Category Archives: Columns
AHU COACH’S CORNER: Teaching hockey sense is a worthwhile process
February 18th, 2016Hockey sense. We want all kids to develop it, but it takes maturity and practice. Hockey sense is when a player can anticipate what is about to happen on the ice and then read and react sooner than other players. I’ve heard parents talk about how some kids have hockey sense, how it can’t be…
TAKING LIBERTIES WITH … Derek Brown
January 15th, 2016DEREK BROWN Position: Forward Current team: Odessa Jackalopes (NAHL) Age: 19 Hometown: Peoria Last Arizona-based team: Phoenix Jr. Coyotes 18U Elite AAA Arizona Rubber: What’s the best piece of advice you have for youth hockey players and parents? Derek Brown: If you love it you’ve got to keep playing. I feel like there’s a lot…
INDUSTRY PROFILE: Holly Harrington
January 7th, 2016HOLLY HARRINGTON Hometown: Scottsdale Resides: Gilbert Position/Organization: Power skating instructor for both the Arizona Hockey Union and for AZ Ice Gilbert. Arizona Rubber: How long have you been with AHU and what is your role with the organization? Holly Harrington: I joined them in 2007 when they were still the Polar Bears. I work with…
TAKING LIBERTIES WITH … Dave Tippett
January 6th, 2016DAVE TIPPETT Age: 54 Hometown: Moosomin, Saskatchewan, Canada Currently Resides: Scottsdale Current Position: Arizona Coyotes head coach Arizona Rubber: What’s the best piece of advice you have for youth hockey players and coaches? Dave Tippett: To make sure you have fun playing. Everyone talks about systems and structure. The best way to learn and enjoy…
THE WHYTE STUFF: Learning to live how you learn is a valuable lesson
January 4th, 2016I was recently watching a Christmas special where Santa Claus’ brother was in charge of determining which children were naughty and nice. Well, he stamped “Nice” on every folder, believing every child is good. They just get bad breaks or put in bad situations. I believe that every child starts off good and eventually, life…
AHU COACH’S CORNER: The key to better performance lies in constant improvement
December 29th, 2015Continuous improvement is a very important concept for any athlete’s development. The best athletes work every day to be better than they were the day before. They live by the concept that says if you aren’t getting better, you are getting worse. There is no such thing as a superstar player who doesn’t work to…
Mainland offers unique spring tourney experience
December 27th, 2015Every spring for the past two decades, youth hockey teams from all over British Columbia have flocked to the Vancouver area to compete in one of the region’s most beloved tournaments. The Mainland Hockey Tournament will be back for its 22nd year in 2016, and is expected to draw up to 100 teams – many…
SHOP TALK: Consider all details before buying protective equipment
December 23rd, 2015A brand new pre-teen hockey player can enter into the sport for somewhere in the neighborhood of $275-$300 equipped head to toe at the entry-level specs, (especially if it’s with a Behind The Mask Starter Package). That same player could be outfitted with top-of-the-line products for over $1000. The middle-of-the-road equipment package would sit somewhere…
MISSION STATEMENT: Adversity builds character, but having hate, does not
December 20th, 2015I am now in my 20th year of coaching hockey at either the college or youth level, and I believe one of the most important things our kids can learn is that no matter what, people are going to look at things through different lenses as it all depends on their background, how they were…
Canadian group offers ideal spring tourney options
December 3rd, 2015Two of the largest and most well-established youth hockey tournaments in Western Canada are ready for another season, and while they’re still a few months away, organizers of the Alberta Champions Cup and Stampede Challenge are encouraging teams to register soon so they don’t miss out. Kip Reghenas, who heads up the team of veteran…