Hockey Articles

How Long Should Your Hockey Stick Be? 

Http://cuthockeysticks.com


What is the ADM?

"USA Hockey and the NHL have many of the same objectives and so a strong relationship is mutually beneficial," said Dave Ogrean, Executive Director of USA Hockey. "Our goal is to get more kids playing the game, particularly at the entry level, and then provide an environment through the American Development Model that is fun and helps kids reach their full potential. Ultimately, that results in more elite-level American players and also more fans of the game, both which are important to the NHL."

Perhaps the most important, the most influential and the most exciting advancement is just beginning to take hold: the NHL's partnership with USA Hockey, particularly the increased support and widespread implementation of the American Development Model (ADM), a new philosophy in age-appropriate athlete development that overturns the traditional model of training for one emphasizing early generalization and late-seeded specialization. In other words, ADM creates athletes first, hockey players second.

For more information:
nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=550169
http://www.admkids.com/mission.php
 

What is the Real Meaning of Winning?
 

The common notion in sports equates success with victory. This means scoring more points, runs, or goals than the opponent. Yet, in a youth sport model, the measure of success goes beyond records and standings. Success is a personal thing and is related to one’s own standards and abilities.
In terms of the educational benefits of sport, children can learn from both winning and losing. But for this to occur, winning must be placed in a healthy perspective. We have, therefore, developed a four-part philosophy of winning designed to maximize young athletes’ enjoyment of sport and their chances of receiving the positive outcomes of participation:

 

  • Winning isn’t everything, nor is it the only thing - Young athletes can’t possibly learn from winning and losing if they think the only objective is to beat their opponents. Does this mean that children should not try to win? Definitely not! As a form of competition, sport involves a contest between opposing individuals or teams. It would be naive and unrealistic to believe that winning is not an important goal in sports. But it is not the most important objective.
  • Failure is not the same thing as losing – Athletes should not view losing as a sign of failure or as a threat to their personal value. They should be taught that losing a game is not a reflection of their own self-worth.
  • Success is not equivalent to winning – Thus, neither success nor failure need depend on the outcome of a contest or on a win-loss record. Winning and losing apply to the outcome of a contest, whereas success and failure do not. How, then, can we define success in sports?
  • Athletes should be taught that success is found in striving for victory – The important idea is that success is related to commitment and effort! Athletes have complete control over the amount of effort they give, but they have only limited control over the outcome that is achieved. If we can impress on children that they are never “losers” if they commit themselves to doing their best and give maximum effort, we are giving them a priceless gift that will assist them in many of life’s tasks.·   Cheer for all the kids, not just your own

How to be a good hockey parent

  • Cheer for all of the players on the team, not just your own.
  • Support your coach; don’t undermine him in front of the players. If you have something to say to him, wait 24 hours, then discuss the issue in private.
  • Conduct yourself respectfully and responsibly.
  • Ask yourself, “Is my behavior embarrassing my kid? Are other people moving away from me? Are other people staring at me?”  Be a good role model for your child.
  • Give the referee a break. Hockey is a fast sport, and no one can see everything.
  • If you can’t keep your cool during a game, walk away, change seats, or leave the arena.
  • Learn to let things go and move on.
  • Get involved in all experiences offered by your program.  Your child will benefit from the social interaction with his teammates and other hockey players both on and off the ice.
  • “It’s important to keep perspective. They’re just kids; they want to play and they want you to be their number one fan. As long as they’re giving 100 percent, it doesn’t matter. Don’t browbeat them when they come off the ice. It’s about building their confidence, not tearing it down.”
  • Don't be a stopwatch parent - SOme parents want to stop and start their watch every time their child is on the ice.  Penalties and injuries may cause a coach to juggle lines and change things on the fly.” Often the parents who complain the loudest about their kids not playing enough are the ones whose children skip practices. “But kids develop in practice, where they’re constantly on the ice doing something. In a game, they’re only out there every third shift, and sometimes, they’re not even touching the puck. If you have a choice between attending the game or the practice, and you're truly there for the development of your child, attend the practice. 
  • Hockey is not a sport for the faint of heart parent or player.  “It’s demanding, it’s competitive and the financial and time commitments are huge. Some adults seem to want a return on this investment, and instead of realizing it comes in the form of learning life skills such as discipline, teamwork and respect, they push for goals, assists, and making the top team.” It’s normal for parents to become passionate about whatever their children do, says Scott, and most newbie hockey parents actually start out with pretty low expectations. “It’s all cute and fun until certain players show something special and others don’t advance as fast. Then, comparisons are made and parents get into trouble. Parents need to decide early what the purpose of enrolling their child in hockey is. Is it to make the NHL or to have fun and get some exercise?”
  • Drives to and from the rink are full of teachable moments but instead of doing a play by-play on the way home, hold your tongue.  Let your child initiate the conversation and try to avoid analyzing the game.  Let playing the game be their own passion.What defines a parent who has lost perspective is when it stops being a passion for the child.