Build the complete skater.

The Development Council (D.C) program is a 10-week hockey development program designed to build strong skating foundations for young players.

Rather than rushing players into gameplay too early, D.C focuses on the core skating skills every hockey player needs first. Players develop balance, stopping control, edge work, mobility, confidence, and good habits through a structured progression system.

Each session helps players improve their skating, enjoy the learning process, and build friendships with other young players in a fun and supportive environment.

Program details

Day: Tuesday
Time: 5:30 pm
Program length: 10 weeks
Dates: April 21 – June 23
Program cost: $200
Casual drop-in: $30

Gear hire

We offer gear hire for players who need equipment for the program.

Hire on the day: $20
10-week hire package: $200

The 10-week hire package includes a $100 refundable bond, which is returned upon all hired gear being returned in week 10.

What the D.C program focuses on

The D.C program is built around a progressive skill framework designed to develop confident, technically strong hockey players.

Every drill, level, and assessment is aligned with our Five Core Development Pillars, creating a clear pathway that helps players build:

• balance
• control
• power
• mobility
• game readiness

This structured approach provides players with the technical foundation they need for long-term hockey development.

The Five Core Development Pillars

Dark Blue — Balance & Self-Recovery

This is the foundation of all skating development.

At the beginning of the pathway, players learn how to control their bodies on skates. Balance, body awareness, and self-recovery must come first before more advanced skills can be introduced.

Focus areas include:

• Proper hockey stance and posture
• Two-foot glide and edge stability
• Falling safely and recovering independently
• Controlled balance while stationary and moving
• Proper stick positioning without using the stick for balance

Why it matters:
Without balance and body control, players cannot properly develop the rest of their skating skills. This stage builds confidence, safety, and the foundation for future learning.

Yellow — Stopping & Speed Control

Once players are more confident on their skates, the next step is learning how to control speed and stop safely.

This stage introduces stopping mechanics while continuing to reinforce edge control and body positioning.

Focus areas include:

• Two-foot snowplow stops
• One-foot snowplow progression
• Inside-edge stopping mechanics
• Controlled gliding into stops
• Stopping on command and spatial awareness

Why snowplows matter:
Snowplow stops help players develop edge pressure, balance, and stopping confidence. They are an important step toward full hockey stops.

Red — Outside Edge Control & Power

At this stage, players begin developing stronger stride mechanics, better acceleration, and more efficient movement across the ice.

Focus areas include:

• Outside-edge C-cuts
• Crossovers with power-leg drive
• Explosive skating starts
• Forward stride mechanics
• Tight turns using outside-edge pressure

Why outside edges matter:
Inside edges help players stop. Outside edges help players generate movement, speed, and power.

Baby Blue — Backward Skating & Defensive Mobility

Hockey players need to move confidently in every direction. This stage introduces backward skating, transitions, and defensive movement.

Focus areas include:

• Proper backward skating stance
• Backward C-cuts and straight-line skating
• Backward crossovers
• Forward-to-backward pivots and transitions

Why is this stage important?
Players who struggle to skate backward often lose confidence and positioning in game situations. Backward mobility is a key part of complete hockey skating.

Green — Transitional Skating & Puck Introduction

Once players have built strong skating foundations, they begin combining movement with puck control and awareness.

Focus areas include:

• Transitional skating at speed
• Forward-to-backward pivots through turns
• Introductory single-foot 3-turns
• Puck introduction and control
• Push-pull puck handling
• Carrying the puck into open ice
• Tight turns with puck control
• Head-up awareness progression

Why puck skills come later:
Introducing the puck too early can interrupt skating development. By this stage, players have a stronger skating base, which allows puck skills to develop more naturally and effectively.

Player progression pathway

The D.C program follows a clear progression pathway that helps players build skills step by step.

Colour Level Pillar Development Focus

Dark Blue (A) — Balance & Self-Recovery
Yellow (B) — Stopping & Speed Control
Red (C)  — Outside Edge Power & Speed
Baby Blue (D)  — Backward Skating & Mobility
Green (E) — Transitional Skating & Puck Introduction

A Structured Pathway for Long-Term Development 

The D.C Development Program ensures players build the technical skating foundation, confidence, and game readiness required to progress into higher-level training and competitive hockey environments. 

Contact Us
Phone Number: +61 (03) 9579 3755