ADM Kids

Q: What is the best way for our association to implement the new QuickChange goalie pads into 8U practices?

A: Imagine multiple kids on the rink having the chance to play goalie for a portion of every practice. And then imagine having goalies in net to challenge every shooter. That’s what an 8U practice should look like this time of year, and the QuickChange pads can make that a reality.

In order to facilitate that, when a practice is being planned, the first step is to determine how many players will be on the ice. Second, find out if any of the players have already gained experience as a goaltender or already have goalie pads. With those numbers in mind, you can determine your number of teaching stations for the practice.

Next, designate one of the stations to be shooting station, put the QuickChange goalie gear next to the net and assign a coach or qualified parent to be the QuickChange coach. When the players get to the station, the QuickChange Coach asks the group if anyone would like to be a goalie for this station? The player who volunteers simply gets the equipment, and with help from the QuickChange coach, becomes a goalie in about 60 seconds. The player then plays goalie until it’s time to rotate to the next station, when he or she simply removes the pads with the help of a QuickChange coach and skates to the next station. Now another player gets the chance to play goalie. And when it’s time to play cross-ice games, ideally you should find a way to put QuickChange pads on six goalies at a time, giving you three cross-ice games with two goalies in each game. Taking advantage of the QuickChange opportunity, these goalies can and should rotate with other skaters throughout the game(s) so several players get to experience playing goalie.

For teams and associations who embrace the QuickChange concept, there will be no more watching kids shoot on empty nets and no more pressure on parents to carry a second hockey bag or put all the traditional goalie gear on their child. Players will learn what it feels like to be a goalie and make a save, while skaters developing goal-scoring ability, since they are always challenged by a goalie (instead of an empty net). But the best part is that there will be more time for more kids to be kids and just play.