welcome to hockey 4 beginners
The aim of this program is to ensure a positive and fun experience for players in their first years of hockey. Our program is based on guidelines and recommendations presented by Hockey Canada.
introduction
The first years of hockey need to be a positive experience. A fun and exciting start gives young players the opportunity to enjoy hockey for life!
If a beginner has fun, develops basic skills and builds confidence, there is a better chance they will enjoy themselves. But if the early experience is unrewarding, they may never discover all Canada’s game has to offer.
Beginner hockey should be delivered through a progressive, learn-to-play teaching curriculum. Children learn best through practice drills and skill sessions, as well as informal games like shinny, freeze tag and obstacle courses.
The skills of skating, puck control, passing and shooting are introduced and refined one step at a time. The focus should always be on fun and skill development, but the early years of hockey should also allow youngsters to experience fitness, fair play and cooperation.
fundamental skill development
Benefits of Cross-Ice Hockey
There can be concerns from parents about how small-area games may impact their child’s hockey development, but parents should trust Hockey Canada and its research. Putting young players into a competitive environment too early will compromise their development; they need to be placed into competitive situations that suit their age-specific abilities. This is why Hockey Canada’s Long-Term Player Development Model is so important.
Dividing the playing surface is a decision that has been made in consultation with experts in athlete development. It is important to understand the benefits of cross-ice hockey and why Hockey Canada has a national policy ensuring all beginner hockey is played in smaller, modified spaces.
There are several advantages to the smaller-surface games model:
