USA Hockey & Player Development

[brookyone]

Interesting discussion going on regarding the perception of needed changes or improvements. I believe quite a few here are involved with USA Hockey or at least familiar with the organization...and I've gathered many here also seem to think changes may be needed. For developing top teams / players to compete internationally I would agree. I think changes need to start at the district / grassroots level. Post your thoughts if you feel so inclined.<br><br><!--EZCODE AUTOLINK START--><a href="http://board.uscho.com/showthread.php?t ... <!--EZCODE AUTOLINK END--> <p></p><i></i>

[ghshockeyfan]

The single biggest thing that USA H can do is try to promote Community Based vs AAA hockey in the rest of the nation. The base is not big enough in the rest of the nation from what I understand, and while we complain about a lot of the issues here in MN, I think we are actually the model program as far as how to do things right. Where things get screwed up is when USA H makes decisions based on the nation, that by and large doesn't conform to our ideal model, and then it adversely affects our ideal setup. <p></p><i></i>

[xk1]

I would say the biggest issue for girls is providing access to quality coaching at a young age (pre HS). Too many programs rely on parents of no coaching experience. The MN Hockey coaches training certificates only mean you went to the class. Coaches can go from beginner to whatever level they need in as many weekends as it takes to attend the appropriate sessions. <p></p><i></i>