Hal Tearse
Hockey: An easy game to play...from the stands
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- Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31
By Hal Tearse
Minnesota Hockey Coach in Chief
As March madness arrives, the interest in watching hockey increases to a fever pitch. There are many discussions in the stands about the various teams and the players. Many definitive statements are uttered aloud, many of them wrong or unfair to the players.
Coaches, referees responsible for safety on ice
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- Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31
By Hal Tearse
Minnesota Hockey Coach in Chief
Player safety is a joint responsibility to be shared by coaches and referees alike. The coaches and referees can make a difference when they work together to reduce injuries to children who play hockey.
Our guideline is the rulebook because it defines how we play the game and what the penalties should be for violating the rules. When the on-ice officials allow for too many “let them play” waivers in the rulebook, youth players learn that high hits, head contact and very aggressive and potentially harmful play is OK. If one team adopts that strategy, then other teams they play will respond in kind.
Athletes, Alcohol and Drugs: A Bad Combination
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- Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31
By Hal Tearse
Minnesota Hockey Coach in Chief
Recently released research that looked at the effects on athletes that consume alcohol, drugs and energy drinks are startling. There is quite a bit of research in this area at the elite athlete level but it also applies to teenage and college age players. The information is available in the USA Hockey coach modules. Here is a snapshot of the important issues to consider.
Starting Hockey
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- Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31
By Hal Tearse
Minnesota Hockey Coach in Chief
“My son is a first-year Mite and he is crying and does not want to participate when I take him to the rink.”
“My daughter is a first year player and cannot skate as well as the other kids and does not pay attention to the coach.”
“My child keeps coming over to the edge of the rink door to talk to me during practice.”
“What should I do?”
These are questions that parents ask and wonder how to handle. Not surprisingly, some kids take to hockey like a duck to water, but many kids will need to take time to develop a love and passion for the game. And some will not, regardless of what the parents want.
Brain Russian Roulette: Youth Hockey Players and Concussions
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- Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31
Brain Russian Roulette
By Hal Tearse
Minnesota Hockey Safety Committee
This past summer the Minnesota Legislature enacted a law that requires coaches in high school and youth organizations to remove a player from competition if it is suspected that a player has suffered a concussion (please see full copy of the law below). All coaches are required to receive training to help determine if a player shows symptoms of a concussion. A concussion is a brain injury and not something to take lightly.
Read more: Brain Russian Roulette: Youth Hockey Players and Concussions
