Do you know HOW TO DEVELOP HOCKEY PLAYERS from 12-14 years old?

[@BenBreeg1138]

Loving these discussions, keep it up!

[@tcarlaw]

I've enjoyed listening to your podcasts, and wonder about kids 12-14 playing contact hockey and risking head injuries while players are at such different levels of physical development. The attrition from kids who mature later, and the idea of parents cheering hits from the stands seems like more of a downside. I'm actually thankful I played other sports than hockey and enjoyed high school sports before the jump to higher levels at university where the athleticism of players was just higher. Those top athletes just stand out, but motivate their peers. You look at junior hockey with kids struggling to act like adults where if they aren't those top talents get the message that the road to success is being more physical and the game just gets more dangerous for everyone. In boxing you would never see a coach put someone with poor skills up a weight class against a top prospect or even the reverse but we have overage players who have been drafted by the NHL playing junior hockey..it makes far more sense to have under 17 and under 21 along with college and university hockey. If every rink had a hockey club that competed locally with teams being promoted and relegated based on results like happens in Europe in soccer and other sports communities would invest in players and players would invest in communities. 12-year-old kids and parents should not be worried about junior hockey as bantams. If you go to high-school.l and you are one of the best athletes that is the time for a player to take personal reaponsibility. Before that the emphasis should be on making friends and having fun.

[@meaomeao]

Thoughts on full ice vs half ice development at U9? We have a player that has experience in Spring Hockey AAA full ice, but when he goes back to the league they are playing half ice. We endured this for half a year, and they will be advancing to full ice again in Jan 2024. However, in Sept 2024 they will regress back into half ice again... the player is thinking about moving to another league that will play full ice in Sept 2024. Please kindly advise. THANKS!

[@rileykenny3139]

Happens all the time . I know a hand full of kids tht have done this . The problem with some of these outlaw leagues is they’re not the greatest skill level . Plus a lot more travel .

[@detailddevill8300]

Classic example Cale Makar 🔥