Entering it’s sixth season, the SSHD AAA Hockey Club has established itself as the finest spring hockey development program in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. The club hosts Elite and AAA teams for male and female athletes from U7 to U15, which will include some of the very best players from across Eastern Ontario. The program features exclusively professional non-parent head coaches and fully integrated development which includes league play, tournament play, advanced individual skill sessions run by professional instructors, and off-ice training from the region’s leaders in each domain.


The Ottawa Senators Hockey Programs are proud to announce the return of the Senators Spring AAA Hockey Development Program for the 2024 season; featuring weekly skill development, team practices, free flowing league games (at some divisions), and the very best run spring tournaments available in our region. Elite & Black level teams may participate in additional tournaments at the discretion of the club; please consult schedule and features below.


If you are serious about using the spring to give your player the best possible development boost, and they are considered to be one of the most focused, coachable, and hard-working players on their team, then we have a great opportunity for them and your family.

The Senators Spring AAA Hockey Development Program is the perfect answer to provide players with additional skill development, fun, and the competitive-minded push they need before they head into an off-season of other activities. The SSHD AAA program focuses first and foremost on advanced skill development, lead by our professional full-time coaches from the Ottawa Senators Hockey Programs, along with a combination of traditional gameplay through local and out of town tournaments (team dependent) and non-traditional league games through the Ottawa Senators Spring Youth Leagues (4 on 4 & 3 on 3) at some age levels. This is a development program for serious athletes only, and while a key part of our club philosophy is to push players to their limits during development, it is also to focus on each athlete loving their experience. Our coaches strive to ensure a fun but extremely challenging environment. Off-ice development is equally important and all SSHD AAA club members will be exposed to an educative and focused program delivered by Fitquest Inc’s professional strength and conditioning coaches. At the U13 level and above, black and elite teams will receive additional training sessions (in place of additional 4-on-4 game play) along with guidance on what they can and should be doing on their own for off-season training to ensure they are positioned for maximum success next season.

Coaching staff will be led by professional full-time coaches and skill instructors, including SSHD AAA Head of Hockey Operations Jake Bullen, Club Head Coach Marcus Quinlin, Coach & Player Development Specialist Tyler Druce, Lead Goaltending Consultant Dave Stathos, Club Director Andy Bryan, and more. Click here to see bios of key club staff and the list of Team Head Coaches by level.

2024 SSHD AAA Roster Announcements: Individual player status notifications will be sent out by e-mail, while full team rosters will be announced once finalized via private postings to TeamSnap, the official program management and communication tool of the SSHD AAA Hockey Club.

Team Head Coach & Assistant Coach Applications
Applications are now being accepted for those looking to join our team as Head Coaches during the 2024 season. Similarly, we welcome expressions of interest from those looking to gain experience working with a professional development organization by contributing in an assistant’s role. Email Club Director, Andy Bryan, and Head of Hockey Operations, Jake Bullen, to express interest.

The Ottawa Senators Spring Hockey Development Program is only accepting applications from competitive players capable of playing at a Spring AAA level. Players are not permitted to apply to a specific team within a level, and no withdrawals are permitted.

Program Features by Level

Levels*Registration Links (Click to Register)Minimum
Practice & Skill Dev. Ice
# of Fitquest SessionsMinimum Game Play* # of Classroom SessionsSpring 3v3 & 4v4 Youth League
U7 (2017)Registration Now Closed15 hours614210-11 hours
U8 (2016)Registration Now Closed20 hours614210-11 hours
U9 (2015)Registration Now Closed20 hours614210-11 hours
U10 (2014)Registration Now Closed20 hours1014210-11 hours
U11 (2013)Registration Now Closed20 hours1014210-11 hours
U12 (2012)Registration Now Closed20 hours1014210-11 hours
U13 (2011)Registration Now Closed20 hours10 14210-11 hours (Excluding Black/Gold)
U14 (2010)Registration Now Closed20 hours16142N/A
U15 (2009)SKATER
GOALIE
20 hours16142N/A
*Gameplay will feature a combination of either Spring AAA Tournaments hosted at the Sensplex Facilities, and/or out of town tournaments for select teams.

