“Not everyone is built the same way so not everyone skates the same way.”

That’s the philosophy of Corey McNabb, the Director, NextGen Development with Hockey Canada. He’s worked with teams and players of all ages and levels, and has come to understand that players show their skills in ways that work for them.

“It comes down to giving the kids the tools. As they go through the system, to me, your job as a coach is to teach them the when, the how and the why,” said McNabb.

Learn more: https://www.omha.net/news_article/show/1310068

Coaches can come up with all of the Xs and Os or pour over video, but a large part of what it means to be a leader on a minor hockey team is creating those valuable connections with your players.

Warning: This episode contains strong language.

Guest Bio: Dr. Jody Carrington is a child psychologist and published author.

Learn more: https://www.omha.net/news_article/show/1304895

Practice time can be some of the most valuable in minor hockey. It gives your team the chance to work on skills, understand new concepts and put in the effort that will show during games. It’s more than just drills - those are part of the environment you are looking to create. Practice is about coming to the rink prepared to be in an atmosphere for learning.

Guest Bio: TJ Manastersky is the head coach of the Brock University men’s hockey team that finished at the top of the OUA West division in U-Sports this season.

Learn more: https://www.omha.net/news_article/show/1302300

With playoff season here, parents and players are well established in their routines and hockey schedules. However, no matter how much time before heading to the rink, busy hockey families always need to find time to have the right pre-game meal to be able to fuel performance on the ice.

Guest Bio: Seanna Thomas is a Nutrition Consultant, Mom to 3 active kids, and founder of Hockey Snacks Inc., where she provides nutrition information for young athletes, sports teams, families, and organizations. Seanna regularly appears on CP24 Breakfast, & is a contributor to Triathlon Magazine Canada, as well as multiple other publications. Seanna focuses on whole foods with a spotlight on creating realistic healthy habits. She can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and seannathomas.com. In her downtime, she enjoys being outdoors with her family and relaxing at home with her husband and a well-deserved glass of wine (and maybe watching a hockey game).

Learn more: https://www.omha.net/news_article/show/1299997

There is more that comes with coaching than the Xs and Os. And coaches shouldn’t feel the pressure to take on building their toolbox all on their own. Coaches can constantly be learning from each other, not just within their own sport, but from around the coaching community.

Guest Bio: Wayne Parro is the Director of International Programs with the Coaching Association of Canada. He is a Graduate of the National Coaching Institute (NCI), a Coach Mentor to coaches in the Advanced Coaching Diploma (ACD) Program and the CAC liaison for various multi-sport organizations in Canada. He developed and executed coach support roles with Canadian Major Games Organizations and was the Lead Instructor with the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Academy, and coached both the Senior and Junior Baseball Canada’s Women’s Team and was an Assistant Coach with the York University Men’s hockey program.

Hockey parents want their child to be safe when they are on the ice having fun, and know the amount of equipment that comes with participating in the sport.

Unfortunately, there can be a tragic incident that reminds us all how important it is wear all of the proper equipment while playing our great game. These can serve as a valuable message to all hockey participants about the importance of wearing the mandated equipment.

The number one reason why kids play sports is not to win – it’s because it is fun. It’s our job as leaders in minor hockey to create a safe, welcoming and positive experience for all participants, both kids and adults alike. The OMHA’s longstanding partnership with Respect Group aims to educate everyone involved in the game on the proper behaviours that are expected as well as promoting the life skills and positive benefits of minor hockey.

Guest Bio: Sheldon Kennedy won a Memorial Cup, World Junior Gold Medal and skated for three teams in his eight-year NHL career. He is best known for his courageous decision to charge his Major Junior Hockey league coach with sexual assault for the abuse he suffered over a five year period while a teenager under his care. He has been instrumental in bringing governments, public and private sector partners together to work collaboratively to influence policy change and improve the way child abuse is handled. He is also the Co-Founder of Respect Group, which provides empowering online abuse, bullying and harassment prevention education to sport organizations, schools and the workplace. Respect Group has currently certified over 2 million Canadians.

It is often assumed that playing in an older age group means that your child will become even more advanced in their skill development. However, that well-meaning thought can actually have negative side effects.

We take a look at all of the programs and initiatives being delivered this season to help our hockey families and associations.

Guest Bio: Michael Dundas is the Manager of Hockey Development with the OMHA

BONUS EPISODE! As first generation Canadians who grew up in households where academics were the first priority, Vinay and Parul Intwala refer to their family as “the Accidental Hockey Family”. This is their story.

In the season's final episode, we look back on the closing weeks on Championships and upcoming Evaluations.

Guest Bio: Michael Dundas is the Manager of Hockey Development with the OMHA