What can be debated however is the definition of development. Are we talking slapshots and toe-drags or do we really believe
development encompasses more than just hockey skill? Beyond the metrics of goals and assists or wins and losses where does the importance of individual maturation, emergence of leadership skills and development of a strong work ethos rank? How do we define a successful hockey season at the start and finish of a season? How would the young athletes rank a season in terms of success and would that rank always correlate withs wins and championships? These are some of the issues that we attempt to explore in this episode. Enjoy!

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Unfortunately referee abuse is significant and likely a contributor to high drop-out rates among young officials. This episode explores some of the issues faced by young referees through discussions with Connor and Isaac, two teenage officials.

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Hockey coaches play a critically important role in determining the success of any hockey season. In minor hockey the idea of success goes far beyond wins and losses and a coaching staff can influence this outcome in a very positive or sometimes very negative way. In this episode we will hear from coaches who will help us explore the complex issues around coaching hockey, providing a positive experience, maintaining perspective and having fun. Coaches Dean MacLean and Derek McCallum will provide their strategies and perspectives and at the end we will hear a poem remembering a special hockey season.

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Enrollment in minor hockey in Canada appears to be declining. The statistics are complicated given changing demographics, population density differences and rural to urban migration. However, it certainly does not appear, with some smaller exceptions, that the game is growing at the grass roots levels. The reasons behind this apparent decline are equally complex. There is speculation that earlier hockey specialization is negatively affecting kids joining at later ages. There are competing interests and the growth of sports such as soccer and basketball is likely playing a role. Finally, the cost of the game is only growing and undoubtedly putting pressure on families with already tight budgets.

This episode concentrates on the issues related to declining enrollment in minor hockey in Canada. We explore issues previously introduced in more depth including those of specialization, the basketball effect and cost.

Sources:
National Post- Selling the dream: Raising the next great hockey star comes with a heavy price tag

Globe & Mail- The great offside: How Canadian hockey is becoming a game strictly for the rich

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