Hockey is a Complicated Game

There are many layers of complication in hockey.  Let's take skating for example.  Kids must first learn to skate, then to skate in bulky equipment, then how to skate with a puck.  They need to learn to skate backwards, do tight turns, cross-overs, both forward & backward.  Then there are the basic rules of the game, such as putting the puck in the opponents net.  Add in hand signals for penalties, face-off's, coloured lines on the ice, and offsides.  We have all of these things happening on the ice, and that's to say nothing of strategy, break-out's, power play's and penalty kills.  On top of all that, to quote Peter Puck (~1970s), "it's the world's fastest team sport".  I think you're getting the idea, there's a lot going on.  It would be a lot for an adult to learn, nevermind 5 & 6 year olds.   

For me, as a coach & a father, I'm always on the look out for anything that can help build that knowledge base, but also be fun.  Whether you're watching a hockey cartoon, such as 'Goofy's Hockey Homicide' or rewinding 'SportCentre's Top Ten List' while you excitedly shout, "come here, you gotta watch this crazy goal!", you MUST keep it fun.  If you want 5 & 6 year olds to learn all those layers of complication, making hockey fun is the ONLY way forward. 

This activity book  from Hockey Canada fits the bill for fun & building that knowledge base.  My son has spent hours completing this book.  As with most things that kids do - he'll spend a few days with it, then forget about it and then return to it.  Whenever he has it out he's always asking questions about the pictures or needs help in completing a puzzle.  In my opinion, it's a great way to get my boy to slow down for a few minutes and focus his energy on something he enjoys while learning more about the game. 

I hope this helps you & yours enjoy hockey a little more

Coach Chris