Applications to Host the NHL/NHLPA First Shift are Now Open!

The application period for local hockey associations wishing to host the NHL/NHLPA First Shift in 2024-25 is NOW OPEN!   A truly unique experience designed to help kids fall in love with hockey. The six-week learn to play program continues to focus on having fun while learning basic skills. Full head-to-toe Bauer equipment is included with registration.   The NHL/NHLPA First Shift mission is to change the way hockey is offered, to inspire new families to join our community, and enroll their kids in our sport. Because of the program’s belief in all that hockey has to offer kids, their families and our communities, the NHL/NHLPA First Shift was designed to make hockey accessible, affordable, safe and most importantly, fun!   The NHL/NHLPA First Shift partners are committed to ensuring the program and the sport of hockey welcomes participants, no matter the race, gender, religion, ability, or sexual orientation. A more inclusive future creates avenues for new players across all backgrounds the chance to inspire the next generations on and off the ice. We believe diversity makes us all stronger and want to ensure opportunities are available for everyone to be welcomed into the hockey community.   We encourage Local Hockey Associations to share their intentions for any equity, diversity and inclusion focused programming.   For more information on the program or to apply immediately to host an event, please go to https://www.firstshift.ca/for-hosts/   Thank You

The team roster for the 2024 Ontario Winter Games Team NOHA has been announced. The following participants have been selected to represent the NOHA at the 2024 Ontario Winter Games, February 22-26th in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Welcome back to our blog series on hockey success through the Hockey Canada Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) model. In our first post, we emphasized the importance of becoming an athlete first. Now, we’ll take a closer look at the age-specific stages of athlete development within the LTPD model.

Understanding these stages is essential for both players and parents, as they provide valuable insights into what to expect at each phase of the hockey journey.

Age-Specific Stages of Athlete Development:
1. Active Start (Ages 0-6):
   – Introduction to physical activity and play.
   – Development of fundamental movement skills.
   – Emphasis on enjoyment and exploration.

2. FUNdamentals (Ages 6-8 for males, 6-7 for females):
   – Building on fundamental movement skills.
   – Introduction to basic hockey skills in a fun and supportive environment.
   – Focus on creating positive early experiences.

3. Learn to Train (Ages 8-12 for males, 7-11 for females):
   – Developing general athletic abilities.
   – Advanced hockey-specific skill development.
   – Emphasis on balance between skill acquisition and game play.

4. Train to Train (Ages 12-16 for males, 11-15 for females):
   – Continued refinement of hockey skills.
   – Building strength, speed, and endurance.
   – Maintaining a multi-sport approach to prevent burnout.

5. Train to Compete (Ages 16-20):
   – Preparing athletes for high-performance competition.
   – Advanced position-specific training.
   – Mental and tactical development.

6. Train to Win (Ages 20+):
   – Elite-level training for competitive athletes.
   – Optimization of performance and game strategy.
   – Pursuit of excellence at the highest levels.

Navigating the Journey:
Understanding these stages helps players and parents navigate the hockey development journey. It’s essential to recognize that not every player progresses through these stages at the same pace. Some may spend more time in certain stages, while others advance more quickly.

The LTPD model encourages a player-centric approach, focusing on individual development rather than rigid timelines. This flexibility allows players to develop their skills and love for the game in a way that suits their unique needs and interests.

Balancing Hockey with Other Sports:
One key takeaway from the LTPD model is the value of balancing hockey with participation in other sports and physical activities. This multi-sport approach enhances overall athleticism, reduces the risk of overuse injuries, and contributes to well-rounded athletes.

As players progress through the age-specific stages of athlete development outlined in the Hockey Canada LTPD model, they gain valuable experiences and skills that contribute to their success on and off the ice. By understanding these stages and embracing the journey, players can unlock their full potential in the sport of hockey.

In our final post of this series, we’ll explore the concept of “Desire-Based Programming” and why it plays a crucial role in providing equal opportunities for all players, regardless of their skill level or birthdate. Stay tuned to learn how this approach fosters a more inclusive and thriving hockey community.

Welcome to the first installment of our three-part blog series, where we explore the foundations of hockey success through the Hockey Canada Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) model. In this post, we’ll dive into a fundamental principle that sets the stage for excellence in hockey: becoming an athlete first.

Hockey Canada LTPD Model: Before we begin, let’s introduce you to the Hockey Canada Long-Term Player Development model (LTPD). This comprehensive framework serves as a roadmap for nurturing hockey talent from the grassroots to the elite level. It emphasizes a player-centric approach, recognizing that every player’s journey is unique.

Developing Athletes before Hockey Players: The cornerstone of the LTPD model is the belief that athletes must be developed before they can truly become hockey players. In other words, the focus should initially be on building a well-rounded athlete rather than rushing into hockey-specific skills and drills.

Physical Literacy and Multi-Sport Approach: At the heart of this concept is “physical literacy.” Just as we learn to read and write before delving into complex literature, young athletes need to acquire fundamental movement skills and physical literacy before diving headfirst into hockey specialization.

Physical literacy involves developing a broad range of basic movement skills, such as running, jumping, throwing, and catching. These skills form the building blocks of athleticism and are transferable across various sports and activities.

The multi-sport approach reinforces the importance of exposing young athletes to a variety of sports and physical activities. This approach helps them develop a diverse skill set, improve overall athleticism, and reduce the risk of burnout and overuse injuries associated with early specialization.

Key Stages of Athlete Development: The Hockey Canada LTPD model divides an athlete’s journey into key stages, each with its own unique focus. These stages include:

1. Active Start (Ages 0-6): Introducing children to physical activity and developing fundamental movement skills.
2. FUNdamentals (Ages 6-8 for males, 6-7 for females): Building a broad range of physical skills through fun and games.
3. Learn to Train (Ages 8-12 for males, 7-11 for females): Focusing on developing general athletic abilities and hockey-specific skills.
4. Train to Train (Ages 12-16 for males, 11-15 for females): Fine-tuning hockey skills while maintaining a multi-sport approach.
5. Train to Compete (Ages 16-20): Preparing athletes for high-performance competition while emphasizing overall athleticism.
6. Train to Win (Ages 20+): Elite-level training with a focus on optimizing performance.

Conclusion: Understanding the importance of developing athletes before hockey players is the first step in unlocking true potential in the sport. By following the Hockey Canada LTPD model and prioritizing physical literacy and multi-sport experiences, we set the stage for a successful and fulfilling hockey journey.

In our next post, we’ll delve deeper into the age-specific stages of athlete development outlined in the LTPD model. Stay tuned to learn how these stages guide players on their path to hockey excellence.