Competitive Stream
For the 2026-27 season, Millwoods Hockey will continue to offer a Competitive Stream Program for players in the U9, U11, and U13 divisions who are seeking an enhanced development and competition experience
Competitive Stream Hockey
The Competitive Stream is designed for players who demonstrate a high level of commitment and a desire to further develop their skills through additional training, advanced coaching, and elevated competition. The program aims to provide an environment that challenges athletes while supporting their long-term hockey development.
For U9, U11, and U13, players interested in the Competitive Stream will participate in a separate evaluation process prior to the regular Community Program evaluations. This process allows players to be assessed specifically for Competitive Stream placement and gives families the opportunity to determine whether the program is the right fit for their player, as additional commitments and costs may be associated with participation.
Players who are not selected for a Competitive Stream team will automatically return to the regular Community Program evaluation process and will continue through evaluations alongside all other players within their division. No additional registration is required.
A Competitive Stream Information Session will be held on June 24 for players and families interested in learning more about the program. This session will provide a detailed overview of program expectations, development opportunities, team commitments, evaluation procedures, and any additional costs associated with participation.
The Competitive Stream offers motivated players the opportunity to train and compete at a higher level while continuing to foster the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth that are central to the Millwoods Hockey experience.
Community Divisions Include
U9
U11
U13
U9 Tier 1 Competitive Stream
The U9 Competitive Stream at Millwoods Hockey is designed for players selected to compete at the top-tier level within the U9 division. This program builds on the U9 Community Stream while providing enhanced development opportunities, structured programming, and a more consistent competitive environment.
This stream includes integrated on-ice and off-ice skill development led by certified third-party instructors, a more structured and fixed practice schedule, and additional full-ice development sessions throughout the season.
Player Development
Players in the U9 Competitive Stream will benefit from a structured, high-quality development model, including:
- Integrated on-ice and off-ice skill sessions with certified instructors
- Approximately 25 practices and 20 skill development sessions per season
- 18 league games
- Tournaments & Exhibition play
- A balanced mix of half-ice and full-ice game formats
- Increased frequency of full-ice practices to support game understanding and development
- Access to a growing range of player development tools and resources
Goaltender Development
Goaltenders will receive additional support and development opportunities, including:
- Supplemental goalie education and resources for players and coaches
Community & Leadership
The U9 Competitive Stream places an early emphasis on character development and community involvement, including:
- Focus on teamwork, respect, and positive sport culture
- Team-led community and volunteer activities
- Opportunities for players to build leadership habits within their team environment
- Pride in representing Millwoods Hockey throughout the season and beyond
The U9 Competitive Stream is designed to provide a structured and development-focused environment for young athletes ready for an enhanced level of commitment, while still maintaining a positive, fun, and engaging hockey experience.
U11 Tier 1 Competitive Stream
The U11 Competitive Stream is designed for players who are seeking an enhanced hockey experience that combines advanced skill development, higher levels of competition, and additional opportunities for growth both on and off the ice.
Building upon the foundation of the Millwoods Hockey Community Program, the Competitive Stream provides a structured environment where players can further develop their technical skills, game awareness, work ethic, and leadership abilities.
Enhanced Player Development
Players in the U11 Tier 1 Competitive Stream benefit from an elevated development experience, including:
- Integrated on-ice and off-ice skill sessions with certified instructors
- 22 League Games
- A target of approximately 35 practices including 25 Advanced Skill Development sessions per season
- Competitive league play, exhibitions, tournaments, and playoff opportunities
- Position-specific instruction
- Increased focus on skating, puck skills, game concepts, and hockey IQ
- Access to specialized development resources and training tools
Goaltender Development
Goaltenders in the Competitive Stream receive additional support through:
- 24 Dedicated goalie development sessions
- Position-specific coaching and instruction
- Seasonal skill progression plans
- Integration of goalie development into team practices
Coaching Excellence
The Competitive Stream is supported by coaches committed to player development and continuous learning through:
- Advanced coaching education opportunities
- Ongoing mentorship and development resources
- Collaboration with qualified instructors and development staff
Leadership and Community
In addition to hockey development, players are encouraged to become leaders within their team and the broader hockey community through:
- Character and leadership development initiatives
- Community involvement and volunteer opportunities
- Mentorship opportunities with younger Millwoods Hockey players
- Representing Millwoods Hockey with pride both on and off the ice
The U11 Competitive Stream is intended for players who are prepared to embrace a higher level of commitment and challenge while continuing to enjoy a positive, development-focused hockey experience.
U13 Competitive Stream
The U13 Competitive Stream at Millwoods Hockey is designed for players selected to compete at the highest level within the U13 division. This program builds on the foundation of the Community Stream while providing enhanced development opportunities, higher performance expectations, and a more competitive playing environment.
Please note that participation in the Competitive Stream involves additional costs beyond the standard Community Program.
Player Development
Players in the U13 Competitive Stream benefit from an elevated development experience, including:
- Integrated on-ice and off-ice skill sessions with certified instructors
- 22 League Games
- A target of approximately 35 practices including 25 Advanced Skill Development sessions per season
- Competitive league play, exhibitions, tournaments, and playoff opportunities
- Position-specific instruction
- Increased focus on skating, puck skills, game concepts, and hockey IQ
- Access to specialized development resources and training tools
Coaching Development
The Competitive Stream supports ongoing coach growth through:
- Additional coaching certification opportunities
- Participation in a coach mentorship and development program
- Access to development staff and instructional resources
Community & Leadership
Beyond on-ice development, the program emphasizes character and leadership, including:
- Team-based community involvement and volunteer initiatives
- Leadership development opportunities within the association and younger divisions
- A focus on respect, accountability, and representing Millwoods Hockey with pride
The U13 Competitive Stream is intended for dedicated athletes who are ready to commit to a higher level of hockey while continuing to develop as players, teammates, and leaders within the Millwoods Hockey community
U11 Community Hockey (2016–2017 Birth Years) The U11 program uses a tiered structure so players of all experience levels can be placed on teams suited to their skills.
- Evaluations (September): Players take part in skill sessions and 3–4 scrimmages over a couple of weeks. They’ll skate with different groups to ensure balanced teams. - Evaluations Page
- Teams: After evaluations, teams of 15–18 players (including 1–2 goalies) are formed.
- Season (October–March): Includes ~20 games (tiering round + regular season) and 18+ practices. Ice times may be weekday evenings or weekends.
- League Play: Teams compete in the Edmonton Federation Hockey League (EFHL). Games are 1 hour, refereed, and scores are kept.
- Events & Tournaments: All teams play in Minor Hockey Week (January) and playoffs( Feb/Mar). Most teams also enter 2–3 tournaments per year, either in Edmonton or elsewhere in Alberta.
- Locations: Practices aim to be in southeast Edmonton, but final ice allocation depends on Hockey Edmonton.
- Family Role: Parents contribute seed money and fundraise to cover extras like additional ice, tournament fees, apparel, or off‑ice activities. Each team sets its own budget and activity plan at the start of the season.
- Development Focus: Skating and hockey skills are emphasized, with coaching tailored to the team’s overall skill level.
The U13 Community Hockey program offers a tiered structure for players with varying levels of experience for players born in 2014 and 2015. The tiered structure makes it suitable for players with, or without, prior experience in earlier categories.