Before coming to the facility, each parent/caregiver who is accompanying their child to their session must assess/screen daily for symptoms of common cold, influenza, COVID-19, or other infectious respiratory disease using this Screening Questionnaire. https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/life-duringcovid-19/screening/ . If you and/or your child are experiencing any COVID symptoms (answer yes to any questions) please do not attend your on program session.
Policy updated on Tuesday October 25, 2022
Please note: group session must leave the premises before another group session can enter. We will have a sign on the entrance door stating what program time is in session thus the proceeding program session time should not enter the facility until they see their timeslot listed on the door. We are kindly asking everyone to cooperate and be respectful in that matter.
https://hockeybuds.ca/program-info/ for tips and other important information about our program.
The Hockey Buds program sessions/leagues/events are designed for the following age categories:
HOCKEY BUDS / MiNi BUDS PROGRAM
5-Under* [5U] Hockey Buds Program [6 weeks] / MiNi Buds Program [3 weeks] [2019 & 2020] for 3 to 5 yr olds and is open to children who turn 3 yrs of age or 5 yrs of age by the start of the program.
We are aware that sometimes even though children may be younger than the required age group they may be able to participate in such groups at a similar level thus we can accept your child even if they are not quite 3 yrs of age.
*Children younger than six (6) years of age by the start of the program may be accepted into the program however are recommended for our 7-Under [7U] program.
7-Under* [7U] Hockey Buds Program [6 weeks] [2017 & 2018] for 5 to 7 yr olds and is open to children who turn 5 yrs of age or 7 yrs of age by the start of the program.
*Children younger than eight (8) years of age by the start of the program may be accepted into the program however are recommended for our 9-Under [9U] program. .
9-Under* [9U] Hockey Buds Program [6 weeks] [2015 & 2016] for 7 to 9 yr olds and is open to children who turn 7 yrs of age or 9 yrs of age by the start of the program.
*Children younger than ten (10) years of age by the start of the program may be accepted into the program.
11-Under* [11U] Hockey Buds Program [6 weeks] [2013 & 2014] for 9 to 11 yr olds and is open to children who turn 9 yrs of age or 11 yrs of age by the start of the program.
*Children younger than twelve (12) years of age by the start of the program may be accepted into the program.
13-Under* [13U] Hockey Buds Program [6 weeks] [2011 & 2012] for 11 to 13 yr olds and is open to children who turn 11 yrs of age or 13 yrs of age by the start of the program.
*Children younger than fourteen (14) years of age by the start of the program may be accepted into the program.
McDONALD’S HOCKEY BUDS BALL HOCKEY LEAGUE
6-Under* [6U] McDonald’s Ball Hockey League [12 weeks] [2018 & 2019] for 4 to 5 1/2 yr olds and is open to children who turn 4 yrs of age or 5 1/2 yrs of age by the start of the league.
*Children younger than six (6) years of age by the start of the league may be accepted into the league.
9-Under* [9U] McDonald’s Ball Hockey League [12 weeks] [2015 & 2016] for 7 to 9 yr olds and is open to children who turn 7 yrs of age or 9 yrs of age by the start of the league.
*Children younger than ten (10) years of age by the start of the program may be accepted into the program.
12-Under* [12U] McDonald’s Ball Hockey League [12 weeks] [2012 & 2013] for 10 to 12 yr olds and is open to children who turn 10 yrs of age or 12 yrs of age by the start of the league.
*Children younger than thirteen (13) years of age by the start of the program may be accepted into the program.
To see if your child qualifies for any of the age categories, please contact via email at info@hockeybuds.ca
Our Hockey Buds Program has adopted the pull philosophy to engage the children and teach the sport of ball hockey but most of all we want them to have fun.
The pull philosophy emphasizes on the desire for children to participate unlike the push philosophy which may be pushing them into uncomfortable situations. Our program is designed to be progressive and will lead to a positive experience as they are allowed to progress at their own pace. Your little hockey bud may or may not want to take part in a specific exercise and that is completely fine and common. All we focus on is making sure everyone is having fun and being active.
If your child is not following directions, not engaged or being disruptive we ask that you let our coaches use their techniques to remedy the situation before saying or taking any action, we will ask for assistance from you if needed. We do welcome parent encouragement and positive comments during class.
