By / Anne Marie Lafave, Coordinator,
Hockey Development, Hockey Canada
Hockey Canada, the governing body for ice hockey in Canada is considered a world leader in youth hockey development resources. The Hockey Canada Skills Manuals are a great example of exemplary resources used throughout the hockey world. These manuals a user-friendly teaching curriculum designed in a way to introduce skill teaching in a sequential manner based on the skill level of the players being coached. The manuals are meant to be a guide for coaches allowing flexibility to make adjustments to meet the needs of their players and team.
Each manual comes complete with 24 lesson plans, each lesson with specific goals and objectives. All drills are well illustrated and carefully detailed to assist the coach in understanding the concepts for proper execution. The skills manuals are available in eight editions: Initiation, Novice, Atom, Peewee, Bantam, Midget, Goaltender, and Half Ice.
Another great resource for coaches is the “Team Canada Skills of Gold” DVD set. This set of eight DVD’s breaks down the primary skills for coaches and players in a clear and easy to follow format. The series is designed to enhance the skills of hockey players of all ages and skill levels. The series features over six hours of educational footage and focuses on a variety of skills including: skating, puck control, checking, team play, and off-ice training techniques.
Available in early December 2008, Hockey Canada will be launching the fifth version of the Development Guide. The CD-ROM provides Hockey Canada Development information in a user-friendly multimedia format and contains presentations, videos and drills. This resource puts an emphasis on development programs and resources, further expanding on the resources of Hockey Canada website. This CD is a must for minor hockey associations, coaches, parents and players alike.
Hockey Canada’s most valuable resource is the Hockey Canada Regional Centres. The Centres provide Hockey Canada with a direct link to the hockey community through research, seminars, clinics, and initiation activities for hockey’s newcomers. The goal of the Centres is dedicated to improving hockey and playing a leading role in the research and development of the game. Hockey Canada’s four Regional Centres are as follows:
Hockey Canada Regional Centre West (Calgary, AB)
Hockey Canada Regional Centre Ontario (Toronto, ON)
Hockey Canada Regional Centre Quebec (Montreal, QC)
Hockey Canada Regional Centre Atlantic (Saint John, NB)
For access to any of the above materials, or for more information on any Hockey Canada development resources, please contact your local Hockey Canada Regional Centre, or visit www.hockeycanada.ca. |
