Development

 
Globe and Mail article on LTAD
- featuring VMHA Member Richard Way

 2012 / 2013 Development Program

Victoria Minor Hockey is pleased to continue the tradition of offering an in-season Development Program open to all players from Novice D up to Midget (Rep and Rec).  As in past years, the Program is offered to develop the overall skill and competency of our players.  The program will continue to focus on excellence in skating and puck-handling skill, and this year will be based upon the principles of long-term athlete development (based on Hockey Canada’s Long-term Player Development Plan (LTPD) ) in order to encourage an ethic of training and athleticism along with the value and joy that comes with trying one’s best.  Parents and coaches are encouraged to refer to the Hockey Canada site to use some of their many LTPD resources.  These principles include:

1. Using a player-centered approach;
2. Viewing player development as a long-term process; and
3. Finding the right activities and approach for players at the specific level of their development

The Program will feature some of Victoria’s best hockey, skating and goaltending instructors.  Players will focus on generating power with quick footwork, working outside edges to their best advantage, stickhandling with soft-hands and rapidity, heads-up skating and puck-movement, focusing attention in high-speed situations, and learning how to pick up the pace of their overall game.  Goaltenders will work on skating and movement, flexible and controlled mobility, and coverage tactics.  These skills will be presented to the player in terms of their overall development as a young athlete and team player, and the Program ensures that every player, regardless of skill, will be treated respectfully and given equal attention.

This year there the Development Sessions will be run at family-friendly times, and we encourage coaches to get involved as well – a vital part of coach training!   As we are in the process of setting the schedule for the entire season, please re-visit this page and the Weekly Schedule often for updates.  In addition to the Overview of the Program posted in late August, in the coming weeks we will post an outline of some of the particular skills that will be treated in each session, as well as a schedule of when particular guest instructors will be present.   The cost of the Development Program this year is $295 (to increase to $345 by September 1st) for the regular development program.

Cheques should be made out to Victoria Minor Hockey Association.

Victoria Minor Hockey Association
1151 Esquimalt Rd
Victoria, BC V9A 3N6