Our coaches are experienced and trained on the best techniques for teaching children class behavior and following directions. With our pull philosophy it takes some patience but it is very effective in teaching behavior.
Progress for your child may be different from the other children, just as children learn to walk and talk at different rates, they will progress in our program at their own pace.
Support for your child through praise of their accomplishments no matter how small they may be will lead to a positive experience throughout their learning sessions. Never compare your child to others as this can lead to frustration.
Parents should support, encourage all the participants and show consideration towards all the children and refrain from any negative comments.
We ask that your child does not enter the playing surface until a member of the coaching staff is there.
Please have a water bottle ready for your child. We may take multiple water breaks during class depending on the activity.
Water bottles should be cleaned/filled at home and not at the facility.
We discourage kids from getting water whenever they want but rather wait until the water breaks.
Water bottles are to be brought on the playing surface and place on top of the side boards. [coaches will be there to aid], thus making it easier for our Little Buds to have water breaks without leaving the court or parents having to come onto the court.
Our Coaches will assist the children who need assistance to get a drink. Please make sure your child’s name is clearly mark on their water bottle.
We ask for Parent’s support with our policy as it can be difficult for our coaches to management of sessions if children are coming and going at will.
We here at the Hockey Buds Program recommend a water bottle which features a straw top nozzle which will make it easier for your child to get a drink without removing their face protection on their helmets.
You can purchase them at either of the following locations – SportsCraft | Sportchek | Canadian Tire | Walmart
Hockey Buds staff and coaches strongly recommend water only for breaks during class.
We also forbid food during class. Please snack before if necessary.
If you see signs that your child may have to use the bathroom, please retrieve them or call them to you. Potty issues happen especially at our 3 to 5 yr old age groups.
Our Hockey Buds program is not drop-off session.
Only one parent/caregiver per child and they must stay on-site during sessions in case your child needs assistance.
For the reason of safety and due to the focus and attention required for our program sessions Only Coaches, Staff and registered participants are permitted on the playing surface.
The only exception would be if a staff member/coach has asked or given permission for a parent/guardian to accompanied their child.
Siblings are welcome to observe sessions but for safety reasons and due to the focus and attention required in these classes we cannot permit them on the playing surface at anytime prior, during or after the sessions.
We rotate sides each week for each court thus everyone will get a chance to view their little buds in action.
In the event of questionable weather conditions, you will be notified via Email (included on your child’s registration form) and our facebook page if we have to cancel or postpone the program for the safety of the participants.
The Hockey Buds Program cannot provide refunds/credits for cancellations or postponements that are weather-related however in most instances we will try to schedule* a make up class later in the session.
*Depending on floor/staff availability.
The information below provides you with information regarding our cancellation policy for our program.
Policy updated on Saturday December 17, 2022
What is our cancellation policy?
We offer a Credit to those who successfully meet all the requirements of our cancellation policy.
Our cancellation policy is that a minimum 21 days’ notice is required for a credit.
A Credit code will not be issued without completing and submitting the cancellation form. Once received, please allow up to 7 days for the processing of a cancellation request.
Please note: A Credit code will only be applicable for the amount credited for [no actually monetary value] and can only be used once.
Under 21 days there will be a $10.00 admin fee charge applied.
If cancelling after the program/league/event starts – No refund or credit will be granted.
Programs/Leagues [prior to starting] impacted by COVID-19 that were suspended or cancelled, a Credit will automatically be applied to your account.
What if my child is unable to use a credit in a future program/league/event?
In case of hardship situations (e.g. – leaving the Province, etc.) that prevents your child from participating in a future program/event/league you may qualify for a refund minus a $10.00 administration fee.
A refund may take 5-10 days to appear on a customer’s statement. Processing [Stripe] fees for the original payment won’t be returned.
How do I submit a cancellation request?
In order to submit a cancellation request, form you must meet the above criteria, complete and submit a cancellation request form via the following link https://hockeybuds.ca/cancellation/ as we require this for our records.
A credit and/or refund* will not be issued without completing and submitting this form. Once received, we will provide a Credit code or Refund* within 7 days which can be applied to any upcoming registration form.
*If applicable.
What happens to my Credit if future programs are cancelled?
