Author: shaunearl

When it comes to youth hockey, parents and coaches should be re-evaluating their priorities to focus on development over competing. Despite hockey development models not introducing the train-to-win phase until U18 levels, many parents and coaches are prioritizing winning at the U7 levels. This can be a detrimental practice, as it often takes away from the development of the players and can lead to serious issues such as burnout and a lack of motivation.

The idea of hazing, or rookie hazing, has been an ever-present part of junior hockey since its inception. It was traditionally used to instill fear in the team’s newcomers and often resulted in resentment among players. However, in recent years, coaches have been steering away from this old-school approach and replacing it with a more welcoming introduction for rookies. Instead of hazing, team captains now help rookies with their luggage and equipment, setting a friendly and supportive tone for the season ahead. In this blog post, we’ll explore the evolution of junior hockey teammate introductions from fear to friendship.

As coaches, it is easy to focus solely on the performance of our top players, believing that their high energy levels will result in success. However, this could be a dangerous mistake if not done with caution, as it can create negative energy among the rest of the team. Neglecting the other players on the team can lead to a lack of team unity, and ultimately, a decrease in performance. In this blog post, we will discuss the dangers of focusing solely on the top players in a sports team.

Youth hockey is at a crossroads. The traditional approach to bench management creates a toxic atmosphere of yelling at coaches towards referees, and players. It’s time for hockey leadership to redefine the way it interacts with teams and the sport itself. This means moving away from the shouting matches that have become a hallmark of the game and instead fostering an environment of constructive bench management. Through a collaborative approach between coaches, players, and referees, hockey leadership can create a better experience for all involved in the sport.