COMPETITIVE DEVELOPMENT STREAM (CDS)North York Knights
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 optional extension of House League, available to registered HL players from 6-8 years old on a tryout basis. CDS is designed for players who are passionate about hockey and eager to take their skills to the next level. Players in the CDS program develop faster as they participate in one or two additional practices per week and play approximately one weekly development game (20-22 games per season). The level of skill and competition is higher, as the North York Knights CDS teams play against CDS teams from neighbouring hockey associations including: Leaside, North Toronto, Scarborough, Forest Hill, Ted Reeves, and others. Unique for players this age, is the opportunity to participate in tournaments or festivals throughout the season. If your child is interested in graduating to Select teams or the GTHL (Greater Toronto Hockey League) in the future, CDS provides the platform for this advancement.
Information on the OHF Player Development Model and the game play structure are discussed here: OHF Seasonal Structure. Information on the GTHL Initiation Program and the benefits of modified ice hockey are described here: GTHL Initiation Program.
CDS is a Competitive Development Stream for hockey players aged between 5 and 9 years old. The Select program now starts at the U10 grouping for players. U9 and younger instead participate in the CDS program which was developed by four neighbouring hockey associations (Forest Hill, Leaside, North Toronto and North York Knights) with the goal of providing players and their families a more consistent, time-efficient hockey schedule primarily at local rinks in our communities. The CDS program is sanctioned by the GTHL.
In order to try out for a CDS team you must first register your child for House League program and be approved as a participant (i.e. not on a wait list). Once approved, you are automatically eligible for evaluations/tryouts. Tryouts for the teams occur in September.
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 CDS game or two (20-22 games per season). Additionally, CDS teams may participate in 1-3 tournaments or festivals per season.
Rosters consist of 18 players. For games, teams will be split into 2 squads of 8 skaters plus one goalie per side. Games will be played 4-on-4. In early January, U9 players will switch to playing from half-ice to full-ice playing 5-on-5 with goalies.
The number of teams is determined by the number of players interested in CDS. The Knights will have at minimum 1 team in each age group U6/U7, U8, and U9. If there is demand for more teams, the Knights will work to find coaches to roster additional teams. In the past, the North York Knights have formed up to 3 teams in each age group.
Goalies will rotate in the U6/U7 division and may be designated in the U8 and U9 age group. If your child would like to try out as a goalie, please contact the coach.
In addition to House League fees, participation costs for the CDS program are in the $1,300 – $2,000 range per player (not including personal equipment) depending on team budgets.
Included in the player fees are the CDS administrative fees, a weekly practice, CDS games (referee and timekeeper), home/away jerseys, names on jerseys, and tournament and/or festival costs.
Typically, the U9 team(s) move into GTHL and join the North York Knights GHTL as the A or AA team(s). In some cases players choose to continue with House League and will participate in the Select program.
Teams are tiered according to skill level to ensure a fun and competitive team play. Tiering of teams is done at the beginning of the season and closely monitored and adjusted to ensure a competitive balance. At midseason teams are re-evaluated and adjusted before the Winter term to keep the games competitive. Tiering of teams can be found here: CDS Tiering
The North York Knights organization is only able to function because of volunteers. If you are interested in being a coach, manager, coordinator, convenor, or practice instructor, do reach out to nykcds@gmail.com. Volunteers make this organization great!