If you have successfully enrolled in a future program / league and applied your Credit code toward enrollment fees and that program is cancelled a minimum of 21 days prior to that scheduled program’s / league’s start date, an option of a full Refund* or Credit would be reapplied to your account. All new registrations would qualify for a Credit Only.
*A refund may take 5-10 days to appear on a customer’s statement. Processing [Stripe] fees for the original payment won’t be returned.
What happens if a program/league session/game is cancelled/postponed/delayed/rescheduled/times adjusted due to a Power outage, weather, or other circumstances that are beyond our control?
Program/league sessions/games cancelled/postponed/delayed/rescheduled/times adjusted due to power outages, weather, or circumstances out of Hockey Buds Inc. control will not be credited, refunded, or made up*.
*In some circumstances and depending on availability of both facility and staff, we may be able to re-schedule or adjust cancelled sessions/games.
A transfer of an enrollment to another program/league session/season may be possible.
*Pro-rated enrollment costs may be applied.
What happens if a program in progress has to be suspended or cancelled due to COVID-19?
Make up sessions will be re-schedule once permission has been granted to resume our program by Newfoundland and Labrador Ball Hockey Association, Canadian Ball Hockey Association, Sport NL and by the Department of Health and Community Services.
Will my Credit guarantee me a slot in a future program?
Your Credit is not a guarantee for a spot for enrollment for your child however only impacts the cost of such enrollment. If space is available then your Credit Code can be applied.
Will my Credit cover a future program even if registration fees go up?
Your Credit code guarantees you full value* for an upcoming program / league of equal length of your original enrollment even if registration costs go up, your credit will cover those costs and no further registration fees would be required.
* If your Credit is pro-rated due to a charge being applied then the value of the credit would be applied to a future registration. [e.g. registration is $ 120.00 – Prorated Credit of a $100.00 applied leaving $20.00 owing.]
Required equipment includes a CSA approved helmet with full face cage, shin pads (soccer or ball hockey are both acceptable), hockey gloves, running shoes suitable for sports activities (e.g. – sneakers), a hockey stick and a water bottle.
Children must always wear their helmets with full facial protection when on the playing surface including during the story time session.
Bring water as we have numerous quick water breaks.
We here at the Hockey Buds Program recommend the extended tip water bottle which will make it easier for your child to get a drink without removing their face protection on their helmets. SportCraft | Canadian Tire | Walmart | SportsChek
We will have bottled water on hand for any child that forgets to bring their water bottles.
You can use the chart (see below) to help better determine the correct size of hockey gloves for your child.
We also recommend asking a representative from the place you wish to purchase your child’s hockey gloves advice on choosing the correct pair of hockey gloves for your child.
Age Group | Height | Glove Size |
---|---|---|
Youth (3-5) | 3’0″ – 3’6″ | 8″ |
Youth (5-7) | 3’5″ – 3’11” | 9″ |
Junior (8-10) | 4’2″ – 4’8″ | 10″ |
Junior (10-11) | 4’7″ – 4’11” | 11″ |
Junior (11-13) | 4’10” – 5’5″ | 12″ |
You can use the chart (see below) to help better determine the correct length for your child.
We also recommend asking a representative from the place you wish to purchase a hockey stick advice on choosing the correct stick for your child.
Reasoning for different hockey stick lengths:
Long Stick – A long hockey stick is usually the preferred choice of the Defensemen. A long hockey stick gives you a longer reach, which makes it easier for you to poke the hockey ball away from attackers, intercept passes, and stop a hockey ball before it leaves your end. Defensemen are also known to have hard slapshots, and a longer stick (with the right technique) will provide more power on the slapshots.
Average Stick (Hockey Buds Program Recommended Length) – An average length stick is designed for players who like to get in the corners, dig for hockey balls, and play in front of the net. With an average length stick you can still easily handle the hockey ball, and also make poke checks, intercept passes, and hammer off a slap-shot.
Short Stick – Hockey players who are good at stick-handling tend to prefer shorter sticks. Using a short stick makes it a bit easier to move the hockey ball around because the stick will be lighter and a shorter stick is easier to move around the body. Many players who are good at stick-handling tend to bring the hockey ball in close to their body in order to protect the ball while pulling a deke. A short stick makes it easier to perform these moves.
