It has been a while since I have had an update in this thread. This season USA Hockey ADM has shaped how mites practice, how much, how many games, cross ice, etc.
Moving forward, USA Hockey is now looking to shape how Squirts (9 and 10 year olds) are developed.
Here is the actual questionnaire/recommendations being distributed to the Mid-Atlantic district.
DVHL proposal to District on Squirt ADM
All starts with 2012-2013 season
AA & A teams:
have a 3 to 1 practice to game ratio
season for 3 to 1 runs from Aug 1 to March 1
maximum 25 league games
maximum of _________non league games
maximum of _________tournaments
League schedule begins _______________
B teams:
have a 1 to 1 practice to game ratio
season for 1 to 1 runs from Sept 1 to March 1
maximum 25 league games
maximum of _________non league games
maximum of _________tournaments
League schedule begins _______________
I have real issues with more practice to games for "AA" and "A" levels, than at "B" levels. I am not a big supporter of defining skill levels at this age to begin with, but two years of 3 to 1, versus 1 to 1 practice/game ratio would seem to doom a "B" player to a lesser level of play forever.
I especially believe that doom based on the following graphic from the OHL/CHL that shows the impact of birth month.
In Finland, at 9 and 10 years of age:
Are skills separated?
Does all skill levels receive relatively the same practice/games?
The best goalies in the business enjoy every minute on the ice. - S. St Laurent