U7-U9 Weekly Hockey Development Program
The Stars Rep Academy is excited to launch a 12-week development program starting Sunday, October 13th, specifically designed for our U7-U9 players. Led by experienced development coach Rory Craddock, this program will provide young athletes with consistent, focused training aimed at building and refining essential hockey skills. With an emphasis on repetition and progressive learning, players will experience steady improvement, laying the foundation for long-term development and success on the ice.
Over the course of the 12 weeks, players will work on key hockey skills, including skating, stickhandling, shooting, and passing. The program is designed with a deliberate weekly structure to ensure skill-building is reinforced through consistency. This is more than just a regular practice—each session has been designed to focus on specific skills that are essential for player growth.
Program Structure
Each session will begin with a dynamic warm-up, followed by power skating drills aimed at developing speed, agility, and balance on the ice. Skating will be a constant focus throughout the program, as it is the foundation of all hockey skills. After the warm-up and skating session, players will move into rotating drill stations, where they will focus on specific skills outlined by Coach Rory Craddock.
- Weeks 1-2 will emphasize skating fundamentals to ensure that players are comfortable and confident in their movement on the ice.
- Weeks 3-4 will introduce stickhandling, giving players the opportunity to combine their skating with puck control.
- Weeks 5-6 will focus on shooting mechanics, helping players to develop proper technique and accuracy.
- Weeks 7-8 will hone passing skills, encouraging teamwork and precision.
- Weeks 9-12 will bring all of these skills together in integrated drills, preparing players for game situations.
During these drill sessions, players will be grouped by skill level—beginner, intermediate, and advanced. By dividing players for specific drills, each group can work on tailored exercises that match their ability level, ensuring that everyone is both challenged and supported. This structure allows players to progress at their own pace while maintaining an environment where learning is optimized.
Meet Coach Rory Craddock
Rory Craddock brings a unique perspective to coaching, having played at the highest levels of junior hockey in the QMJHL, including a deep playoff run with the Gatineau Olympiques. His playing career, which saw him play for teams like the Markham Waxers, Clarington Eagles and Saint John Sea Dogs, was met with great success before an injury led him to shift his focus to coaching.
Craddock’s coaching background is just as impressive. From head coaching roles at various levels to serving as a skills coach for AAA players, his experience in player development is extensive. His involvement as an instructor for elite hockey programs ensures that players in this development program are learning from someone who knows how to inspire growth and unlock potential.
Registration
The 12-week program is priced at just $15 per week, offering an affordable and flexible option for families. While registration is available on a week-by-week basis to accommodate varying schedules, we strongly recommend committing to as many sessions as possible, as the program is designed to build progressively on the skills learned each week. Each session is capped at 24 skaters, ensuring individualized attention and quality instruction.
We will run this program twice during the 2024-2025 hockey season:
2024 Session
Oct 13th - Dec 29th
7am @ Newcastle Memorial Arena
Registration is exclusive to NVMHA members until October 11th, 2024
REGISTRATION FULL
2025 Session
Jan 5th - Mar 30th (excluding Mar 23rd)
7am @ Newcastle Memorial Arena
Registration Opens Dec 1st (Priority to players unable to take part in the 2024 Session)
REGISTRATION DEC 1ST