I thought it would be a good idea to start the conversation by taking a deep, honest look at what hockey has become at the youth levels. Not every player will fit into each box perfectly, but wiggle room is ok.
What does today’s youth hockey player strive for above all else?
Myth #1: Kids need elite, platinum elite, super platinum diamond elite hockey
Kids don’t just play anymore. They have to travel and seek out the best. The neighbourhood kid is just too big of a plug to play against and is a waste of time.
My advice: Just play and play a lot. Play against bigger, faster, younger, older, slower, more skilled, less experienced, girls, boys, and so on. The game is the greatest teacher and coach of all-time. Every game at every level has lessons to be learned. Skills to be practiced. Situations to be experienced and played out. Roles to be perfected. Systems and concepts to be applied. Fun to be had! Imagine that?
Myth #2: It’s important and normal to rush to the next level
Parents are convinced their player needs to play AAA by age 12 or their hockey career is over. And most clubs/organizations have no problem reinforcing that unicorn myth.
Just play. Stop stressing and worrying about levels, letters, and expensive perfect parity . . . SEE MORE OF THE COACHES SITE Join The Coaches Site to access the latest drills, tactics & leadership lessons from hockey's top coaches. Already a member? Login
