Junior Development Training is for players & goalies (14 years and under) looking to start playing hockey for the first time, or for those needing to sharpen their foundational hockey skills.

Ice skating experience is expected prior to joining this class. Juniors must be able to move around the ice independently and follow coach instructions.

Training sessions are skill-based where players are separated into smaller groups (based on their age, skill and ability) to complete various drills with the coaches. It combines expert training and game-play opportunities designed specifically for beginners and developing players. Coaches teach young players about the game while they develop the fundamental skills of ice hockey in dynamic and engaging sessions tailored toward juniors.

Head Coach: Jeremy Muir

Weekly Junior Development Training program is held on Wednesdays from 6:40pm - 7:40pm.

If required, protective gear is included and available for hire for the first term of enrolment, including neck guards.

Head Coach: Greg Davis

Weekly Junior Development Goalie Training is held on Wednesdays from 6:40pm - 7:40pm.

This program caters for beginners and developing, junior goalies where Coach Greg will take your junior through the basics of being an ice hockey goalie.

We have one goalie kit available for hire for an aspiring junior goalies first term of Junior Goalie Training. Goalie skates are not available for hire, however player skates can be used at the start of their goalie journey.

Our Wednesday night Goalie Programs are limited to a maximum of four goalies per class.

Please make sure your junior wears comfortable clothing under their protective gear. Long, slim fitting pants / skins (with protective jock or jill strap), a long sleeved top and thick socks are recommended.

💧 Remember to bring a water bottle!

At iceHQ we prioritise the safety.

All players are required to wear the following protective gear at all times when participating in ice hockey leagues or programs:

• Helmet

• Neck guard

• Chest plate

• Elbow guards

• Gloves

• Padded shorts

• Shin guards

• Skates

Players, parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring the correct equipment and protective gear is worn when taking to the ice. If you need any assistance with equipment and protective gear, our staff will be able to assist you. Coaches, officials and/or staff may ask players to leave the ice if they are missing any essential items.

iceHQ recommends juniors wear a mouth guard and protective jill / jock strap. These items are not available for hire.

Please arrive 30 - 45 minutes before the scheduled training. This allows time to check in at the front desk, collect on-ice group information, obtain any hire gear required and dress your junior in their protective gear.

All players must check in at reception upon arrival.

Those needing to borrow iceHQ equipment will be directed to our hire room to collect hire items. Participants with their own skates and protective gear should proceed to the designated change room.

All juniors must wait for coach direction prior to entering the ice.

Juniors will go through warm up drills, designed to get them ready for the session. They will then split into their designated groups for the remainder of the session.

We love spectators! We don’t charge for spectator entry. Come down and watch the juniors grow and develop in their class. Spectators can watch from our cosy upstairs viewing area, rink side along the glass or from our grandstand. We also have a lovely warm café where you can grab a bite to eat and a hot drink.

Parents/guardians are NOT permitted to sit/stand on the player benches during any hockey games or training sessions. This area is for students/players, coaches and support staff only.

It is expected that all those participating in our junior programs adhere to the iceHQ Junior Hockey Code of Conduct. This allows for everyone involved to learn, improve, and enjoy participation in junior hockey.

As part of enrolment in our Junior Development Training program, participants are gifted 2 x FREE Skate Passes!

Free Pass Terms & Conditions:

• Passes can only be used during the term.

• Passes expire once the last class has concluded.

• Passes are not redeemable for any other item.

• Passes are only for the student enrolled and may not be used for friends & family.

• Passes are not valid for public holidays, school holidays, special skating events OR private coaching lessons.

Unfortunately, we do not offer make up classes; however each student receives 2x free skate passes for use at our public sessions. These passes can be used regardless of whether you miss a class or not. See Free Skating Passes above for Terms and Conditions.

We do not offer refunds, credits, or make up classes for any missed sessions or change of mind enrolments.

All sales are final. Please email hockeyprograms@icehq.com.au if you would like to request any changes to your order. Please note requests may not be granted. Our refund policy contains more information.

In the unfortunate event your junior is injured or unwell and cannot complete 3 or more sessions of the current term, please email hockeyprograms@icehq.com.au to request a medical review of your enrolment. Please attach a medical certificate that states the length of time to avoid skating. We do not back date any medical reviews and considerations are made from the email date.

