Current Section
FOR PARENTS
What is Posted on this Page?
- A section with general interest articles
We just added a section for hockey related activities (dryland, academic, family activities etc.) during the current hiatus - A section with Concussion & Safety Info
- A section with Info on NCAA Recruiting
- A Section on "Going Pro"
Check back often for New Content!
Parent's Info
Parents: Do you have an idea about info you would like to see on this page?
Contact Jeanne Barreca
jrbarreca@gmail.com with ideas!
WNYAHL Assistant to Executive Director & Tier 2 Advisor
New Rules for 2021-25
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Rules
USA Hockey article 9/14/21
Link to the USA Hockey Rulebook page
Summary of Changes, Rule book to download, Officials Casebook and lots of other resources for those who want to learn more!
YouTube Video: Acceptable Body Checking
Worth viewing for all coaches and parents
A Renewed Emphasis on Body Checking to Develop PLayers for the Modern Game
Video posted 11/15/21 by USA Hockey on Body Checking and Body Contact and how Body Contact skills evolve into Checking for Youth at age 13. Highly recommended viewing for all - parents, coaches, players. A little over 2 minutes in length. At end shows other videos of interest.
General Interest Articles
Respect The Referees
Hello We are Your Officials Today
A Call to Arms: Mass exodus of Young Officials Threatens the Future of the Game
Should be required reading for all parents and Coaches. Your actions this season influence the future of hockey.
Respect The Refs
The Most Underappreciated Team
Read to find out who the most vital but underappreciated team is in Hockey.
Yelling at the Refs Will Help Your Team WIn (NOT)
Abusive Sports Parents Epidemic lead to Lack of Youth Sports Officials
If youth sports can't find qualified youth sports officials then player safety is at risk. Parent and coach behavior is the biggest contributor to the shortage of officials.
Respect The Refs
If You Don't Like the Call - Lace Up Your Skates and Take the Course
Respect The Refs
Excellent Article - What one town outside Calgary Does to Encourage respect for the Refs
Angry Parents are wrecking the Sport
Driving young referees out of the game and generally not acting like adults. Read this senior referee's viewpoint and observations.
Safety Info & Keeping Kids Playing
Is Your Kids Goalie Mask Illegal?
Link to a video on why some Cats Eye Masks are illegal in USA Hockey. Also a full explanation with pictures of legal and illegal Goalie Masks. Important Reading for your players safety!
We are Changing the Culture of Hockey
Video below describes acceptable and unacceptable body checking. Recommended for all parents and coaches.
USA Hockey Declaration of Fair Play, Safety & Respect
Link to USA Hockey's Declaration of Fair Play, Safety and respect
Text of USA Hockey's Letter plus videos including the video showing what is acceptable and unacceptable Body Contact
Body Contact vs Body Checking
This page includes a video that is also shown to Level 1 and 2 officials during their training. Highly recommended for ALL parents and coaches!
The Ride Home & How to Handle Losing
The Ride Home
Advise for Parents on the Ride Home after the game. How to make the ride home non toxic and increase your child's desire to continue playing despite a loss or other disappointing event.
The Ride Home
After A Loss
Advice on how to handle it and help your child handle losses better.
5 ways to be a rock star parent
Relax It's Only a Game Video
This 5 minute video is highly recommended for all parents. The last 2 minutes have several scenarios of suspect parent behavior that will make you think...
Relax It's Only a Game
A Must Read for Every Hockey Parent
Raising Good Persons
Letter from a Hockey Player to His Parents
Male or female, 8U to 18U, this letter is a MUST read for all Parents.
Hockey Parents - Points to Ponder
This is what your child hears when they hear you yelling at them from the stands or in the car going home!
How Does My Child Make It to the Next Level?
Should we try, what are the stats and if we try, what are the options
Division I Coaches on Minnesota's It Factor
Talks about unique aspects to development in Minnesota Youth Hockey. 8U players using Cross Ice to develop. Players playing in their communities instead of organization hopping (college recruiters do notice this as a negative!) and more!
Making the Most of Your Opportunities
Not every kid gets drafted and persistence can lead to success. Excellent article about one Goalie's path to College playing time.
