The Initiation Program (Timbits) and Novice Program are broken down primarily by age (birthday as of December 31st 2009). 

Kids 5 and 6 years of age take part in IP 1 or IP 2.  Both programs are very similar, IP2 being a continuation of the learning curve.  Both IP 1 and IP 2 kids practice twice a week (usually weekends) and go on the ice as a group. The kids work for most of the practice at different stations developing their skills. These groups will not be playing a game for the whole practice during the year but do get a chance to go to jamborees throughout the year.

The Novice kids are 7 and 8 year olds.  They are placed on teams of usually 17 players.  There are 3 levels of Novice: Advanced, Intermediate, and Development.  There is normally:  1 Advance team, 2 Intermediate teams, and 3 Development teams.  These numbers depend on the number of kids that register and could change from year to year.  These kids also have 2 hours of practice ice per week (again usually on weekends) and two teams share the ice for each practice. The first part of the year is spent solely on development, with games being introduced partway through the season. Novice teams attend jamborees as well.

At the start of the year there are player evaluations and conditioning camp (Novice level only) times that will be posted on the website.  The evaluation times are included in registration but there is an additional fee for the conditioning camp. You must include the conditioning camp in your registration if you wish to participate. It is very important to attend the evaluation session (the free one) as this gives a group of 6-10 evaluators a chance to look at the kids. Once the on ice sessions are finished, the evaluators discuss them and the kids are assigned to teams. Coaches will then call the players that are on their team. This process takes a few days.

The Novice Advance and Intermediate teams have full time goaltenders. Development teams will rotate the goaltenders from week to week as long as there are different kids that want to play the position. If possible, all teams will dress 2 goalies. Equipment can be provided by the Association but there is a limited amount that can be signed out.

If you wish to coach or help out on the ice you will have to take a minimum of 2 courses and fill out a Criminal Records Check and Child Abuse Registry form.

Ice times will probably be a little erratic for the first couple of weeks, so be sure to check the website often. It will smooth out somewhat but you should check the ice schedules frequently.

The objective of Timbit and Novice hockey is for the kids to have fun, be active, and develop their skating and hockey skills.  If you should have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact the Timbit/Novice Coordinator.