Novice/Atom Development Program
Overview
The AMHL introduced the Novice Development Program for the first time during the 2012-2013 season and will combine the Novice/Atom ages within this program for the 2016-2017 season. In addition to their regular weekly house league game and practice, the players who register for this program will be on the ice an extra two times a week in skating, skills development and small area games. There is no travel involved and the cost is significantly less than the cost to play on a rep team.
Summary
A 20-week program of power skating, skills development and small area games for Novice/Atom age players running from the last week in September and ends the first week of March. Players will be on the ice for a total of 4 hours per week: 2 hours with the Novice/Atom Development Program and 2 hours with their house league team. The cost of the program is only $815 for 40 hours of instruction (approximately $20 per hourly session). Players registered for the program are encouraged to tryout for their respective Select team along with house league players who are not registered for the program.
“It's like going to a hockey camp every week, but at a much lower cost.”
We believe the development opportunity at this young age is as good if not better than playing on a rep team and will give a greater number of players an opportunity to accelerate their development as young hockey players.
The Novice/Atom Development Program is exactly what the name implies. The skill development is enhanced by the constant and consistent exposure to excellent coaching. The family experience is enhanced by reduced financial burden and vastly reduced time commitment. The player's ability to compete for Ancaster AA teams or Hamilton AAA teams in the future is greatly enhanced because of the level of instruction offered each and every week.
- Kids will have 4 hours per week of ice time (vs 2 hours of house league only).
- Coaches are trained, certified hockey coaches. Kids will be taught the proper techniques at every session with consistent instruction on the fundamentals.
- The number of "puck touches" will be maximized through the use of specialized skills sessions, small area game sessions and well designed half ice HL practices. The same number of hours on ice as a rep team but for roughly 1/2 of the price! The cost for the program is only $815 versus $1,500 for a rep team.
- All sessions are to be held at local rinks. Rep teams must travel for 50% of their games and each away game consumes roughly 4 hours of family time on average.
- Kids registered for the program are eligible to play for their respective Select team along with house league players who are not registered for the program.
Is there limited space in the program?
We will accept a maximum of 40 Registered Novice/Atom Aged Players.
Are parents expected to volunteer?
New for this season, we have hired on-ice assistant coaches to help ensure the best possible development experience for our kids. If you are interested, we will still like to have some volunteer coaches on the ice with the development staff. Even with the extra cost of our assistant coaches, our program is extremely cost effective. Comparable programs in our area run at costs of $35-$40/player/hour versus $20/hour for this program. Information sessions will be held in late August or early September to review and discuss volunteer opportunities.
Schedule
The proposed dates/times for this program will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-7pm but are subject to change.
Sign Up
Click here to sign up for this program.
If have any questions about the program, contact Greg Fullerton, Director of Player & Coach Development.