House League

For a list of the West Mall House League Operating Procedures, Policies, Rules and Suspensions that all coaches, players and officials need to be familiar with and aware of please click here.

Click here for the house finals.

For information regarding House League registration and refunds please call the West Mall general hotline number (416) 503-0318 or send us an email at: registration@westmalllightning.com 

2008 - 2009 House League Registration

We are now taking pre-registration for our 2008-2009 House League hockey program which starts the weekend of September 20/21, 2008. Once again, we will be offering programs for all divisions from Mites to Juveniles. Hockey will begin during the later part of September 2008 and continue through to March 2009 with several breaks in between for Christmas, some of the March break and Easter weekend. Our rates remain competitive with our peer associations although rising ice costs due to rising utility costs have necessitated an increase in our rates from last year. House League games for all levels will be played on Saturday and Sunday mornings at Etobicoke Centennial Arena with the first games beginning at 6:45 am and the last games ending between 1:00 and 2:00 pm.

West Mall turns away more and more applicants each year as divisions fill up earlier due to the limited availability of ice time granted to our association by the City of Toronto. We strongly encourage you to pre-register at our reduced rates until May 1, 2008. Walk-in registration will occur in September, for divisions with openings, at Etobicoke Centennial Arena on September 3rd and 4th from 7p.m. to 9p.m.  Registration in advance is highly recommended.   To register, please click HERE for the 2008-2009 registration form which you should complete and send in along with a cheque or money order to our mailing address indicated on the form.

West Mall is a volunteer run organization with no paid staff. The ability to offer its house league, select and GTHL programs is completely based on its members being willing to contribute their volunteer time as executives, directors coaches, conveyors and/or sponsors. Each year it becomes more and more difficult to administer our programs with our declining volunteer base. Please consider contributing your resources in some way beyond a simple registration by offering to coach a team, convene a division or sponsor a team. Without your volunteer help the quality of our programs will most certainly deteriorate.

MITE - LEARN TO PLAY HOCKEY PROGRAM (for 3 to 6 year old)

At the entry level of House League, West Mall is once again pleased to offer its Mite - Hockey Development Program. This is a special instructional program for 3 to 6 year old beginning players including those who are just learning to skate. The Mite program is designed to allow children to progress through several levels of hockey development over the 2 to 3 year period as they achieve higher levels of confidence and ability and prepare themselves for entry into the Tyke division at 6 years old.
The program takes place over a two hour block on Saturday mornings with players assigned to either the first or second hour depending on their initial ability and ability over time. The first hour is appropriate for those who are just beginning hockey and have had only limited skating experience. The second hour is suitable for players who have skated for at least a full year or more of skating and some hockey fundamentals. Each hour is then further divided into sections reflective of the player's individual ability.

OBJECTIVES OF THE WESTMALL MITE PROGRAM

1. The most important objective is that all children have an enjoyable introduction and experience to hockey.
2. We want to provide a healthy environment for fun and learning.
3. Each child shall be taught the basic fundamental skills related to skating, puck control, passing and shooting.
4. Instructors shall stress participation, fun and skill development.

ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Based on past experience the success of this program will be based on the amount of parents that volunteer as instructors or assistant instructors. For the program to work there should be a minimum of two instructors for every 15 kids. If you volunteer you would be expected to attend at least 80-90% of the sessions. The responsibilities would range from assisting in maintaining order to running each section's weekly practice. For insurance purposes and to be registered as an on-ice volunteer coach/instructor, one evening will be required to attend the Speak-Out Program. This will be held in early October.

ASSESSMENT PERIOD

We estimate that the first two sessions will primarily be for evaluation/ assessment of each child's skill level. We will also assess each volunteer instructors's ability. This stage is crucial to ensure a productive year.

NOTE TO PARENTS

1. Each parent will be expected to be understanding and supportive of all instructors. They are giving their personal time at their expense to provide a positive experience for each child. If there are any issues we will utilize the 24 hour rule. That is, your concern will be heard 24 hours after you have experienced the concern. This will allow for a "cooling off" period. All concerns must be directed to the convener.
2. Out of respect for all participants any child that exhibits unwillingness to participate and/or a disruptive behavior will be escorted off the ice to the parent until the child's behavior is corrected.
3. Parents should set a positive example for their children by supporting and assisting the program in a positive manner and by exhibiting positive reinforcement towards their children rather than criticism.
4. Remember the main objective - the children must enjoy the experience.

THE PROGRAM

1. Pre-qualify all children and volunteer instructors prior to the start of the program.
2. All children must wear full equipment, including hockey jerseys. West Mall has worked with Dukes Sports and Bauer Nike Hockey to put together an equipment package for beginners (see above). Since league provided jerseys and socks won't be available until October, children should bring a jersey and socks with them for the first few lessons.
3. The first two sessions are dedicated to evaluation.
4. All Instructors, Assistant Instructors, and Parents that will be on the ice must wear a Helmet and skates.
5. The Goal will be to have all non-instructor parents off the ice by mid November both for insurance purposes as well as to create a more effective teaching environment.
6. Your child will be introduced to the following:
   1. Skating,
   2. Passing and Receiving,
   3. Puck Handling, and
   4. Shooting.
7. The emphasis will be on a team environment whereby we will emphasize;
   1. Respect for Teammates as well as opponents and
   2. Respect for the Instructors
8. Instructors will be provided with Guideline drills geared to the skill level of the respective group. All instructors will also have the option to introduce drills that they believe would benefit the child.