From the coaches and Board members of the GHA, we are thrilled to welcome you to the upcoming hockey season.  This letter is to introduce the coaches, our philosophies and approach to the game.  This should provide a framework to guide expectations on the team and individual development.  At the simplest, hockey should be fun for all involved.

 

Kids play sports to have fun and playing with friends adds to the enjoyment. Team sports like ice hockey, provide kids with the physical activity and challenges that they enjoy and a ready-made group of new friends to play with.  We will strive to develop a team atmosphere, playing together and working towards a common goal.  Development of the individual hockey player can and will occur simultaneous with team development.

 

While competition is a big part of youth sport, what competition means to adults and to kids isn’t always the same. At 12U, coaches and parents need to keep kids focused on process over outcomes. It is the effort and striving that teaches the real lessons. At 12U, the focus should still be on long-term player development and building confidence. Shortening the bench does not accomplish either goal, so providing equal playing time should be paramount.

 

Players at this age aren’t pro athletes. These are kids (families) who are paying to play. How do kids improve if they are not playing? Teams are generally only as strong as their weakest players, so increasing every player's ability will improve long-term player development and help improve the team's overall performance during the season.

It's imperative that youth coaches communicate their (equal) playing-time philosophy with parents and players at the beginning of the season, and reinforce it throughout. Coaches and parents should put development ahead of short-term winning in youth hockey games. Remember, these games are for the player’s development, not for the adult’s satisfaction.

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In the end, youth sports are about having fun, teaching healthy life skills, instilling a strong work ethic and helping players reach their full genetic athletic potential. This requires opportunities to practice and compete in a healthy and supportive environment. It's the job of the coach to prepare every player for game-time scenarios. Players do not rise to the occasion; they fall to the level of their training. So make sure every player gets a high level of training and equal playing time.

 

GHA is part of USA Hockey and each team will have all coaches certified for that age level.  All players must be members of USA Hockey in order to practice or play games.  We will follow the USA Hockey ADM model. Improving Agility, Balance and Coordination (ABC) among all youth hockey players is a main goal for the American Development Model. Extensive information regarding the ADM, and its success, can be found at the USA Hockey website.

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​​​EXPECTATION OF COACHES: 

​The primary goal of our coaches is to help players create positive experiences on and off the ice. We want all players to learn to strive to play to the best of their abilities. We will emphasize sportsmanship in all aspects of the game – courtesy, respect and effort will be expected of all coaches, players and parents.  This is expected in all practices, games and any situation in which the GHA is represented.  Coaches coach, players play, referees ref and parents cheer.

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Coaches will be positive role models for the children both on and off the ice. They will treat all players regardless of skill level as equals. Ice time will be distributed evenly to all players given the child attends practice regularly.  Coaches will focus on developing all players and recognize that all children develop at different rates.  They will follow the belief of team first, individual second. They will make hockey fun for all!

 

PLAYER & PARENT EXPECTATIONS: 
Ice time is limited.  We expect that players and coaches are punctual and ready to practice on time. During practice we will focus on skating, passing, shooting and positioning. We will often share the ice during practice with other teams.

 

Advanced players will be expected to assist others for the benefit of the team.    Beginning players will give their best effort at all times to improve. Prior to 13 years of age, all USA Hockey players compete under body-contact rules, but it's important to understand that no-check hockey doesn’t mean no contact.

 

Playing time in games will be divided equally among all players present given that the child attends practice on a regular basis. If your child is ill and will not be able to attend practice, please inform the coaching staff.  We will practice twice a week and have many weekend games. Travel to tournaments will include many weekends throughout the season.  Commitment to travel games in advance is required for team planning.

 

In some tournament situations, we will be in very tight games. During the last minutes of the game, the coaches have full discretion on playing time. Coaches may play the strongest/more experienced players in the final moments of tight games.

 

We require that parental concerns allow 24 hours of thought prior to bringing issues to the coaches. If the coach is unable to resolve the issue to your satisfaction, please contact the GHA board. Major penalties and misconduct on and off the ice will be addressed by coaches and, if necessary, the GHA Board.

 

We hope you find this information useful as we all get ready for the greatest of seasons – Hockey season.   It should be fun and exciting for us all.