Development Stream (DS)

 

What is the Development Stream (DS) Program?

Development Stream (DS) is a subset of the house league program, offering an opportunity for house league players who are:

a) Looking for a development bridge to competitive hockey; or

b) Do not wish to make the commitment, in time or cost, to competitive hockey but are seeking more competition and skill development than is afforded by house league alone.

Questions may be directed to the individuals below in advance of the season, or the coaches listed above after December 1st.

VP House: Tanya Allaire tallaire79@gmail.com 

Who can play?

All players registered in the CGHA house league program are eligible to apply for the DS team in their respective age group. Tryouts will be held for each division with at least two evaluations. Evaluators will be selected by the executive and VP of House. Ultimately it will be up to each coach to select the top rated players based on evaluations. The goal is to  provide the best possible development opportunity for all involved. The program is not intended for beginners (players just starting into hockey this season).

 

The DS (Development Stream) program supplements the house league program and is designed to further develop house league players and bridge the gap for those players who aren't playing competitive hockey but want to get into something a little more competitive. 

 

This may result in players having two games/practices on the same day. DS teams will not schedule games or practices or participate in tournaments that directly conflict with the house league schedule. All players MUST prioritize their regular house league team ahead of their DS team at all times. Players are not permitted to attend their DS practice/game on the same day  as they choose to miss their regular house league team event. Failure to abide by this rule may result in the player being removed from their DS team.

 

How will teams be formed? 

Each team may consist of 15 or more skaters and 2 goalies. Coaches will have the freedom to form their teams based on what they believe will provide the best possible development opportunity for all players. 

 

What is the additional commitment?

The DS program currently consists of a maximum of eight exhibition games, three tournaments and approximately 15 practices. Between games and practices, the girls will be on the ice an average of once per week in addition to their house league commitments. There may be days when DS players have a house league game or practice on the same day as a DS game/practice.

 

 

What tournaments will DS teams participate in?

Due to the requirement that all DS activities be scheduled in order to avoid conflict with existing house league teams, most tournaments available are scheduled over the Christmas break, March Break or Easter weekend. It is likely that each team will participate in a tournament on one or more of these weekends, though that is up to the discretion of each head coach.

How much will it cost? 

For any hockey team, the largest expenditure is the cost of ice and tournaments. In addition to ice costs, there other expenses such as tournament entry fees, referees, timekeepers, etc. Each coach will prepare a team budget that will be determined based on team costs and size. As a rough estimate, the cost per player will be outlined with a detailed team budget approved by the CGHA executive. 

 

 

 

PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS

1) The Association must offer both Competitive AND House League programs.

2) DS teams may be formed in novice, atom, peewee, bantam and midget divisions. The Intent to Register (ITR)

fee is $25 per team.

3) DS teams may only be formed from a registered OWHA House League. All players must be registered within House League in the same division within your association.

4) A player who is registered to a competitive team CANNOT be on a DS team.

5) DS teams may only be formed if there are 2 or more teams in the same division.

6) DS tryouts may begin after House League registration is complete and submitted to OWHA & not before November 1st.

7) DS registration may commence after House League registration is complete and submitted to OWHA & not before December 1st. Games may be played once the registration is complete.

8) Teams may only play 17 players in a game but may roster up to and including 25 players. Pick up players are

not permitted for a DS team.

9) A DS team will not be permitted to register as a competitive team.

10) DS teams may participate ONLY in DS divisions of sanctioned tournaments.

11) DS teams are permitted to play a maximum of 8 exhibition games against other DS teams and attend a maximum of 3 DS tournaments each season.

12) Schedules of exhibition and tournament games MUST be entered on the OWHA online registration system prior to any games being played. All game scores must be entered as soon as they are complete.

13) DS teams are not permitted to play in a league.

14) Players playing on a DS team may also fully participate on their house league team and in house league tournaments.

15) If a DS team is found to be in violation of requirements, the staff will be suspended and the players will be deemed to be members of the house league only. The Association is subject to losing its approval to operate DS teams for a full season.