The Initiation Program, one of the model programs developed by Hockey Canada, was designed to provide guidelines for local hockey associations that will assist in the implementation of beginner hockey programs.  Its basic aim is to teach the necessary basic skills of hockey in a systematic manner while at the same time being fun for all participants.

The development of the Initiation Program has brought about fundamental changes in the requirement for basic hockey instructors, coaches. The formalization of a program that emphasizes the teaching of basic hockey skills for beginners, lessons the need to develop coaching skills at that level and underlines the need to train volunteers to be able to effectively teach youngsters.

The rationale for the development of this program has as its basis the perceived needs of the volunteers involved with beginners programs for some structure, standardization and usable practical guidelines for the instruction of the basic skills of hockey. The continual improvement of the quality of education and training for hockey is essential and therefore a fundamental reason why the program has been developed.