Age Group | Height | Stick Length |
---|---|---|
Youth (3-5) | 3’0″ – 3’10” | 38″ – 44″ |
Youth (6-8) | 3’10” – 4’8″ | 45″ – 49″ |
Junior (7-13) | 4’4″ – 5’1″ | 50″ – 54″ |
Intermediate (11-14) | 4’11” – 5’4″ | 55″ – 58″ |
Intermediate (12-14) | 5’2″ – 5’8″ | 55″ – 58″ |
Senior (14+) | 5’5″ – 5’10” | 57″ – 61″ |
Senior (14+) | 5’7″ – 6’1″ | 58″ – 62″ |
Senior (14+) | 5’10” – 6’4″ | 60″ – 63″ |
Senior (14+) | 6’1″ + | 60″ – 63″ |
For beginner ball hockey players or hockey players in general, deciding which handed stick you need might prove a little more difficult than you may first think. If your child already knows which way they shoot, they are probably going to use that handed stick.
A couple of ways to help decide which handed stick your child may require:
1.) An easy way to figure it out is to actually pick up a baseball bat or stick. Which way do they naturally swing?
2.) Another way is hand positioning. The top hand on a hockey stick provides all of the control and touch, so it should be their dominant hand. An easy way to figure it out is to actually pick up a baseball bat or stick. Which way do they naturally swing? For really young children, you can have them use an empty paper towel roll. Always use caution and apply safety measures to prevent injury when swinging items.
If they hold the hockey stick with their right hand on top of the stick and their left hand down the stick, they are a left-handed shooter.
If they hold their hockey stick with their left hand on top of the stick and the right hand down the stick, they are a right-handed shooter.
Usually, if a player is right handed, they would play with a left-handed stick and the same applies for a left handed player (he/she would be use a right handed stick).
The hand at the top of the stick controls all stick handling movements and it is the hand that never leaves the stick.
Keep in mind, there’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to playing hockey. The most important aspect is that you feel comfortable. When in doubt, if they’re undecided, just go with the option that feels the most comfortable and natural to them.
The Preferred Hockey stick for your little Hockey Bud for use in our program should be:
*NEW – No outdoor sticks permitted on Court 2 [Basketball Court]
*NEW – Only Plastic and/or Composite blades permitted on Court 2 [Basketball Court]
Hockey stick prices can range from $12.97 on depending on the type of stick.
COMPOSITE HOCKEY STICKS
Composite sticks are what most NHL players use today. Usually made from woven carbon fiber and fiberglass blends, they’re incredibly lightweight making them a consistent, high-performing stick.
WOOD HOCKEY STICKS
Wood sticks are largely thought of as “old school” these days, mostly due to the technological advances seen in the hockey industry – but they’re still around and are actually a great choice for certain players’ styles.
Each session runs approx. 45 minutes in length to allow entering and departing the facilities in between sessions.
We strive to start every session on time thus it is important that you arrive approx. 5 minutes prior to your child’s session.
After the session you will have 5 minutes to leave the facility as the next group has to come in.
Please note: A group session must leave the premises before another group session can enter. We are kindly asking everyone to cooperate and be respectful in that matter.
Our Hockey Buds Coaches and Assistants are highly motivated individuals who have demonstrated an exceptional ability to communicate well with young children.
Hockey Buds sessions are led by lead instructors alongside a team of assistants to ensure every participant receives plenty of attention and learning. We also believe that every child deserves to play, have fun and develop a life-long love of movement and sport.
Hockey Buds Coaches and their Assistants are registered with the Newfoundland and Labrador Ball Hockey Association. (NLBHA)
Majority of our staff have first-aid training.
Our Hockey Buds Program is registered with the Newfoundland and Labrador Ball Hockey Association which in turn is a member of the Canadian Ball Hockey Association.
The NLBHA (Newfoundland and Labrador Ball Hockey Association) is a member of Sport NL.
In 1999, the Canadian Ball Hockey Association became an Associate Member of Hockey Canada to foster the growth of street hockey in Canada.
source: http://cbha.com/page.php?page_id=85300
We make Ball Hockey fun!!
To develop basic ball hockey skills while at the same time teaching listening, following instructions, attention, focus and various motor skills. The class uses a variety of fun games with lots of physical activity with each session ending with a hockey theme book being read.