By Laurence Heinen /
Thanks to sponsorship from Tim Hortons, 360 lucky hockey players took part in Hockey Calgary’s first-ever Timbits Learn To Play Hockey Program.
“The camp’s free,” said Hockey Calgary manager of programs Trevor Morgan. “It’s all paid for by Tim Hortons.”
Twenty first-time Timbits players aged five to six from each of the 18 community associations in Calgary took part in week-long training sessions at Henry Viney Arena either from Sept. 15 to 19 or Sept. 22 to 26.
“It’s just to teach the fundamentals of the game,” said Morgan, noting the philosophy of the Timbits Program is to encourage an environment in which children can learn the FUNdamentals of hockey in a safe, fun atmosphere that doesn’t focus on winning.
As part of the camp, first- and second-year Timbits instructors were given the opportunity to increase their skills and knowledge in coaching.
“We had mentor coaches out there to help the first time Timbits coaches out,” Morgan said. “On the Sunday before each of the camps took place, we put the coaches through a specialty clinic.”
The clinic provided coaches with training on how better utilize ice time during Timbits practices and it also gave them some ideas on different drills they can run to increase opportunities for players to touch and handle the puck.
Parents of the Timbits players also took part in sessions where they were educated on the structure and purpose of the program.
“A big part is teaching them what the Timbits program’s about, how it’s all about skill development and fundamentals rather than game play,” said Morgan, noting parents were given a chance to ask questions and get clarification in regards to any aspect of the Timbits program.
“It’s to get them off on the right foot and learn what the program’s about and to educate the parents.” |
