ADM Kids

Q: Now that hockey season is over, what is the most important thing that I can do as a parent to assure my child is ready for next season?

A: When we’re talking about young athletes, especially young hockey players, the most important thing you can do during the offseason to ensure your child’s continued hockey development is to take a break from hockey. I know this might sound counterintuitive, but it’s true.

Science tells us that 8U hockey players are in their suppleness window of trainability in relation to long-term athlete development principles. This means that athletes in this age group are especially receptive to flexibility training and initial development of all-around athleticism. It’s a time when these young athletes can more easily engineer their bodies to be injury-resistant, stronger and more coordinated, the benefits of which extend into adulthood.

Because of this, it’s important that 8U players take advantage of this heightened state of suppleness receptivity.

The best way to do it is by experiencing a variety of sports and physical activities. Doing so forces young athletes to use diverse body movements and muscle groups, which is absolutely critical to building the strong base of flexibility and athleticism necessary to reach full potential in hockey. Additionally, varying the type of physical activity also reduces the risk of overuse injuries that single-sport specialists often suffer.

I’ve met very few, if any, elite hockey players who weren’t exceptional athletes at their core. They became great athletes by experiencing multiple sports as young kids, and many have told me that playing multiple sports helped them become better hockey players.

Beyond the physical benefits of taking an offseason break from hockey, there are important emotional benefits, too. A change of sporting scenery is especially valuable for children. It keeps them fresh and excited for each new season. That renewed passion fuels their development.

So as the weather gets nicer and the hockey season ends, have your kids go out and experience some variety this offseason. Swimming, baseball, lacrosse, gymnastics, tennis or even climbing trees – these are all great for helping your 8U child become the best hockey player they can be.

Believe it or not, zipping up the hockey bag and stuffing it in the offseason attic can be the most beneficial thing a parent can do for their young player’s hockey development.