I see many argue this, maybe it's a mix of everything but that can be hard to find. These days many people seem to say to just find the best coach that you can and stick with them for as long as possible. Lots of folks chase after a league and I don't really understand that. A league is not going to help anyone improve. Many parents want to be in certain leagues even if it's within a crappy org that relies on weekly games thinking that's how kids develop. Games are played once or twice a week and each kid plays about 25 min at most. The most development will come from practices during the week. All leagues these days seem to have their top teams and their bottom teams, all at very different levels.
Is too much emphasis being placed on games?
what is the most important piece of youth hockey?
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Guest
Re: what is the most important piece of youth hockey?
Guest wrote: ↑Fri Sep 13, 2024 1:43 pm I see many argue this, maybe it's a mix of everything but that can be hard to find. These days many people seem to say to just find the best coach that you can and stick with them for as long as possible. Lots of folks chase after a league and I don't really understand that. A league is not going to help anyone improve. Many parents want to be in certain leagues even if it's within a crappy org that relies on weekly games thinking that's how kids develop. Games are played once or twice a week and each kid plays about 25 min at most. The most development will come from practices during the week. All leagues these days seem to have their top teams and their bottom teams, all at very different levels.
Is too much emphasis being placed on games?
Honestly, I think the most important part is winning games and turning your kid into a total stud on the ice. That means practices, extra skills work, off ice training, the whole deal. You gotta build a beast. No league or coach is gonna do that for you.
At the end of the day, it's about competing and standing out when the puck drops. If he's not the most physical kid, then he better learn to play tough and smart. Skills are huge, but mindset and grit are what separate the top players. Games are where you show it. That’s where it counts.
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Guest
Re: what is the most important piece of youth hockey?
Environment
Instead of chasing extra letters, try chasing an organization that has good coaches, good parents, good players and families that stick around for years.
People get so worried about moving up to the next level that they don't realize they are already in a good spot. Grass isn't always greener right?
Most kids have 0% chance of making it to juniors, pros, etc so why not find a place that works for you and your family while also developing your skills and at the end of the day, having fun?
Instead of chasing extra letters, try chasing an organization that has good coaches, good parents, good players and families that stick around for years.
People get so worried about moving up to the next level that they don't realize they are already in a good spot. Grass isn't always greener right?
Most kids have 0% chance of making it to juniors, pros, etc so why not find a place that works for you and your family while also developing your skills and at the end of the day, having fun?
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Guest
Re: what is the most important piece of youth hockey?
The biggest rules or most important things are #1 - go where your kid is wanted, if you chase to be on a team or AAA or AA you won't have a good experience #2 - go to the level that he is above average, lot's of below average AAA players that would get better development in AA. #3 Good environment for the kid and familyGuest wrote: ↑Mon Jun 30, 2025 8:08 am Environment
Instead of chasing extra letters, try chasing an organization that has good coaches, good parents, good players and families that stick around for years.
People get so worried about moving up to the next level that they don't realize they are already in a good spot. Grass isn't always greener right?
Most kids have 0% chance of making it to juniors, pros, etc so why not find a place that works for you and your family while also developing your skills and at the end of the day, having fun?
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Guest
Re: what is the most important piece of youth hockey?
Find the best coach? What exactly does that mean?
Find the best club? Once again what does that mean?
You know your child the best. If they’re content with playing with their friends then coach and club is irrelevant.
On the other hand if you have a competitive kid then prioritize getting ice time and supplement with private training.
Find the best club? Once again what does that mean?
You know your child the best. If they’re content with playing with their friends then coach and club is irrelevant.
On the other hand if you have a competitive kid then prioritize getting ice time and supplement with private training.
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Guest
Re: what is the most important piece of youth hockey?
Without doubt most important "piece" for long term success through u16 is to either be the coach, be in tight with the coach, or be on the league/association executive. This starts in competitive novice so don't delay. This will guarantee your little Johnny gets number one ice at forward (including PP time) or will be in the top D pairing. This will go a long way to establishing his draft stock, often at the expense of his teammates relegated to lesser minutes. At the end of the day you will see if your kid has success and is able to take advantage of the preferential ice time and opportunities you as a parent were able to provide. Conversely, if things don't work out, that is a shame because your kid failed even after you gave him every opportunity to succeed, most likely at the expense of his teammates and overall team success.
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Guest
Re: what is the most important piece of youth hockey?
Finding a good coach is the hardest part. The good ones are always impossible to get a hold of and often don't respond. My kid loves to play and practice, but I feel like he is not practicing properly. having Done privates with alot of coaches. it just seems to be pylon drills, where they take out their phone for a instagram post half the time. its frustrating about lack of detail. most coaches are lazy and do bare minimum
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Guest
Re: what is the most important piece of youth hockey?
Guest wrote: ↑Mon Jun 30, 2025 7:32 pm Without doubt most important "piece" for long term success through u16 is to either be the coach, be in tight with the coach, or be on the league/association executive. This starts in competitive novice so don't delay. This will guarantee your little Johnny gets number one ice at forward (including PP time) or will be in the top D pairing. This will go a long way to establishing his draft stock, often at the expense of his teammates relegated to lesser minutes. At the end of the day you will see if your kid has success and is able to take advantage of the preferential ice time and opportunities you as a parent were able to provide. Conversely, if things don't work out, that is a shame because your kid failed even after you gave him every opportunity to succeed, most likely at the expense of his teammates and overall team success.
As a hockey mom who’s a 36DD and nice big apple bottom shape, I like to stay in VERY good terms with my sons coach, if you know what I mean….my son always plays top mins and sees lots of ice time. Keep the coach happy is what I say!