The road to the NCAA and the Pros is thru JUNIOR HOCKEY
Excellent article with the statistics of how many NHL and NCAA scholarship players are alumni of the NAHL and USHL (Tier II and I Junior Hockey).
Checking the Boxes of a USHL Draft Pick
Excellent article for 14U & 16U parents and players about how to get noticed by a USHL scout. Discusses BOTH on ice and off ice behaviors.
Info for Goalies & Their Parents
STOP treating Goalies as Though They are Different
Words of wisdom on the Goalie Position
Message to Parents - be a Good Goalie Parent
This PDF has excellent advice from a former Pro on how to be a Good Goalie Parent.
Understanding the Perspective of a Goalie Parent
This article shows the perspective of a Goalie Parent but also reminds all of us of what our children get from playing the game - discipline, time managment, friends, ...., to name a few. All of these are important to their future adult lives but rarely get mentioned.
Rushing kids to specialize in one sport may not be best path to success
Article from Penn State on when to specialize. Some interesting points for parents to ponder when helping their children to make decisions.
Raising 27's or Does Your Child Know How to Lose?
Do our kids know how to utilize a failure or loss to gain wisdom? To gain strength? To gain perspective? Can they lose and not feel like a loser? (This is big.) Can they fail and not feel like a failure? (This is also big.) If our answer to these questions is “No”, then we have some serious work to do, my friends. Because the experiences of loss and failure provide far more opportunities for growth, wisdom and strength than an 18-year-old who steps out into the world armed with nothing but a bedroom full of trophies.
8U & 10U Info
Keeping it fun while encouraging development
Is 8U the on ramp to the NHL?
If your child enjoys 8U then he will want to play then once he gets to 14U, then he might have the desire and ability to try for NHL. But what or how much he plays before 14U rarely makes a difference on his chances. This is an article from USA hockey ADM program.
From the Toronto Sun - Attention Hockey Coaches & Parents: Minor Hockey is for Kids
This article, reprinted many times, is the classic article about the priorities of players versus their parents or coaches. Required reading (and periodic re-reading) for ALL parents and coaches!
The Tipping Point in Youth Sports
Article about expectations and realizing that Development is a Process and more of a marathon than a Sprint. This article focuses on parent expectations.
A Radical Approach to Hockey at the younger levels
Do players really need travel at the 8U and 10U levels? Minnesota is showing that players who get to enjoy the game and play only in house thru 10U develop more. More development and less travel at younger ages leads to more players having success at higher levels (high school, juniors and college)
The Normal Development Path for a 10U player
Its a long term process.
Concussion Info
A new way forward in Concussion Culture
A discussion with one of USA Hockey's experts.
What every coach and parent should be asking of their athletes
| "We often forget that the person an athlete is going to confide in the most is a friend, a teammate … So, one of the best ways to become aware of the concussions we're currently missing is to ask teammates to speak up when they realize a teammate might have a concussion." |
| Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. Concussion Legacy Foundation |
USA Hockey's Information Page on Concussions
Articles, Posters, links to CDC Info, Signs & Symptoms to look for, An Action Plan and much more...
New 2019 Concussion Management and Return to Play Form
New Program from USA Hockey for 2019-20 on Concussion Management and a Return to Play form
Injury Prevention Info
Injury Prevention
From the USA Hockey website: Doctor Michael J. Stuart's informative and important presentations are available for download here. The valuable information is important for coaches, players, parents and physicians.
NHL/NHLPA Concussion Education Video
A lot of information specifically for hockey players on detection and management of concussions. This information should not replace consulting your family physician should you suspect your child has a concussion.
Safety Info
What the heck is HECC?
What is HECC and why does my kids helmet have to have this sticker?
NCAA Info & Info on Getting Recruited/Noticed
Social Media - Creating Boundaries
Is social media a way for your child to market himself? Or will it wreck his/her future? Every high school has the story of the kid who posted behaviors and got suspended. But posting can impact a promising athlete as well - no recruiter or college coach wants a player who "might" be a problem.
5 Things You Need to Know about Athletic Scholarships
Eye opening tips especially for hockey parents. Most hockey scholarships are NOT full rides. Athletic Scholarships are only good for one year - playing time, grades or a new coach could mean you lose your scholarship after one year.
