Long Term Player Development (Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario)

PrintLong Term Player Development

Learn about the Long-term Player Development model


Hockey players and coaches can benefit from the LTPD model

The Long Term Player Development model sets out a vision for hockey in Canada that puts the player first. The LTPD model provides age-appropriate opportunities for kids to participate in the game. Focusing on development and enjoyment will lay the foundation for local, national and international success long into the future.

Long-term Player Development | Hockey

The LTPD model for hockey has been developed based on the following principles:

  • doing the right thing for the player at the right stage in their development
  • adopting a player-centered approach and not treating the development of all players the same way
  • the broader the foundation of players the more successful the game of hockey will be in Canada
  • viewing player development as a long-term process
  • aligning player development resources (skills manuals, mobile apps, online tools) with coach development and education resources so that coaches are doing the right things at the right time
  • a need to better educate parents on the hockey development of their child – it is okay for parents to want their kids to get to the highest levels but they need to know the best way to go about it


Parents, coaches and administrators are encouraged to utilize this document to work at the local hockey association level to develop the best program possible for the players involved.