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'The Ultimate Newsletter for Minor Hockey'
Summer 2006 ISSUE 9
Click here for our archive of past "Well Said" Newsletters
WELCOME to WELL SAID! - 'The Ultimate Newsletter for Minor Hockey'. This Newsletter, along with The Hockey Source comprehensive website, television show and product lines is part of our vision to provide you with valuable information about minor hockey so you can make sound decisions and have more fun. Whether you are a Player, Coach, Manager, Official, Trainer, Scout, Agent, Parent or Fan, you are sure to find valuable information on hockey topics.
Goaltenders Beware!?!
It didn’t take long for the new sizes of goalie equipment to take effect. Last season we saw the NHL enforce leaner, slimmer measurements, and now most governing bodies around the world have followed suit. The ruling change related to the size of goal equipment will come into effect for the start of the 2008-09 season. The rationale stated by Hockey Canada was “…so playing standards are the same around the world”.
A decision like this is not made by any governing body without first understanding the impact on all factets involved - such as the manufacturers, parents, players, the rules and insurance companies.
The Hockey Source spoke to a number of major manufacturers of goalie equipment, retailers of hockey equipment and families, to get their reactions to the recent rule changes.
Here is a summary of their comments, observations and opinions:
- Manufacturers such as Sher-Wood and RBK (Reebok) said that the reduction in equipment size will not be matched by reduction in purchase prices, since the cost difference of producing an 11-inch pad in time and material, is insignificant compared to a 12-inch pad.
- Both Sher-Wood and Reebok confirmed that their products would comply with the new dimensions and be ready for consumers by September 2006.
- Independent retailers said they have a 2-year window to assess and organize their specific inventory, so product surplus due to rule change should not be a problem.
- Both retailers and manufacturers pointed out that there are several other forms of hockey that are not affected by the rule changes, and will still be potential customers of the original equipment (e.g. adult hockey, house leagues, school organizations, etc.), however, the older sizes would be discontinued and slowly removed.
- Parents and players were more inquisitive and wondered if they should wait, and hold on for another season or go out and buy immediately.
The Hockey Source continues to consider a 360-degree perspective in a given situation. Knowing that goalies and parents are now entering the pre-season, it is usually over the next month, that a decision is made whether or not new equipment needs to be purchased. Here are 3 key factors parents and players need to consider to make a viable and self-tailored decision:
Consider,
1) Financial Impact:
If you just bought equipment of the old measurements, do you want to spend more on the new sizing? Can he/she get 1 or 2 more seasons out of what was just bought? Can you return them to their place of purchase?
2) Trade-in Options:
If the equipment is used, can you get money from a used-equipment store? Can you sell them to someone in a non-sanctioned league?
3) Age & Adaptability:
In 2 years will it be advantageous for the goalie to have had the experience of smaller sized equipment? Will the goalie hinder his/her development now by changing, if they are currently comfortable in what they have?
Specifically, the details of the rule changes relate to size of goal equipment and are stated as follows:
- Width of goalie pads is reduced from 12 inches to 11 inches.
- Height of goalie pads is limited to 38 inches.
- Depth of the goalie pad around the ankle needs to be at least 7 inches.
- Height of goalie blockers is reduced from 16 to 15 inches.
- Width of a goalie catcher is limited to 8 inches, with a limit of 4 inches from the base of the cuff to the pocket.
- The widest measurement across the goalie catcher is limited to 18 inches and the circumference cannot exceed 45 inches (a reduction of 3 inches from previous allotments
What ever your decision is for this season, the only important thing in the eyes of all governing bodies is to be compliant by the start of the 2008-09 season.
Against The Odds
Wilma Rudolph was born June 23, 1940, as the 20th child in a family of 22 children. She was born prematurely, weighing only 4.5 pounds, and since proper health care was available only to people of white complexion, her odds of survival were greatly reduced. At the age of 4 years, Wilma contacted double pneumonia, scarlet fever and then was told she had polio, a crippling disease that had no cure. It left her with a deformed and paralyzed left leg. The doctor said, “She will never walk again”.
At the age of 9 years, a spirited Wilma removed the metal leg brace she had been dependent on and began to walk without it. “I spent most of my time trying to figure out how to get them off," she said. "But when you come from a large, wonderful family, there's always a way to achieve your goals." After 3 years, at the age of 12, she had developed a rhythmic walk without the use of assistive devices, which was proclaimed as a miracle by the medical field. That same year, she determined that she was going to be a runner, and finished last in her first race…not really a surprise. But she continued to enter several races over the next few years and continued to be the last to cross the finish line in each and every one of them. Friends, family and acquaintances encouraged her to quit, but she continued. Eventually her first win was realized, only to be followed by a long string of duplicated successes.
Wilma was the star of her high school basketball team, setting state records for scoring and leading her team to a state championship. At the age of 16 years (1956), she evolved to a track star and attended her first Olympic Games where she won a Bronze Medal in the 4x400 relay. On September 7, 1960 in Rome, Wilma became the fastest and first American woman to win 3 Gold Medals in the Olympics. She won the 100-meter dash, the 200-meter dash, and ran the anchor on the 400-meter relay team, which also won.
Not bad at all for a little girl who was told she would never walk again!
Your Cornerstone in Hockey
The Hockey Source is here to stay! It continues to gain the awareness of people in all roles in hockey, with the NHL and USA Hockey being the most recent bodies to begin dialogue about helping each other. Both have shown an interest to establish alignments with the Hockey Source that will support our vision to provide valuable information and answers to questions about all topics related to minor & youth hockey.
