 3: READINESS
Focus: Preparing for hockey
Key Skills: Proper skating stride, Intro to backwards skating
Outcome: Skaters develop the skating foundation needed to transition to LEARN TO Play program
STEP #1: LEARN TO Skate
- LEVEL 1 - INTRODUCTION
Focus: Basic hockey skills
Key Skills: Stickhandling, Passing, Shooting
Outcome: Players learn fundamental puck skills while continuing to develop skating ability - LEVEL 2 - COORDINATION
Focus: Combining skating and puck control
Key Skills: Puck control while skating, Movement with the puck
Outcome: Players improve coordination and confidence handling the puck in motion - LEVEL 3 - PUCK AGILITY
Focus: More agility skating with the puck
Key Skills: Turning with the puck, Backward skating with the puck, Passing and shooting in motion
Outcome: Players develop further agility handling the puck while skating and in game situations - LEVEL 4 - GAME READINESS
Focus: Preparing for competitive play
Key Skills: Positioning, Small-area games, Game situations
Outcomes: Players are ready to participate confidently in organized hockey games
STEP #2: LEARN TO Play
STEP #3: NOVICE Hocky Skills
- LEVEL 1 - FUNDAMENTALS
Focus: Skill development
Key Skills: Skating, Passing, Puck control
Outcome: Strong foundation in essential hockey skills - LEVEL 2 - GAME PLAY
Focus: Applying skills in game situations
Key Skills: Positioning, Shooting, Decision making
Outcome: Players become game-ready and capable of contributing effectively in team environments
STEP #4: ADVANCED Hockey Skills
- LEVEL 1 - EXECUTION
Focus: High-level skill development
Key Skills: Advanced puck control, Skill combinations, Skating under pressure
Outcome: Improved precision and execution in game situations - LEVEL 2 - PERFORMANCE
Focus: Elite game application
Key Skills: Decision making, Tactical awareness, Competitive play
Outcome: Players develop the confidence and hockey IQ needed to compete at higher levels
