Support your child

There are many benefits derived from playing youth hockey. Players learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. They learn to work together, sacrifice for the team, enjoy winning, and handle defeat. They also learn important lessons about physical fitness and personal health.

The degree to which your child benefits from their youth hockey experience is as much your responsibility as theirs. Show support, offer encouragement, and maintain a genuine interest in the team.

Always be positive

Parents are role models. Children look to adults for direction and approval. Never lose sight of that — strive to be a positive role model. Show good sportsmanship at all times to coaches, referees, opponents, and teammates.

Remember that your child is playing hockey. Let them set their own goals and play the game for themselves. Be careful not to impose your own standards.

Let the coach coach

The most important part of your child's youth hockey experience is to have fun while developing physical and emotional skills for life. A healthy, risk-free environment that emphasizes fair play, sportsmanship, discipline, and fun is invaluable as your child develops a positive self-image.

Positive reinforcement

The best way to help children reach goals and reduce their natural fear of failure is positive reinforcement. No one likes to make mistakes. When your child does — and they will — keep in mind that mistakes are an important part of learning. Be supportive and point out what they do well. Make your child feel like a winner.