Squirts Program Changes 2015-16

Squirts Program Changes - 2015-16

Hockey Manitoba has passed a motion that all games and practices at the SQUIRTS (Initiation) Level shall use modified ice surfaces consisting of cross-ice sections as of 2015-16 season. 
While many other sport organizations have modified their games to focus on ensuring that all young players are having fun and developing basic skills, hockey is one of the last sports to follow suit. It is important for the Long Term Athlete Development Framework that our sport joins the motion of developing fundamental skills and physical literacy before gearing towards competition. Though competition is neither good nor bad, it is important for the players to learn athleticism and sportsmanship before being rushed beyond their maturation and skill set. In an effort to embrace these concepts Hockey Manitoba has moved forward with the following motion applicable to the Initiation Program for the 2015-16 season.


RATIONALE FOR CHANGE:

Long term player development research shows us that reducing the size of the playing surface offers more opportunity for skill development and greater participation from all players. More decisions, quicker reactions, finding open space, reading pressure, offensive/defensive body position, puck pressure, containment, etc... all of which equals an improved hockey sense. More puck touches, more passes, more shots, and more fun...all of which helps with player retention.
We encourage our membership to embrace these new changes and assist in making this new change positive for the players and coaches moving forward.

Chris McColm – VP Hockey Operations