OUR PROGRAMS
Drop-in Stick 'n Puck (Instruction available): Beginners can practice using a hockey stick and puck on the ice, on their own or with an experienced instructor! Half the ice will be available for those wishing to practice independantly, with experienced instructors on the other end ready to provide on-ice demonstrations and guidance for those who want it. 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 session - you do not have to attend on a continued basis and is offered free of charge for students and members. Skates, helmets and limited sticks and provided free of charge (and required for participation), but participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment if possible. Organized games or practices are not permitted. Participants must be comfortable on skates (if not, check out our instructional Learn to Skate program instead!).
Drop-in Shinny: A casual, non-contact game of pick-up hockey, perfect for players of all skill levels looking to enjoy a fun and friendly game. Stick, helmet, and skates are required for play, and available for loan if needed (free of charge; limited sticks available). Groin and neck protection are recommended. Other equipment is not permitted. Come solo or with friends and get your game on! All levels are welcome, but participants must be able to skate comfortably!
Drop-in Hockey: A drop-in session for students and members of all abilities to enjoy an informal game of hockey. Full equipment is required for participation, more information on equipment needs listed below. Skates, sticks and helmets will not be available for rent during this hour.
Schedule & Important Information
Please note: All drop-in schedules are subject to change.
Fall 2025 - Varsity Centre Arena
September 2 to December 2
- Instructors will not be available during Stick n Puck on September 3 and 4.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
12:00pm-1:00pm Stick n Puck | ||||||
1:00pm-1:55pm Stick n Puck | 1:00pm-1:55pm Hockey | |||||
2:00pm-2:55pm Shinny | ||||||
4:00pm-4:50pm Hockey |
Upcoming Schedule Adjustments
Upcoming adjustments to this drop-in schedule will be listed below:
- No programming on October 13 due to Thanksgiving holiday closure
Location(s)
Varsity Centre Arena (299 Bloor St. W)
All of our arena programs are seasonal programs at Varsity Centre.
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
Stick n Puck and Shinny
- Skate rentals, CSA approved helmets, and limited sticks are available for loan (free of charge) and required for participation. Although participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment if possible. Groin and neck protection is recommended for drop-in Shinny. No other equipment is permitted.
- Skate sharpening (for personal skates) is available for a fee of $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. Pads must be worn under clothing. Mouth guard, hockey pants, and jock are strongly recommended.
- 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.
- Sharing of equipment between two players in the same session is not permitted. Each player must have their own equipment to ensure proper fit, protection, and hygiene.
- Skate sharpening is available for a fee of $5.00 + HST for UofT students and $8.00+HST for non-UofT students. Equipment rentals (skates, helmets, sticks) will not be available during drop-in hockey hours.
Rules/ Etiquette
Stick 'n Puck:
- 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
- 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
- No headphones on 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 is not allowed. This includes 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
- No headphones on ice
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. Pads must be worn under clothing. Mouth guard, hockey pants, and jock are strongly recommended.
- 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.
- Sharing of equipment between two players in the same session is not permitted. Each player must have their own equipment to ensure proper fit, protection, and hygiene.
- 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
- No headphones on ice
Please review the Varsity Centre Arena Rights and Responsibilities before participating in drop-in programs.