Written by Brian van Vliet - March 28, 2009
(As Seen In Hockey Now)
So often we hear ex players; many who played extremely high levels of hockey say, “When I was young I did other sports in the summer. Once hockey season ended I never touched the ice again until late August.” Well as Bob Dylan once said “The times they are a changin’.” Although some time away from the sport in the summer months is essential, the explosion of Spring hockey over the last decade has been a factor in how the game is played at all levels today. Many years ago, spring hockey started out as something a few elite kids did over the summer months. Teams consisting of top players were formed and they went seeking out opposition of equal talent. Tournaments were played and the best players just kept getting better.
Spring hockey has evolved ten fold since then. Nowadays, you have elite teams, semi elite teams, development teams, 3 on 3 leagues and the list goes on. For many, hockey is now a 10 to 11 month sport. At the elite level, teams are built for success, coaches coach to win and players learn the hardships of losing ice time due to lack of effort or performance. Teams travel all over Canada and the United States and in some cases Europe showcasing their talent.
Some hockey people frown on all the seriousness of it believing that it is too much hockey. I would argue that elite soccer players play both indoor and outdoor seasons. Gymnasts train year round, golfers, tennis players, track and field stars all work at their craft most months out of the year. So why not hockey players? Mixing ice time with a good off ice training schedule is a great way for kids to hone their hockey skills, increase strength and have fun all summer long.
When watching today’s NHL players as opposed to 15 years ago, you will notice the skill level of the players getting better and better. This armchair sportsfan attributes much of that to the increase in the amount of months the game is played on a yearly basis. Even at the NHL level, gone are the days when you show up to training camp out of shape. It used to be that many players used training camp as a time to get fit. Now players train all summer long, immersing themselves in both on ice and off ice programs.
The only downfall with so many players in spring hockey is the “watered down” effect it has had on some programs. Everyone wants to call themselves “AAA” teams even though they may have players from division 4 community hockey. Luckily, many spring tournament organizers have remedied this by creating elite and competitive divisions within their tournaments.
I think it’s a great idea. The more kids on the ice developing the better. Let the best play with the best, and never let anyone guilt you into thinking that enrolling your kid in a Spring program is a bad thing.
Let the games begin!Agree or disagree, I’m off the goalpost.