Kevin V. Huhn, the “mind behind” The Hockey Source, said this about its growth and credibility …”Because of our recognized brand, what we stand for, and our visioncompanies involved in hockey are now recognizing that we, at The Hockey Source, do our homework, and that we take our position in the game seriously”. Kevin added “Companies, like Frikon Industries (Manufacturer of Black Ice street hockey equipment), Rink Mapper (www.rinkmapper.com), and Goaler One (www.goalerone.com) understand the importance of being associated with The Hockey Source”.
And equally exciting and trend setting is the fact that The Hockey Source offered its first Team Management Training Program, back on June 27, the first of its kind in North America. The combination of the customized Team Management System (TMS), and Curriculum of the Team Manager Training course is a 1 - 2 punch to provide the best support and training for those in the position of Team Manager.
So where is it going?
The Hockey Source is an evolution, constantly growing and forming to serve people about the game of hockey. This new season marks a new phase. Phase I which laid the foundation with its North American TV show, comprehensive website, e-newsletter and unique product line has grown. In Phase II, alongside the 2006-2007 season, The Hockey Source promises to be a more diverse resource. The TV Show will be available not only in North America but also Europe. The addition of a membership section to the website, a new hockey-talk radio show, a full color magazine and mailed newsletter for children will be added to enhance the information.
Should Parents Coach Their Kids?
At the end of last season, The Hockey Source polled its visitors the following question…
”Should parents be asked to take on team roles (Coach, Assistant Coach, Manager, Trainer) if their child is a player on the team?” The responses were astounding with:
- 37% saying Always
- 13% saying Never
- 31% said only if no other option
- 19% Not if avoidable
The averaged results of this particular on-line survey would indicate that more responders are in favour of parents not being in team administrative positions relative to their own children..
The reality is that minor hockey, worldwide, could not, and would not exist, if not for the efforts and energies of parents, volunteering to take on a variety of roles related to the sport…specifically: Coach, Assistant Coach, Team Manager, Trainer.
BUT DOES THAT MAKE IT RIGHT?
- Are parents being asked to take on such roles out of convenience and necessity…or are they being pursued due their skill set and expertise? Should it matter?
- Is there an age level above which parents being team administrators is not a good idea?
- If so, what is that age level?
- At what age level should the individual player have a voice about the role of the parent on the team?
- How can it be assured that a “parent” would leave their parent role at the door of every game and practice?
- How does a parent coach explain “less ice time” to his own child or other children despite his own child?
What about the children?
How does it affect them? It has been said that children perform best when their parents are not involved with the teaching - like in music, dance and other class- room programs. Should a player have a say in his/her parent’s involvement in their team’s operation?
At first glance it is an easy answer to provide, but after further review it is quite complex, leaving room for debate of either side.
If you have further questions and points of relevance to further develop the discussion of this issue, please write to us with you input at comments@thehockeysource.tv.
Products that help make your life in hockey more enjoyable.
TEAM MANAGERS and COACHES…
Would you like to have a successful season off the ice?
Would you like to have your parents support you this season?
Then, take a deep breath, exhale and smile, because for the first time in youth hockey there is a system and tool to make your season a complete success for EVERYONE involved with your team - including you!
The customized resource manual - with your logo, team name and particulars - will save you hours of tedious work, make your role more enjoyable and leave people around you feeling at ease.
The in-depth training course will give you the steps, principles and information you need to communicate, budget, fund-raise and manage travel before the season begins.
When do we find we make our best decisions? When have learned from our mistakes in the past.
Managing a hockey team is no different! You get better as you do it and through the mistakes you make. So why not get a head start and have the right answers without the pain of the mistakes?.
Consider, the immense value of having someone work alongside you as the season unfolds.
That is what it is like, when you as the manager and your coach register for the Team Management Training Program (TMTP) - guidance, efficiencies and support!
So provide yourself with the ingredient that will make your season, and the season for ALL of those around the team, the best possible off-ice experience.
Contact us to register! Visit http://www.thehockeysource.tv/sectionshop/shopresource.php AND click on “Team Management Training Program”.
You can also get started with our exclusive - Team Management System - by ordering your customized copy at :http://www.thehockeysource.tv/sectionshop/shop.php
Here is what those who have purchased TMTP are saying:
“Outstanding! Best, and most appropriate hockey course ever!” - Alan Mackenzie, Coach
“The valuable, time-saving tools and strategies, and the complete manual will alleviate stress.” - Stacey Lambert, Manager.
Parents Play a Role in Hockey!
PARENTS, you have played, and continue to play a MAJOR role in hockey. After all, if you did not do your part, there would not be a lot of hockey games, practices and tournaments.
Consider without…
Gas in the car - your child could not be driven to the rink.
Food in the fridge and pantry - your child would not be able to eat properly.
Signatures upon registration - your child could not play.
Your family budget - your child could not afford his/her choice of equipment.
Your caring and understanding - your child would be alone with no support.
Let’s face it. Without you, there is no hockey!
Thank you in advance, for the season you are about to help make successful for so many, including the most important - your child.
Dear valued reader - we would love to hear from you!
If you would like to comment on anything that you have read in this or past newsletters; if you have some input or opinions on material you have viewed in our website; or if you simply have some valuable information or experience you would like to share with the rest of our readers, please write to us with your thoughts at info@thehockeysource.tv .
Enjoying this newsletter? Great! Forward it to friends! Or tell them where to sign up! http://www.thehockeysource.tv/sectionsourceknowledge/newsletter.php
Well Said! © Fire 'n Idea Inc. (producers of The Hockey Source) 2006. All Rights Reserved.
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