When Is The Right Time For Your Child To Begin Minor Hockey?
There is an ongoing debate in the hockey world as to what age parents should enroll their children in minor hockey. Many will agree that because of some of the horror stories you hear in the news around North America regarding hockey parents and in many cases the players themselves, most parents consider this a very intense and serious topic when it comes to choosing the right time to let “little Johnny” go out on the ice and fend for himself.
Personally I’ve been asked these questions many times by parents. When should my son or daughter start playing? When did you start? And so on. My opinion I give them is that as a parent you’ll know when it’s time. Take them skating and see how they do on their own. If they’re not kicking and screaming and seem to be enjoying themselves gradually increase the amount of time your child spends on skates and you’ll be able to tell when it’s time.
In today’s minor hockey systems, most programs offer a kick start program for kids when starting out. For example, they will start with simple skating lessons, and then gradually learn to skate with a stick and equipment. Then as time goes by and children begin to develop basic skills coaches will then implement organized games. If parents can find this type of solution to jump start “little Johnny’s” hockey career, then by all means necessary take advantage of it.
The days of learning to skate on backyard rinks, as memorable as they were and as sad as this may seem are fading. I began this very way and it is something I’ll never forget and credit a lot of my success to. However today’s minor hockey systems are much more advanced and competitive. It can be hard on kids when parents are pushing them to do well just like in any sport. Keep in mind that your son or daughter should be playing hockey because they love the game not because your intentions involve them becoming the next Sidney Crosby.
[Mike Barbour is a Certified Personal Trainer and RIVALUS Athlete. He is also a contributing partner in Nova Scotia off-ice training development of minor hockey, Junior and Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) level players along with being a CIS University Hockey player at the University of Windsor, Ontario]
