Half-Ice Hockey: Examining the Shift in Youth Hockey Culture

In this episode, we explore the adoption of the half-ice gameplay model for U9 hockey players and the challenges of changing the culture of this beloved sport. We examine the beliefs of parents and coaches, their preferences for the new model versus the traditional full-ice format, and the role of past experiences and social influences in shaping their views. Join us as we discuss:
● The rationale behind the shift to half-ice hockey and its potential benefits for player development.
● The resistance to change and the perceived barriers to implementation.
● The importance of coach education and effective communication strategies to address concerns and promote understanding.
● The role of personal experiences and how those who have played organized hockey view the change.
● The influence of children's playing level and the perceived differences in benefits between competitive and recreational leagues.
Tune in for an insightful discussion on navigating this cultural shift in Canadian youth hockey.
Main source: Hockey youth in Canada: Parents’ and coaches’ beliefs towards the half-ice game model for U9 hockey
Jean Lemoyne, Charles-Antoine Tardif
PLoS One. 2024; 19(6): e0305750. Published online 2024 Jun 24. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305750
PMCID: PMC11195953