Setting Your Sights on the Post-Season, News, Under 9, 2022-2023, REP (Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario)

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Organization | Mar 09, 2023 | ALLIANCE Hockey | 3095 views
Setting Your Sights on the Post-Season
One of the busiest and most exciting times of the season is here - the post-season! 

Teams across ALLIANCE Hockey will compete for Member Association and/or ALLIANCE Hockey Championships over the coming weeks. 

All information regarding ALLIANCE Hockey Playdowns, Championships and Events are available at www.alliancehockey.com!  
Visit the site and click on your team's division/category to view information specific to your Championship.

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 responsible for 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.

» 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.

» 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.

» 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, 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 negatively affect the playing experience:
• Abusing social media
• Bullying
• Racial Slurs
• Trash talking

Congratulations for making it through to the Post-Season!
 
Best of luck...we will be cheering for you!
 
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