It goes without saying that we are all beyond excited to welcome back one of the most exciting times of the season - the post-season!
ALLIANCE Hockey Playdowns feature post-season games where teams compete for a Member Association and/or ALLIANCE Hockey Championship. All information regarding Playdowns, Championships and Events are available on the
ALLIANCE Hockey Championship site! Visit the site and click on your team's division/category to view information specific to your event.
We recognize that post-season play is intense and can feature some of the best games of the season…if we ensure that the focus is on Player Development and Player Experience.
It takes a group effort from Officials, Coaches, Parents and Players to maximize the Player Development and Player Experience.
Whether participating in Playdowns, a Championship or special Event, below are some important reminders to maximize Player Development and Player Experience.
»Bench Staff
Your role is crucial to team success; skill and talent can only take a team so far. Focus and preparation are the keys to success. Each member of a Bench Staff needs to understand their role and stick to it.
Bench Management
The bench is a place for players to Rest, Rehydrate and Refocus.
Refocusing is when correction and instruction occurs.
The Head Coach is responsiblefor communicating with Officials and their voice should be the only one coming from the bench. One voice from the bench is a signal to the Official that your team is controlled and disciplined and can also be a catalyst for more effective communication. Multiple voices, whether from other Bench Staff or players is a distraction to the refocusing process and can disrupt preparation for the next shift.
Keep the focus on your team. At no time shall anyone make derogatory comments towards another team. By keeping the focus on your team, this will also provide an example of conduct which will help to limit any distractions to players. Officials are human and they will make mistakes. There will be adversity along your journey and how you deal with it as a Bench Staff/team may be the difference between winning and losing.
Coaching Code of Conduct
»Parents
Enjoy the ride and cheer for your team. Supporting your team off the ice is as important as supporting your team on the ice. Minimize distractions --> It’s the kids’ game…not ours.
Parent Code of Conduct
»Officials
The game is for the kids. Your job is to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Note that at the younger age groups some teams do not have designated captains or assistant captains so keep communication lines with teams open; keep it short and to the point.
Work together as a team; your work ethic, communication and professionalism will not go unnoticed.
Referee Code of Conduct
»Players
“Absorb the experience”- try to make the most of each opportunity you have been provided. Stay focused on your team and your role. Always respect your opponent. Refrain from anything that could be a distraction to your team or result in an undisciplined penalty or suspension. The ‘bad and ugly’ does not win hockey games or make for a fun experience. The ‘good and sacrifice’ wins hockey games and creates a lasting experience. Outworking your opponent, blocking shots, playing hard and playing with sportsmanship will garner positive results.
A team pulling in the same direction wins!
What are you willing to sacrifice to win? Think about how your actions affect others, including your own team.
Think about these realms and how they can so negatively affect the playing experience:
- Abusing Social Media
- Bullying
- Racial Slurs
- Trash talking
Player Code of Conduct
Congratulations for making it through a challenging Regular Season!
Best of luck in the post-season...we will be cheering for you!