Hockey schools and playing in summer.

Parents are often confronted with the question of letting their kids play hockey in summer. Are hockey schools/camps of benefit? Should my son/daughter play in a summer league? Well I wish there was a simple answer. One school of thought is that kids should take the summer off from hockey and participate in other sports to better facilitate over all atheletic development. They may also take the summer off to avoid burnout and to keep the passion for the game alive by coming back in fall hungry to play again. The problem is that other kids who continue in hockey throughout the summer seem to have an edge when it comes to development. They are on the ice more so the hockey skills they need improve with the additional time spent playing in a summer league or by attending camps/schools. So here is my opinion on this issue. ASK your son/daughter what they want to do. Let it be their decision as to playing hockey over the summer months. Let them assist in selecting which hockey camp/school they would like to attend. Do they want a high intensity camp or a more laid back "FUN" type of camp. Do your homework prior to enrolling in camps as they can be quite expensive and you want to ensure that this is what your child wants and that they will benefit from the experience. I am including some links of interest in regards to hockey schools/camps. Most of all make sure they have fun.

www.edgeofexcellence.com
www.edgehockey.net
www.evolutionhockeydevelopment.com
www.icesports.ca
www.hockeygoaltender.com
www.focusfitness.ca
www.winnipegwinterclub.ca

If you have any other camp listings or feedback as to the quality of camps please let me know.

Thanks,

The Coach