I recently posted an article on Social Media about Hockey Canada’s new Cross-Ice Hockey mandate for kids under age 7 this upcoming season. Received so many passionate opinions & responses! Personally, still ‘on the fence’ about this topic. At first thought, it doesn’t seem realistic for players to get accustomed to this from the start. On the other hand, a smaller ice surface allows players the ability to react more quickly, thus practicing and improving their skills in less time. Here’s a recap of what others had to say…
“I like it at 7U, not 9U, except Squirt Cs should be 1/2 ice because most of them struggle with fundamentals”
“10u in the US. Squirt A/B/C levels will play half-ice in Washington state this year, except in Canada. I have a kid who would’ve done well with half ice last year, figured out the game partway through the year and now he’s ticked to go back.”
” I’m in Alberta and we played the last couple seasons this way, when the host team wanted to and it works out really well for the less skilled players. They can’t skate from 1 end to the other and ever touch a puck. They get discouraged really quickly…”
“Put in the lines and there is an argument it is better. USA Hockey claims that 1 year of development after cross ice is worth it for a player to then learn the actual rules of the game. Baseball, football, soccer may shrink their fields, but they also have the same basic rules. hockey gets rid of off sides and icing all together. At least make a general line in the middle so the kids have a sense of the game.”
“Like any new idea or development idea, things have to be worked out, ie the size of net. Hopefully the powers to be look at it. Otherwise the small area game, half ice game is a good learning/coaching tool as well, if the coaches use it correctly:) I see the pro teams doing it and many Jr teams have gone to it so I think U 6-7-8-9’s should maybe use it as well. ”
“I agree that if we are teaching fundamentals there should be rules as well. As a coach I love small games / half ice. I also believe that as a coach it’s my job to have them understand the rules as well. Even if there are no lines painted.”
“stop changing the game we all can’t be winners”
“In my opinion cross ice playing has been really hard on my 08 goalie. He has a private goalie coach here he has learned a lot, but with cross ice he didn’t have the room or the goal crease to use. He always said it was frustrating have to shrink is game.”
“Should mention we are in the US and his lesson are always on full ice/ regular nets. The 8u games are played with small nets.”
“It teaches goalies really bad habits. I hate it. Am glad My 08 is a squirt now.”
” The advantages of smaller area games far outweigh the disadvantages.”
“My 8 year old this past season on the baby nets. Such a joke.”
“Agree, that’s my issue with cross ice. I can see the advantages for skater development before they reach rep / travel levels below 8 years but the small nets without pegs are a nightmare.”
“same for my 08. Then you have those kids the “play goalie ” that drop into a butterfly and don’t get up the entire game because they know the players can’t always lift the puck.”
“I am not in favor of smaller nets, but for 8u I think cross and half ice is great for skaters and goalies. While I think it would be nice for rinks to paint creases I don’t think it’s the end of the world for goalies to play without a crease.”
“To me it’s the size (depending on the size of the kid) but the worst is that they’re not pegged and slide around when they try to lean against the post or push off from the post…”
“Since kids should not be fully specialized at this level anyway, I find the arguments about goalie development a bit overwrought. Just let them play! They don’t develop any un-fixable habits at this age.”
“So wrong. Windows of opportunity affect goalies as well. Kids that want to be goalies should be afforded every opportunity to play that as a full time position. Plus the costs of outfitting your kid in two sets of gear is outrageous. ”
“In Denmark/Sweden we always play cross ice games from U9 and younger… Really good for the development of the players”
” My son played exclusively cross ice last year but with regulation sized nets at 8u level. I used to ask him how he felt about it and he liked it. He likes the limited down time and the speed of the game. He and I felt it was good for him as he took many more shots on goal and I think it definitely helped with his quickness”
“In Europe they do cross ice games for U10 & U8”
Thanks to everyone for your opinions & contributions!