What Does "Character" Mean to College Coaches
Your child has the talent to play in college but does he/she have the character? Will he or she fit in, play as part of the team, help team mates, get the grades to stay eligible? Coaches are watching to see how your child interacts with their team mates and coaches. Coaches are watching the parents too - the parents in the stands tracking playing time and yelling the refs will be noted. With college coaches, parents are to be seen and not heard.
An Open Letter from a Coach to a prospective Recruit
an article both parents and athletes should read. Coaches care about character.
Advice from a College Hockey Recruiter
Pay as much attention to the on ice as the off ice skills.
NCAA Info
NCAA Recruiting
There are many college recruiting websites. Whether you want to spend time on them or get involved with them is up to you.
But Realize: The most important group in college athletics is the NCAA. They provide a huge amount of info for guidance counselors, parents and athletes. This is where you should get the facts and if you hear something or get contacted by someone - check them out or go to the NCAA for the facts.
The Role of College Coaches in Admissions
You won't get into colleges without qualifying academically. But college coaches can help a little. Also discussions of how much athletic scholarships really cover. Full rides are rare except in certain sports.
2019 NCSA Power Rankings
Discussion of items to consider while looking at colleges as a potential college athlete.
14U/16U On College Commitments - Should my child commit early?
Social media makes a big deal about player's committing to a college at an early age. This quick question identifies what these commitments mean and what parents should be emphasizing to your child if they want to play college hockey!
Want to Play College Sports?
Excellent page with resources on Division 1,2, and 3. Also links to required high school coursework, GPA, SAT/ACT - required reading for potential student athletes and their parents
NCAA Recruiting Calendars
Links to the official NCAA Recruiting Calendars and a Frequently Asked Questions section on the terminology.
NCAA Eligibility Center
Visit this page to find out about eligibility and recruiting. Students must be qualified (as amateurs and academically) by the NCAA to accept a scholarship and play college sports.
USA Hockey Link to College Hockey Info
College Hockey Inc. Their frequently asked questions page appears to be up to date and has good information that is not easily found on NCAA and other websites. One example is Division I college hockey teams only have 18 scholarships and typically carry 25-30 players so not all players get full athletic scholarships.
How does my child get recruited to Play College Hockey?
Answer - play Juniors. Go to the Junior and Development League websites (listed below) - they have recruiting events and tell you how to play in their leagues. Even the NTDP 18U and 17U teams play in the USHL (Tier I Junior League).
My child plays AAA! or AA! We go to these big expensive Tournaments to get recruited. Fact remains, most college coaches want players to play a year or two of high level juniors.
Still don't understand? Go to Division I and III hockey programs and check out their rosters. Almost all list their players last team - very few come from High Schools or AAA teams, most come from Junior Teams or in some cases Prep Schools. See the links below.
USA Hockey's Junior Website
This website lists the Tier I (USHL), Tier II (NAHL) and Tier III (RMHL, NA3HL and EHL) Junior Hockey Leagues. Most Division 1 and III US college players get recruited by playing in a USA Hockey or Hockey Canadian sanctioned Junior Team.
Road to Tier 1 Juniors (USHL)
College Hockey Inc List of Developmental/Junior Leagues & College Hockey Leagues
Excellent play to find out where to play if you want to play College Hockey or want to explore the various College Hockey Leagues
RIT (Division I) Mens Hockey Roster
Every player is off a Canadian or US Junior team.
Boston University (Division 1) Men's Ice Hockey Roster
A few from USPHL elite teams, several from the NTDP 18U team, a few from Prep Schools and the rest from Canadian or USHL Junior teams
SUNY Brockport (Division III) Men's Ice Hockey Roster
One player from the NAHL with most of the rest split between the EHL (a Tier III junior league) and the USPHL
Buffalo State Division III Men's Ice Hockey Roster
USPHL and Tier III Juniors
College Hockey or Canadian Major Junior - which is better for a NHL Career?
College Hockey Inc Article on College vs CHL
Biased towards the NCAA but worth reading
Understanding Junior Hockey
Written by the USHL which wants players to go to college
Predators coach Dan Muse’s advice for 14U/16U players
Could your child make it to the Pros? What skills are needed for higher levels of hockey? Predators Coach Dan Muse discusses these questions.
