Fair and Equal ice Time

• All players should have the same opportunity to contribute, regardless of skill or ability. A coach’s responsibility is to develop all players. Shortening the bench in an attempt to win games is not permitted. All players and goaltenders should receive fair and as close to equal as possible ice time.

Recommendations

• Positional rotation:
• All players play all positions – forward (LW-C-RW)/defence (LD-RD)/goaltender.
• All players get a chance to start the game and play in end-ofgame situations.
• Goaltender rotation:
• Full-time goaltenders allowed.
• Goaltenders rotate for equal amount of playing time throughout the regular season and playoffs.
• Goaltenders alternate games or split games as close to 50/50 as possible.
• Each goaltender plays the final game in an equal number of tournaments.
• The rotation schedule should be done in consultation with the goaltender and parents – share games or alternate playing full games.
• The goaltender not playing the game should be allowed to play as a skater.

Head coaches of U11 teams require:

1. Hockey University
   Online Community Coach training
   
   
2. NCCP Coach 2
   Coach Level (only Trained status needed, not Certified)
   
   
3. Checking Skills
   
   
4. Respect in Sport
   Activity Leader

Overview

The NCCP Coach 2 – Coach Level clinic through the is a competency-based education and training method of learning for all new and recreational-level coaches, emphasizing basic skills and the importance of players developing confidence, self-esteem and a love for the game.

The clinic introduces player development and will teach coach knowledge, skills and attitudes in:

• Communicating effectively with athletes and parents.
• Supporting the athlete in a team environment.
• Supporting the athlete in the training environment.
• Supporting the athlete in a practice environment.
• Supporting the athlete in a game environment.

Professional Development – NCCP Instructional Clinics

Hockey Canada has created a series of instructional clinics in addition to the Coach Stream program. While the coaching clinic is more specific to supporting coaches in the team environment, the instructional clinics are specific to teaching skills in all areas of the game.

Members offer these clinics as a way of supporting and enhancing the ongoing development of coaches in:

• Skating
• Skills
• Developing Defence
• Shooting and Scoring
• Small-Area Games
• Checking Skills
• Goaltending

Resources

Resources are available to support local hockey associations and coaches in the design and delivery of a hockey experience that meets the needs of 9-10-year-old players. Coaches should access both the Hockey Canada Network and Drill Hub to ensure they have up-to-date resources to support the U11 program. A variety of materials can also be downloaded HERE.

Hockey Canada Network | Coaching App
The is an iOS and Android app that contains a wealth of information for coaches and instructors. The entire series of Hockey Canada Skills Manuals and the Skills of Gold instructional videos are available on the Network. It includes 32 lesson plans designed specifically for the U11 program, available to coaches and instructors. While there is a fee for full access, creating an account on the free version of the Network provides access to many U11 resources.

Drill Hub | Online Hockey Drills
Drill Hub provides coaches of U11 players with access to all drills at no cost. Coaches can sign up to have free access to Hockey Canada’s growing library of drills. Users can create their own practice plans to share electronically with players or assistant coaches.