News

Success in hockey requires a heavy emphasis on team. At the younger age groups, at least two lines and sometimes three are required depending on the pace and length of the game.  As the age of the players and the speed of the game increases, teams need three or even four lines of players to…

Every year at this time we look around and are literally amazed at how much improvement some players have made since the beginning of last season.  And I am not talking about development that they have made to their skating or puck handling skills, although that is definitely a part of it.  Rapid improvement in…

PLAYING UP A LEVEL – RIGHT OR WRONG? By 200×85/Kevin Mann and Mike McPartlin (Head Master Bridgedale Academy) We have all heard the reasons – good and bad… My child is not challenged. My child is getting bored playing with the same kids and age level. He will only get better surrounded by older players.…

Updated by 200×85 to be applicable to Hockey from the original article by Chuck Struhar. Scholastic Coach and Athletic Director, May/June 2001, Vol. 70. No. 10, pp. 28-29. I know, I know…you played the sport in high school junior or college, took the USAH CEP course, attended a clinic, and you are now ready to…

With Team Tryouts fast approaching we hope all clubs will run a thorough and fair selection process. This can be a time of happiness or complete disappointment for families. There is stress, pressure and even politics with some unsavory clubs. Will mistakes be made? Only time will tell – but if a process is in…

There are leaders… …and then there are those who lead. Ask any player/coach and they’ll tell you being named captain of their team isn’t something to be taken lightly.  Where in the past a player was more about motivating him/herself and preparing themselves for a game – now they have a full team to consider.…