** Players will be assigned to Red/White, or Elite Black and Gold teams at the discretion of the club based on evaluations. Exact timing will vary by age level and will depend on the overall calibre and volume of players applied.


ATTENTION GOALIES! Senators Spring AAA Hockey Development goaltenders will be coached by former professional goaltender Dave Stathos and other elite coaches from the Dave Stathos Goalie Performance Center team, delivering unmatched value with the best possible development opportunity for those goalies who select and then qualify for our program!

Eligibility – Is this program right for your athlete?

The Senators Spring AAA Hockey Development Club is exclusively for those players and parents who are serious about their development. Our players are expected to be some of the most hard-working, focused, disciplined, and coachable in youth hockey. Players must be capable of playing at a competitive spring hockey level and of being pushed to perform to the best of their abilities in all games and practices. All players must also have a proven track record of being good teammates, and being respectful to coaches, officials, and the opposition. Our goal is to have highly competitive teams at each level with all club members being good players and good people. Players who have had discipline or behavioural issues with their minor hockey coaches are asked to refrain from applying to the SSHD program. Parents are expected to be positive influences who fully support all players and coaches in their development-first, team-first approach. At all times, players, coaches and parents must represent the Senators organization with class and pride.

Commitment Required (Effective 2024 Season)

The SSHD AAA Hockey Club recognizes that the nature of spring hockey can mean players have conflicts with other spring / summer activities (competitive soccer, baseball, etc..). Missing a development session is not recommended, however is acceptable when conflicts are unavoidable. However, ALL players are expected to attend ALL “Team Sessions”, games, and tournaments. Any exception to this may only be permitted with the express permission of the Team Head Coach, or Club Management well in advance of the conflict date. Missing SSHD AAA activities for other spring hockey programs is NOT permitted.

Please note that due to immense interest in the SSHD AAA program and the high number of players being evaluated, only players who are currently playing competitive hockey should apply for our 2009 to 2014 teams (U10 and above). Top Tier House (Tier I Competitive + Tier II House A) players may apply to our 2015 through 2017 teams (Pre-Novice & Novice U7-U9).

2024 Evaluation Process:

Based on the success of the 2023 season and increasing demand from players who wish to become part of the SSHD AAA club, evaluations are taking place early once again through a combination of methods which are designed to NOT take away from existing minor hockey commitments which should remain your top priority. This is to allow for an extended recruitment period and for players to be informed of their status as soon as possible for planning purposes. Players will be confirmed or released from teams as soon as an adequate evaluation has taken place. As a result, players should register immediately to begin the evaluation process. Only those players deemed to be capable of playing at a competitive Spring AAA level and are a good fit to represent our brand, will be selected. This means that spots will remain available until a full roster has been set. There is no expected timeline for this process to be complete and it will vary by age level (i.e. teams rosters could be announced as “complete” at any time).

IMPORTANT SSHD EVALUATION NOTE: To ensure SSHD evaluators have the ability to accurately assess all registered players, each evaluation session taking place during the minor hockey season will often include players from multiple age groups and a very wide range of abilities. These sessions may include those who will not ultimately be accepted to the program as well as players who will play on our Division 1 Elite teams, and everything in between. As a result, no conclusions should be drawn about the overall caliber of player applied to the SSHD AAA hockey club. To reiterate, only those players deemed capable of playing at a competitive spring level will be accepted.

Evaluations will continue until all teams are formed. Players are NOT expected or encouraged to miss their regular sanctioned team activities. We believe your Hockey Canada team comes first. Conflicts should be communicated to club staff (e-mail: [email protected]) who will work to find alternative evaluation times as they deem necessary. In some cases, player evaluations will be arranged with SSHD club staff where conflicts exist. ALL players must submit their registration (application) now in order to be considered and evaluated. Once a player is registered, club staff will work with parents to ensure each player is adequately evaluated for a decision to be made.

