KNIGHTS SELECT TEAMS WIN U14 (TIER 2) AND U10 (TIER 2)
The Competitive Development Stream (CDS) program focuses on long term player development in accordance with the Hockey Canada and Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) Player Development Model and the GTHL Initiation Program.
The CDS program is an extension of House League available to registered HL players from 6-8 years old on a tryout basis. Information on the OHF Player Development Model and the game play structure discussed below may be found here. Information on the GTHL Initiation Program and the benefits of modified ice hockey may be found here.
In addition to the House League, players in the CDS program participate in one or two additional practices per week and play approximately one weekly development game (20-22 games per season) against CDS teams from neighboring hockey associations including Leaside, North Toronto Scarborough, Don Mills and Forest Hill. As well, CDS teams may participate in tournaments or festivals throughout the season.
CDS games follow the game play structure of the OHF Player Development Model as follows:
- Rosters of 18 players (16 skaters, 2 goalies) for Tyke and Minor Novice. Novice teams will have 17 players.
- Goalies rotate in Tyke and may be designated in Minor Novice/Novice.
- During game play teams are divided into two squads of 9 players (8 skaters, 1 goalie). After early January, Novice teams play 5 versus 5 full-ice format.
- Two games are played simultaneously in a 4 v. 4 format, including goalies, using appropriate rink dividers. Teams transition to full-ice 5 versus 5 format in the second half of the Novice year.
- Tyke games are played in a cross-ice format. Minor Novice games are played in a half-ice format. Novice games are played half-ice until early January and then on full ice thereafter.
- Modified ice games will be 44-minutes run-time consisting of two 22-minute periods.
- Line changes on 2 minute buzzers.
- Games are officiated and penalties are called.
- No formal scores, standings. All teams participate in a year-end festival in April.
- Competitive Development Stream development games begin in October after Thanksgiving and are not scheduled over holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to try out for CDS?
In order to try out for a CDS team you must first register your child for House League and be approved (i.e. not on a wait list). Once approved, you are automatically eligible for evaluations/tryouts.
When does the season start and end?
CDS games begin in October after Thanksgiving and end in mid-April.
Will there be games on holidays?
Games will not be scheduled over major holidays (Thanksgiving, Winter Break, Family Day, Easter) or during the public school March Break week.
What is the time commitment?
In addition to the House League time commitment of 2 sessions per week, our CDS teams will hold 1 team practice per week plus participate in a weekly interclub games (20-22 games per season). Additionally, teams may participate in 2-3 tournaments or festivals per season.
How many players will be on each team?
Rosters of 18 players are used. For games, teams will be split into 2 squads of 8 skaters plus one goalie per side. Games will be played 4-on-4. After early January, Novice players will play full-ice 5-on-5 with goalies.
How many teams will North York Knights have?
The number of teams is determined by the number of players interested in CDS. Typically North York Knights have formed up to 3 teams in each of the Tyke, Minor Novice and Novice divisions.
What if my child wants to be a goalie?
Goalies will rotate for the Tyke and may be designated in Minor Novice/Novice. If your child would like to tryout as a goalie, please contact the coach (if designated) for instructions.
At what age does full-ice hockey begin?
In accordance with the Hockey Canada Initiation Program full ice hockey will be introduced after early January in the Novice (8 years old) season.
How much does it cost?
In addition to House League fees, participation in the CDS program costs about in the $2000 – $2500 range per player (not including personal equipment and any tournament travel-related costs) depending on team budgets.