Whitemud West Hockey Association is excited to announce we will be fielding 2 teams in the new U11 Hockey Alberta Development Program (HADP) this fall (previously called the U11 Tier 1 Pilot). These HADP teams will operate as the top level of U11 hockey, followed by tiers 1-5. Our competitive hockey program consists of our U11 HADP (AA) program. HADP stands for Hockey Alberta Development Program which is the U11 Elite stream of hockey. It will provide players with a developmental system that focuses on age-appropriate skill development, and acts as a feeder system for elite hockey programs. Players wishing to play at this level must try out for the program.

 

What makes Whitemud West’s HADP so good?

• 24 games (additional 6 games)
• 24 practices (additional 6 practices)
• 12 Development Ice Sessions – Power skating, Stickhandling, etc. (In addition to the 24 practices)
• 6 Off-ice sessions RVX, ATHX as examples
• 12 Development Goalie Sessions
• Tournament fee– up to $1500
• Pant shells and practice jerseys

How do we select players?

At time of player registration, you pay an additional $100 try out fee to attend our U11 HADP tryouts, with a guarantee of 2 games to each player. Whitemud West uses a third-party evaluator to assess players, allowing us to give the highest level of development to approximately 32 players. This is a key objective for our organization, as we compete with other leagues for our top talent and aligns our top U11 players with the AA Hockey Model and Tiered Alberta One system to ensure a proper development pyramid and feeder system into U13AA (CAC).

The top 24 evaluated players are protected and will be drafted by the selected Head Coaches to their team. Coaches select from the remaining skaters who made the prospect game to complete their team’s roster. We aim to have 16 skaters and 1-2 goalies per HADP team.

HADP Coach Selection

Our Coaches apply for the Head Coach position and are interviewed by our VP Coaching. They also have all proper coaching certification to ensure they are given the proper tools and skills for coaching our elite athletes.

How often are our HADP Teams on the ice?

At the U11 HADP level, players can expect to be on the ice up to 4-5 times per week with their team including practices, games, additional on ice or off-ice training such as power skating, skills camps, workouts etc.

Players will typically compete in a minimum of 30-40 games throughout the season, including the regular EFHL schedule, Minor Hockey Week, Exhibition Games and Tournaments.

How much travel?

Travel can be minimal, as each of our teams select tournament destinations. Should a team wish to travel out of province, which is a team decision.

Are there weekends off?

Edmonton Federation Hockey League (EFHL) offers a weekend blackout program for all teams. Teams may apply before the deadline set by the EFHL for a weekend off. Practices may need to be swapped with other teams or given away.

Cost for HADP

Our AA program has a lower cost than other Elite hockey streams available to families.

U11 Registration fee           $825 (Early Bird rate)

HADP Fee                            $825

Total                                    $1,650

 

* Whitemud West allows HADP teams to have an additional cash call of $300 per player. Additional needed team funds can be fundraised or collected from sponsors.

* The HADP fee will be in 2 payments – the first payment is October 16th  with the second payment due November 16th.

PLEASE NOTE:

Playing and competing at the highest levels demands a great deal of commitment from both the individual player and their parent(s).  Full commitment from the player and families is expected.  The fees for the HADP will not be prorated if you are away on holidays, if your player cannot attend a session, etc.