Drop-In Hockey & Stick 'n Puck

OUR PROGRAMS

Stick 'n Puck: Beginners can practice using a hockey stick and puck on the ice. Limited sticks are provided. Organized games or practices will not be permitted.

Drop-in Hockey:  A drop-in session for students and members of all abilities to enjoy an informal game of hockey. Please be aware of what equipment is required - it is listed below. 

New programs

Drop-in Instructed Stick 'n Puck: Are you comfortable on skates but new to handling a hockey stick on the ice?  Join our Instructed Stick 'n Puck sessions designed specifically for beginners! Our experienced instructor will provide on-ice demonstrations and guidance to help you master fundamental hockey techniques and skills. Whether you're new to hockey or just wanting to refine your basic techniques this program offers a supportive environment to practice and improve. This is a drop in instructional session - you do not have to attend on a continued basis and is offered free of charge for students and members. 

Shinny: Want to participate in hockey but don't have the equipment? Join us for Shinny? All levels are welcome, but participants must be able to skate! Equipment guidelines are listed below.

All of our arena programs are seasonal programs at Varsity Centre. 

Schedule & Important Information

This program will return september 2025

*WO: Women-Only

MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
       
       
       
       
Upcoming Schedule Adjustments

Upcoming adjustments to this drop-in schedule will be listed below:

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Please note that drop-In schedules are subject to change. Check the program page via links below for the latest daily schedule.

Location(s)

Varsity Centre Arena (299 Bloor St. W)

Eligibility

Students: Current students paying incidental fees can access this programming at no additional cost. 

Members: Anyone with an active Sport & Rec Membership can access this programming at no additional cost. 

Equipment/ What To Wear
  • Skate rentals and helmets are available for loan during Stick 'n Puck times for a fee of $3.00 +HST for U of T students and $5.00 +HST for non-U of T Students. Skate sharpening is available for a fee $5.00 + HST for UofT students and $8.00+HST for non-UofT students. 
  • Participants are asked to wear comfortable athletic attire while joining in drop-in activities
  • Drop-in Hockey: Full Equipment (gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin pads, hockey pants) under hockey socks and jersey; including CSA approved helmet and full face mask is required
  • Stick 'n Puck: Participants must wear a CSA approved helmet and bring their own stick
  • Drop-in Shinny: hockey skates, helmet, hockey stick. Recommended: groin and neck protection. No other equipment is allowed on the ice during shinny.
Rules/ Etiquette

Stick 'n Puck:

  • Participants must stay clear of the ice until the Zamboni doors are closed
  • Participants must clear the ice at the end of scheduled time or as directed by arena monitor
  • No food, drinks, or gum on the ice
  • Pick-up games are not permitted
  • No slap shots on the boards or the nets and the puck must remain on the ice at all times
  • Hockey stick blade should not leave the ice surface
  • Body checking or engaging in aggressive play is not permitted

Drop-in Hockey:

  • Full Equipment, including CSA approved helmet and full face mask is required (helmet, face mask, hockey gloves, elbow pads and shin pads)
  • Sharing of equipment between two players in the same game is not permitted. Pads are to be worn under clothing. A mouth guard, pants and a jock are strongly recommend
  • Goalies should be protected with proper fitting equipment. Goalies must wear a C.S.A. approved helmet, throat protector, and mask, gloves, gut pad, arm and shoulder pads and leg pads
  • A player must play the puck and not another player. Deliberate body checking shall not be allowed. This shall include boarding, charging, elbowing, punching, and interference in front of the goal
  • Players are not permitted to use a slapshot
  • Participants must stay clear of the ice until the Zamboni doors are closed
  • Participants must clear the ice at the end of scheduled time or as directed by arena monitor
  • No food, drinks, or gum on the ice

Drop-in Shinny:

  • Equipment required: hockey skates, helmet, hockey stick. Recommended: groin and neck protection. No other equipment is allowed on the ice during shinny.
  • A player must play the puck and not another player. Body contact shall not be allowed. This shall include boarding, charging, elbowing, punching, and interference in front of the goal.
  • No goalies during Shinny
  • Foam pucks and small nets will be used during this time
  • Players are not permitted to use a slapshot.
  • Participants must stay clear of the ice until the Zamboni doors are closed.
  • Participants must clear the ice at the end of scheduled time or as directed by arena monitor.
  • No food, drinks, or gum on the ice.

Please review the Varsity Centre Arena Rights and Responsibilities before participating in drop-in programs.