Jan 1, 2025
Wondering how the hockey career path works? Here’s a short and clear breakdown. For boys and girls, the path is different. Here is the Girls' journey.
Learn to Skate
When to Start: Age 3 or 4
Focus: Balance, coordination, basic skating skills
Programs: Learn to Skate, local arena programs, shinny hockey, YouTube videos
Foundational Skill Development
When to Start: Age 6-8
What to Begin: Start hockey-specific training
How:
Private sessions
Hockey schools and academies
Small group skills and skating classes
Girls may join co-ed teams or play in female-only programs
OWHA (Ontario Women’s Hockey Association) – offers U7, U9, U11, etc.
Local associations across Ontario (Toronto Leaside, Etobicoke Dolphins, Durham West, etc.)
Competitive Development
When to Start: Age 9-12
Goal: Refine key skills (skating, puck control, shooting, hockey IQ)
Aim to play for A and AA
Join tournaments and spring/summer programs for extra exposure
Support:
Off-ice training
Video review
Mentorship from experienced coaches
High-Performance
When to Start: Age 13-16
Strong players may be invited to OWHA High Performance Program (HPP)
What to add:
Strength and conditioning
Nutritional guidance
Mental performance coaching
Representation:
Team Canada and University Attention Starts Early, prepare for communicating with U SPORTS and NCAA coaches
University & National Program Entry
age: 16
NCAA D1 & D3 schools begin recruiting top female talent
Top-tier players may be selected for Hockey Canada U18 National Team
Showcase Opportunities: Provincial and national showcases, university camps, international tournaments
Professional Opportunities
Professional Opportunities
PWHL (Professional Women’s Hockey League) launched in 2023
Locations: Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Boston, Minnesota, New York
Top global female players now compete full-time with salaries and benefits
Drafted athletes sign standard player contracts (3 years max)
Other Opportunities:
Team Canada (Worlds, Olympics)
European Pro Leagues (Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, etc.)