**Age levels with more than one team will see players separate by evaluated abilities (Red, Black, Gold) at the sole discretion of club staff to ensure the best possible development experience for all involved.**

Full-Season Cost Breakdown:

Age GroupAnticipated Team Level Offered Initial Deposit
(Upon Registration)
Installment #1
(April 1)
Installment #2
(May 1)
Installment #3
(June 1)
TotalAdded Surcharge- Team Black/Gold
(Applied May 15)
U7 (2017)Red$390$399$399$397$1,585N/A
U8 (2016)Red$390$399$399$397$1,585N/A
U9 (2015)Red + Black$390$399$399$397$1,585N/A
U10 (2014)Red + Black$390$449$449$447$1,735$250
U11 (2013)Red $390$449$449$447$1,735N/A
U12 (2012)Red + Black$390$449$449$447$1,735N/A
U13 (2011)Black + Gold$390$449$449$447$1,735$250 or $295
U14 (2010)Black + Gold$390$449$449$447$1,735$250 or $295
U15 (2009)Black$390$449$449$447$1,735$250
If selected to a team attending an out of town tournament, an additional surcharge of $250 (Team Black) or $295 (Team Gold) will be applied to registrations on June 15, 2024. 

Program Deposit/Evaluation Fee

A $90 evaluation/application fee is included in initial deposit amount above. The full amount is non-refundable should your player be selected for the SSHD AAA program. If they are not selected, the FULL amount (less the evaluation fee) is refundable or may be placed as a credit on file towards another Ottawa Senators Hockey Program (Weekly Skills, Camps, Youth Leagues, and more). Evaluation fees cover costs of evaluators, ice time, jerseys, travel and more and are not tied to a minimum number of evaluation sessions. All players share evenly in evaluation costs of the club regardless of the amount of evaluation they may require.

SSHD AAA Jerseys & Shells

All teams will wear the Red (away) and White (home), other than the our Black teams who will wear Black as their away uniform.

Pro Quality Jerseys & Shells

SSHD AAA Team Gear

Each and every aspect of the SSHD AAA program is professional quality, and the apparel and other team gear that each player, parent, or fan has access to is no exception. Full details and convenient ordering will be available through our partners at Gadar Promotions by visiting the online store, which will be live in the New Year.

SSHD AAA Skill Development Dates:

Senators Spring AAA Hockey Development Teams will practice weekday evenings and on every non-tournament or holiday. Most weekday development sessions, off-ice training and activities, and classroom sessions will take place at the Bell Sensplex (West Ottawa) or online for maximum convenience, with sessions at some levels taking place at the Cavanagh Sensplex or Richcraft Sensplex (East Ottawa). Please note, the Monday at 12 a.m. dates listed in the registration are simply placeholders until the full schedule is released via Team Snap.

Weekly team development sessions will run for ten to twelve consecutive weeks from the first week of April through Mid-to-late June. Up to six additional weekend ice-times will be released with the team schedule and can take place at any of our three state-of-the-art facilities; the Bell Sensplex (West Ottawa), Richcraft Sensplex (East Ottawa) or Cavanagh Sensplex (Kinburn). Dates may be adjusted for those elite teams will players attending minor hockey provincial championships (e.g. U13 OHF, or 2006-09 OWHA) or to accommodate extended minor hockey league or playoffs.

SSHD AAA Spring Weekday Practice Dates (TENTATIVE)

MONDAYS- Apr 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24

  • 5:15pm-6:15pm- Goalies Only Session (2014 Red, 2014 Black, 2011 Gold, 2011 Black, 2016, 2017, 2015 Red, 2015 Black)
  • 6:15pm-7:15pm- 2014 Red & Black
  • 7:15pm-9:15pm- 2011 Gold & Black

TUESDAYS- Apr 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28, Jun 4, 11, 18

  • 5:15pm-6:15pm- Goalie Only Session (2013 Red, 2012 Red, 2012 Black, 2009, 2010 Black, 2010 Gold)
  • 6:15pm-7:15pm- 2013
  • 7:15pm-8:15pm- 2012 Red & Black
  • 8:15pm-9:15pm- 2009

WEDNESDAYS- Apr 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Jun 5, 12, 19

  • 5:15pm-6:15pm- 2016 & 2017
  • 6:15pm-7:15pm- 2015 Red & Black
  • 7:15pm-9:15pm- 2010 Gold & Black

*Monday May 20th will feature afternoon practice times for specific teams. Please refer to TeamSnap to see if your team is scheduled to practice on this day.

