The popularity of youth hockey is exploding, especially in the U.S. and international countries. Today, more than ever before, youth hockey is being played by more kids than anyone would have imagined a few decades ago. One of the reasons for this is the availability, year round, of local ice rinks. In the past, if the weather outside did not cooperate, you didn’t skate. It was as simple as that.
However, with new technology skating can easily be accomplished year round and that leads to more youth hockey leagues and teams. In addition to the technology that makes this sport more accessible to more people is the sheer fun of the game. That, too, has something to do with its increased popularity.
This is a game that requires physical as well as mental skills. On the physical side the player must be able to skate well and for long periods of time. He or she must be able to make hair pin turns and reverse direction at will. They must also know how to handle a stick and puck and get it down the ice without losing it to their opponents. And there’s more. Each player must know his or her job well and be able to perform his task for any given play. They must be able to make snap decisions and execute those decisions in the blink of an eye. And they must do all of this while the opponent is trying to do the same to them!
The fast pace, the quick reflexes, and the immediate need for good decision making are all attractive features for young players. When they are combined with team spirit and the socialization with other like-minded kids, it is no wonder that youth hockey is growing as it is.
Unlike many other sports like baseball and basketball, this sport requires more specialized gear in order to protect the player and to assist him or her in play. Some of this equipment is governed by the rules and some is not. In addition to equipment, there are certain rules that all players must abide by. There are special plays they will need to learn in order to be the best they can be and there are many other aspects of this game that are unique to this game. Which leads to the question, where can parents learn more about the sport and the requirements?
The Hockey Source has developed a free informational site that answers most (if not all) of the common questions that parents may have. It is a free site and the information available is well written and easy to understand. Some of the information was written by professionals in the field and the topics they cover are wide ranging in nature. The site is easy to navigate and is laid in such a way that no one should have any trouble finding what they need.
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