Major Junior vs College Hockey
Excellent article - which route is best for your child? Discusses the many pros and cons. Gives examples.
St John Fisher Academic Paper - Major Junior or College Hockey
A well written academic paper on the merits of college hockey versus major junior. Many citations and well researched.
Going Pro
Most NHL players came out of the CHL (Canadian Hockey League also known as Canadian Major Junior), the NCAA, or various European Leagues.
The CHL includes the OHL, WHL and QMJHL. Playing or signing a contract to play in these leagues will forfeit your NCAA eligibilty.
Many NHL players play in the minor leagues before making it to the NHL. Many NCAA players "go pro" after graduating from college by joining one of these leagues. The American Hockey League (AHL), ECHL (East Coast Hockey League) and SPHL (Southern Professional Hockey League). Each NHL team has a AHL affiliate. Each AHL generally has an affiliated team in the ECHL and most ECHL teams have an affiiation with SPHL teams to replace players who get called up or are injured.
Statistics about Playing College Hockey & Going Pro from Men's College Ice Hockey
Shows the statistics of playing men's college hockey and the statistics of being drafted. One of the most interesting statistics is : In 2018, 31% of players on active NHL rosters played college hockey (all Division I), up from about 20% in the year 2000
There are more than 480,000 student athletes, less than 2% go pro
From the 2020-21 Pandemic Season
As we move on to more normal seasons, we should never forget what we went thru and remain cautious and careful so our kids can PLAY HOCKEY!
Hamburg Hawks Message
Posted with the permission of the Hamburg Hawks & Colleen Wheeler who put this together.
Training at Home & Activities During these Uncertain Times
USA Hockey Dryland & Stick Handling Drills
Something for kids to do outside in the driveway even if they can't go to the rink. Also check out the ADM article about Staying Active at Home at: https://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/1099975
SportEngine At Home Health & Fitness Website
Lots of drills, suggestions and articles on how to keep your kids active and healthy while staying at home!
5 Ways to Keep your Kids Active & Healthy While Stuck at Home
Some suggestions...
Training at Home & How to Stay Safe
Quick article on Staying Safe & Training at Home
Training at Home
From a Baltimore News Outlet
What Hockey Players can learn from watching games
Stuck in the house because of the rain (or snow/sleet)? Check the TV listings and find a game then apply the pointers in this article so your hockey player learn to watch and learn!
Activities While at Home
22 Best Scavenger Hunt Ideas
Recommended by Good Housekeeping
Genesee Country Museum Family Fun & Learning Page
Science, History, Pages to download and color, other activities including virtual tours...ENJOY!
Hogwarts & Harry Potter Fans
The link is to the Facebook page entry for the website. This is a free website which when it comes back up (down for maintenance on Easter weekend) has free online classes with content similar to Hogwarts. We recommend parents check out the website first and then decide if their kids are ready for the content. If your kids are Harry Potter fans - it should be worth checking out and help to keep your kids occupied during the shutdown!
Hockey Activities on the Computer
Some sneak in some actual learning!
Bring STEM to life Using Future Goals
Future Goals Now Available for Teachers and Families A FREE and fun online course to keep students and parents engaged at home Hockey has always been more than a game, it’s a community united by a sport. The NHL and NHLPA remain committed to supporting the hockey community, students, parents, and teachers during these ever-changing times. With many school districts and parents utilizing remote learning plans, we are offering teachers and parents free, remote access to our Future Goals program. Future Goals includes two online resources: Hockey Scholar – an interactive hockey-themed STEM curriculum for middle-school and elementary-school-aged students and Healthier Me – a program that provides elementary-school-aged students the tools they need to make healthy decisions. This comes highly recommended by a Hockey MOMS website! There is also a RESOURCES tab will lots more activities
USA Hockey Coaching Webinar Series
Lots of YouTube Videos from USA Hockey on Coaching! Great viewing if you are stuck at home and want to productively use your time to become a better and more educated coach! 49 videos and more being added!
USA Hockey Magazine Podcasts
Worth a look to see if something interests you or your kids. Lots of interviews with players.
