Long Term Player Development
Simcoe and District Minor Hockey has long strived to constantly improve and change as the game itself has changed. We subscribe to the OMHA and Hockey Canada's Long Term Player Development model. Simply put, a Long-Term Player Development model (LTPD) is a framework to maximize a player’s potential and long term involvement in sport over the course of their life. Sport Canada’s Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) Resource Paper “Canadian Sport for Life” sets out a framework for sport development in Canada.
Our coaches are continually attending clinics to not only maintain, but to continue to improve their skills. We encourage our coaching staff to be "Life Long Learners". To learn more about this program, click the link below.
2016 OMHA Development
In addition to training, Simcoe and District Minor Hockey is investing in new equipment for our membership.
Last year we purchased a Mini Nets for use in Small Area Games. This year we used the some of the proceeds of our fundraising efforts to enhance our pre novice program by purchasing rink dividers for Talbot Gardens. These dividers allow us to get our kids on the ice more often and allows for more concentrated core skill development through the use of small area games. A full ice can seem like a football field to a 5 year old. Use of these new boards cuts down the distance those little legs have to travel and in the end allows for each child, regardless of skill set, to touch the puck more often. These enhancements to our pre novice programs are working. Registration is up, skill development continues to improve, and more kids stay in hockey.
Here is a great Video to illustrate what a full size rink looks like to an under 8 player.
Through the Eyes of an Eight Year Old
In a connected world, data is everything. It is how we know we know our programs are working. The NHL recently conducted an Analytics Study on U8 players and the results tell us we are on the right track.
NHL Analytics Study of a U8 Hockey Player
Hockey Canada’s Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) is a nine-stage model based on the physical, mental, emotional and cognitive development of children and adolescents. Each stage reflects a different point in developing the player. The first five stages emphasize physical literacy and a broad range of sport experiences. The next four stages focus on development and competitive excellence.
Active for Life encourages life-long physical activity and informed healthy lifestyle choices with participation in hockey long after the competitive year