At iceHQ, all children under 12 must be supervised by parents/guardians at all times. Parents/guardians of teenagers are expected to be nearby and reachable at all times in case of injury/emergency.

Parents/guardians are not permitted to sit or stand on the players benches for the duration of hockey trainings or games. This area is for coaches and players only. Spectators are welcome to watch from the grandstands, glass around the rink or from our heated upstairs lounge.

The iceHQ Junior Hockey Code of Conduct is applicable to all players, coaches, officials, parents and guardians participating in, or attending any junior hockey leagues or programs involving children or young people at iceHQ. Please ensure you and your player understand these expectations.

Towards the end of each season (Term 3, end of winter and Term 1, end of summer) coaches assess each of our developing players. Families will be advised if coaches recommend moving to full ice games.

Typical Development Pathway

While every player’s journey is different, most juniors follow a pathway similar to this:

1. Multiple terms of Junior Development Training

2. First season of Junior Summer League (JSL)

3. Try out for an IHV Winter Team - Players who are unsuccessful in securing a place on a team for the IHV winter season, may return to iceHQ Junior Development programs for further skill development.

During the summer season (typically October - March), iceHQ runs an in-house, summer league competition specifically for juniors.

All games are played at iceHQ on Sundays.

Towards the end of the winter season (in term 3), players in our junior development program may be encouraged by coaches to enrol in our Junior Summer League (JSL) program where they will be allocated to a team and will play weekly, full ice games at iceHQ.

The JSL program provides the perfect pathway to transition from junior development training, to a full ice competition. Our JSL management team work hard to create balanced teams, with a focus on an even spread of talent.

In the younger divisions (Junior C and Junior B), coaches look to line match players based on experience.

For more information on the Junior Summer League (JSL) please visit icehq.com.au/jsl

During the winter season (typically April - September) juniors from approximately 9 years old can partake in the Minor Winter League competition run through Ice Hockey Victoria (IHV).

Historically, games are played at various times over the weekend at any of the 3 Victorian ice skating rinks.

At iceHQ, we’re home to the Ducks.

The junior hockey divisions for the IHV winter season are:

🏒 11 & Under (non-checking)

🏒 13 & Under (non-checking)

🏒 15 & Under (modified checking)

🏒 17 & Under (full checking)

If you think your player is ready to join a team, or for more information on what's involved in joining the iceHQ Ducks, please like the iceHQ Ducks Facebook page, visit the junior ducks website duckshockey.com.au or contact the hockey programs team at hockeyprograms@icehq.com.au

iceHQ is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all children and young people who participate in recreational skating and ice sports at iceHQ.

This includes the promotion of positive behaviours and attitudes (outlined in the ‘iceHQ Junior Hockey Code of Conduct') while protecting health, safety and wellbeing and acting in the best interests of children and young people.

IceHQ is dedicated to the implementation of all Victorian Child Safe Standards as outlined in the following documents:

• iceHQ Child Safety Declaration

• iceHQ Child Safety Policy

• iceHQ Complaints Process

Child Safe Standards aim to keep children and young people safe in all organisations providing services or facilities for children.

At iceHQ, all coaching and support staff carry a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC).

By enrolling in our ice programs, you have agreed to the below listed terms and conditions.

Entering iceHQ

Upon entering the iceHQ facility you are agreeing to the terms and conditions displayed in our foyer and online at Terms & Conditions

• You acknowledge that ice skating, ice skating lessons, figure skating, ice hockey and other sporting and recreational activities at iceHQ are dangerous and involve a significant degree of physical exertion and risk.

• You acknowledge that the facilities may be unsupervised and that you participate in these activates at your own risk and are responsible for your own safety. If you do not currently undertake regular physical activity, you should seek medical advice before using iceHQ facilities.

• You agree that the supplier will not be liable to compensate you for death or personal injury (as defined in the Fair Trading Act 1999). This exclusion of liability will not apply where the Supplier has been reckless.

• You consent to the supplier photographing or filming you, or any minor or dependent accompanied by you, when in the iceHQ Sports Arena, for use for promotional purposes, including television, film, internet and all other forms of media, recording or reproduction, without any entitlement for any compensation or financial payment.

• No outside food and drinks are permitted in the venue. Please enjoy the range of delicious food and beverages from our café.