Markham, Ontario (IPRWIRE) Sun, Jan. 7th, 2007 — The Hockey Source (www.thehockeysource.tv) is pleased to announce the launch of a new comprehensive team management training program. Included in the system are materials for all aspects of the sport, including girl hockey.

According to a company spokesperson: “Today there is no specialty training for team managers. This role is one that spends on average 20 hours a week administering team functions and duties. The person who takes on this role is usually a parent or friend of the coach. They have little if any knowledge on how to deal with budgets, fund raising, travel management, and communication with parents/leagues/districts. Year after year, this role is usually filled with a first timer and this is especially true for girl hockey teams. Attrition is huge and support is nil.”

Read More…

However, with new technology skating can easily be accomplished year round and that leads to more youth hockey leagues and teams. In addition to the technology that makes this sport more accessible to more people is the sheer fun of the game. That, too, has something to do with its increased popularity.

This is a game that requires physical as well as mental skills. On the physical side the player must be able to skate well and for long periods of time. He or she must be able to make hair pin turns and reverse direction at will. They must also know how to handle a stick and puck and get it down the ice without losing it to their opponents. And there’s more. Each player must know his or her job well and be able to perform his task for any given play. They must be able to make snap decisions and execute those decisions in the blink of an eye. And they must do all of this while the opponent is trying to do the same to them!

The fast pace, the quick reflexes, and the immediate need for good decision making are all attractive features for young players. When they are combined with team spirit and the socialization with other like-minded kids, it is no wonder that youth hockey is growing as it is.

Unlike many other sports like baseball and basketball, this sport requires more specialized gear in order to protect the player and to assist him or her in play. Some of this equipment is governed by the rules and some is not. In addition to equipment, there are certain rules that all players must abide by. There are special plays they will need to learn in order to be the best they can be and there are many other aspects of this game that are unique to this game. Which leads to the question, where can parents learn more about the sport and the requirements?

The Hockey Source has developed a free informational site that answers most (if not all) of the common questions that parents may have. It is a free site and the information available is well written and easy to understand. Some of the information was written by professionals in the field and the topics they cover are wide ranging in nature. The site is easy to navigate and is laid in such a way that no one should have any trouble finding what they need. Visit www.thehockeysource.tv to learn more.

And why shouldn’t they? With the proper coaching and training this sport can be as safe as any other sport. The benefits that it offers for both physical and mental activities are well known. Without a doubt, this is a sport that requires quick movements, concentration, focusing skills, team spirit, and the need to make fast decisions. All of that is good, and all of it can help build character in a child regardless of gender.

Often, however, it isn’t the child who stands in the way of a young lady joining a girls hockey team but the other adults in hockey. This only makes sense given the amount of violence that we so often see the professional players conducting upon one another. But again, with the proper coaching and training, violence does not become an issue. In fact, a good coach will not stand for violent behavior from any of his or her players. This helps to build good character and helps the child to learn to vent frustration in a more civilized way. 

On the upside, young boys and girls hockey teams are a great place to socialize and meet new friends. Any sport that requires self-discipline will also help the child to grow in a mature and thoughtful way. The physical requirements for this sport are such that no part of their little bodies will lack exercise. And as stated above, the mental skills can be very rewarding to them as they grow and become better at the game.

One issue that many parents are faced with in the beginning is where to get reliable and useful information concerning the sport. Some of the issues that parents have to become informed on are such things as how to pick a good team for their child and what equipment is needed for the sport in relation to the position the child wants to play (for example, a goalie needs special equipment as compared to a player). Other issues might be proper nutrition before, during, and after a game and injuries—what are the most common injuries and how to best avoid those injuries. These are just a few of things parents want to know about before they sign the consent form.

The problem, of course, is where to find all of this information. Thankfully, there is a free website that has been developed to answer these questions for parents. It also contains information for coaches, managers, and officials. The information is all very easy to understand and the site is easy to navigate. It was designed by The Hockey Source at www.thehockeysource.tv and it is well worth the time spent visiting this informative resource!