SSHD AAA Spring Competitive / Advanced Youth League Dates:

Youth League dates will be posted early in 2024.

SSHD AAA Tentative Tournament Schedule / Full Team AAA League Dates

The tournaments listed below are tentative and are subject to change at the soul discretion of the SSHD AAA Club.

U7 (2017) Red

Tournament/DateTournament/DateTournament/Date
Capital Spring Classic ll (Apr 26-28)Capital Victoria Day Classic (May 18-20)Sens Spring Cup lll (May 31-June 2)

U8 (2016) Red

Tournament/DateTournament/DateTournament/Date
Capital Spring Classic ll (Apr 26-28)Capital Victoria Day Classic (May 18-20)Sens Spring Cup lll (May 31-June 2)

U9 (2015) Red

Tournament/DateTournament/DateTournament/Date
Capital Spring Classic ll (Apr 26-28)Sens Spring Cup l (May 10-12)Capital Victoria Day Classic (May 18-20)

U9 (2015) Black

Tournament/DateTournament/DateTournament/Date
Capital Spring Classic ll (Apr 26-28)Sens Spring Cup l (May 10-12)Victoria Day Classic (May 18-20)

U10 (2014) Red

Tournament/DateTournament/DateTournament/Date
Capital Spring Classic ll (Apr 26-28)Capital Victoria Day Classic (May 18-20)Sens Spring Cup ll (May 24-26)

U10 (2014) Black

Tournament/DateTournament/DateTournament/Date
Capital Spring Classic ll (Apr 26-28)CCM Super Challenge- Laval QC (May 10-12)Sens Spring Cup ll (May 24-26)

U11 (2013) Red

Tournament/DateTournament/DateTournament/Date
Capital Spring Classic l (Apr 19-21)Sens Spring Cup l (May 10-12)Capital Victoria Day Classic (May 18-20)

U12 (2012) Red

Tournament/DateTournament/DateTournament/Date
Capital Spring Classic l (Apr 19-21)Capital Victoria Day Classic (May 18-20)Sens Spring Cup ll (May 24-26)

U12 (2012) Black

Tournament/DateTournament/DateTournament/Date
Capital Spring Classic l (Apr 19-21)Riot Cup ll (May 10-12)Sens Spring Cup ll (May 24-26)

U13 (2011) Black

Tournament/DateTournament/DateTournament/Date
Capital Spring Classic l (Apr 19-21)Sens Spring Cup l (May 10-12)CCM Super Challenge- Laval QC (May 17-20)

U13 (2011) Gold

Tournament/DateTournament/DateTournament/DateTournament/Date
Riot Cup l (May 3-5)Showdown in the Six- Toronto (May 24-26)CCM Super Challenge- Laval QC (May 31-June 2)SSHD AAA Invitational (June 14-16)

U14 (2010) Black

Tournament/DateTournament/DateTournament/Date
Capital Spring Classic l (Apr 19-21)Riot Cup ll (May 10-12)Sens Spring Cup ll (May 24-26)

U14 (2010) Gold

Tournament/DateTournament/DateTournament/DateTournament/Date
Riot Cup ll (May 10-12)Showdown in the Six- Toronto (May 24-26)CCM Super Challenge- Laval QC (May 31-JuneSSHD AAA Invitational (June 14-16)

U15 (2009) Black

Tournament/DateTournament/DateTournament/Date
Riot Cup l (May 3-5)Sens Spring Cup l (May 10-12)CCM Super Challenge- Laval QC (May 17-20)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Senators Spring AAA Hockey Development Program is the best spring hockey program in the city. Don’t just take it from us, click here to see what our past players had to say!

Please call 613 599 0222 or email [email protected] for additional information.

Refund Policy: Read our Refund & Cancellation Policy.

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