Top Shelf

Topshelf "AAA" Hockey is a hockey program dedicated to ensuring all players enrolled have an opportunity to enhance their skills in a fun and challenging environment.

Playing out of the Crowfoot Arena located in Calgary's NW, Top Shelf "AAA" Hockey evolved in 2000 out of a desire to create a pressure free spring and summer hockey program where the players skill development and enjoyment of the game comes first. We are committed to helping minor hockey players enhance and grow their skills in a challenging but enjoyable setting. Our program is centered on helping enhance and develop the abilities of players of all skill levels, from the elite player to the almost beginner.

Topshelf Hockey's "AAA" philosophy is based on promoting and developing hockey players who understand and believe in 3 core life skills:

Accountability: Helping the player develop a sense of accountability for their actions on and off the ice. We encourage and teach the kids to respect their teammates, coaches and fellow citizens. We help the players learn from their mistakes and those of their teammates in a positive and respectful manner.

Attitude: Helping the player enjoy and develop a life long love and passion for the game of hockey and sport in general.

Athleticism: Helping the player become complete athletes. We encourage our players to participate in a variety of sports outside of hockey.

We run spring and summer hockey programs for players aged 5-18 years old.

Skill Development

In many spring and summer programs/leagues, too much focus is placed on systems and playing the games and not enough on the critical player development. We believe in taking a balanced approach to skill development. The first portion of each Topshelf session consists of skill development drills run by experienced minor hockey coaches who focus on helping improve the players individual and team skills. We encourage the players to be creative, to try new things and to understand and learn from their mistakes. Trial and error is one of the most successful means in developing great hockey skills.

Pond Hockey

Pond hockey is an exciting non stop game of shinny style hockey. There are a number of different formats of pond hockey and Topshelf "AAA" Hockey will use any number of variations depending on the situation. Most pond hockey games are played in a 3 on 3 or 4 on 4 format with no face offs or stoppages in play. Depending on the situation, some basic hockey rules are ignored (off sides, icings etc) . All safety rules (tripping, checking etc) are strictly enforced . The kids are encouraged to be creative and focus on playing the game rather then playing a system.

For more information please email us at topshelfaaahockey@telus.net

In Memory of Michael Gee. Our friend, Our inspiration, Our hero. You will forever be in our hearts and on our team

Updated: 01/14/10