As the Female Hockey Experience leadership group ponders solutions to welcoming more Females young and older into hockey we have delved into a past quote “there is no reason to reinvent the wheel.”
Hockey is not the first sport to deal with the growth of females in the sport of their choice.
The most recent and similar sport as it is a team sport is the WNBA, and they have thought out of the box about how to grow a sport. They have taken the sport outside of the traditional model of playing in the winter like Men’s Basketball.
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) plays in the summer to take advantage of less crowded sports calendars. The WNBA season typically runs from May to September.
This lightbulb moment came as we read the dossier from Hockey Canada and all the obstacles involved in growing the game of Hockey for Female Players. We realized most of the obstacles are winter related where the landscape is already Male dominated, and facilities are full of hockey not allowing for complete Female Hockey Leagues to be established and allow for hockey that is not mixed with male players.
Following an already established Hockey Model of Spring/Summer Hockey built around Hockey Tournaments, and where there is significant infrastructure is already in place to accommodate the Female Hockey growth, we recommend a TRAIN IN THE WINTER play in the SPRING/SUMMER model until the age is met for National Team exposure or High School/College Hockey where the traditional fall/winter programs are already established.
The training model is already in place as Hockey Schools operate all year round and can secure the ice to provide the training that Females need to progress and enjoy Hockey.
Spring/summer hockey has become increasingly popular among players of all ages for a variety of reasons. One of the main appeals of this format is the opportunity for continuous development of skills and gameplay. With the TRAIN IN THE FALL/WINTER play in the SPRING/SUMMER players avoid burnout typically an issue with boys hockey from the year-round play and training.
Moreover, spring and summer hockey tournaments cultivate a strong sense of camaraderie among participants. The collective experience of striving toward a shared goal, over a short period of time, competing as a team, and forming friendships off the ice can forge enduring connections within the hockey community. Many players appreciate the laid-back environment of these leagues, where the emphasis is frequently on enjoyment and personal growth rather than fierce competition.
Personal stories from players who have engaged in spring and summer hockey leagues often underscore the beneficial effects it has had on their overall hockey journey. For instance, several players express that participating in off-season games keeps them motivated and enthusiastic about the sport, helping to avert burnout and sustaining their love for hockey throughout the year. Others value the chance to explore new positions, try out various strategies, and broaden their skill sets in a more relaxed setting.
Research examining the effects of off-season play on player performance reinforces the advantages of spring and summer hockey. Studies indicate that regular off-season training can result in enhanced physical conditioning, skill acquisition, and overall performance during the regular season. Furthermore, remaining active and involved in the sport year-round can assist players in preserving their passion for hockey and maintaining their motivation to improve continuously.
While there are certainly some potential downsides to spring and summer hockey, such as the financial costs of participation, (alleviated by the TRAIN IN FALL/WINTER model as parents get to choose when their daughter goes to Hockey School, thus having flexibility on costs decisions).Scheduling conflicts with other summer activities, (Possible but flexibility of Tournament Play/Hockey School Training allows parents to schedule around other activities) and the possibility of overtraining, (again choice of not playing on a winter teams prevents this) many players and their families believe that the advantages significantly outweigh any disadvantages. In conclusion, spring and summer hockey presents a distinctive and enjoyable framework for players of all ages to further their development, cultivate relationships within the hockey community, and enrich their overall hockey experience.
Research on the impact of off-season play on player performance supports the benefits of spring/summer hockey. Additionally, staying active and engaged in the sport year-round can help players maintain their passion for hockey and stay motivated to continually improve.
Additional benefits of the SPRING/SUMMER model are that full teams of girls can be organized as they do not need to have only local players on a team unlike the local league mentality of the FALL/WINTER season. Teams of girls from all over can be organized and meet at the tournament. While this will challenge the mentality of team aspect it does enhance the opportunity to meet new girls and enjoy the game. The teamwork on the ice and certain strategies of playing the game are often overplayed in FALL/WINTER hockey and in fact teams of players can come together quickly with the basics of the position they play.
Teamwork and camaraderie are essential components of success in any team sport, including hockey. While both male and female hockey players benefit from these aspects of team dynamics, there are some distinct differences in how they experience and leverage the power of togetherness on the ice.
One of the key differences in the impact of teamwork and camaraderie on female hockey players compared to their male counterparts lies in communication styles. Research has shown that women tend to be more inclined to communicate openly and express their emotions, which can foster a sense of trust and connection among teammates. Female players often build strong relationships with one another through shared experiences, support, and understanding, creating a supportive and nurturing environment on and off the ice.
On the other hand, male hockey players may be more focused on asserting dominance and showcasing individual skills within the team, which can sometimes result in a competitive and less collaborative atmosphere. While male teams certainly benefit from teamwork and camaraderie, they may face challenges in navigating egos and managing conflicts that arise from differences in personalities and playing styles.
In terms of bonding and team cohesion, research has found that female hockey players tend to prioritize building relationships and fostering a sense of community within their team. This emphasis on togetherness can lead to greater team unity, effective communication, and a shared commitment to achieving common goals. Female players often support one another both on and off the ice, creating a strong sense of camaraderie that enhances their overall performance and satisfaction with being part of a team.
In contrast, male hockey players may focus more on bonding through shared competitive drive and collective pursuit of victory. While male teams often develop a strong sense of camaraderie based on their shared passion for the sport, they may struggle with forming deep personal connections and providing emotional support to one another. This can result in a somewhat transactional approach to teamwork, where success is prioritized over building lasting relationships within the team.
In terms of skill development, both female and male hockey players can benefit from teamwork and camaraderie in different ways. For female players, the supportive and collaborative environment created by strong team dynamics can enhance their confidence, communication skills, and ability to work effectively with others. Female teams often excel in passing, teamwork drills, and strategic play, which are all essential components of successful hockey.
On the other hand, male hockey players may focus more on individual skill development and competition within the team. While teamwork and camaraderie are still important for male players, there may be a greater emphasis on developing individual talents and standing out as a key player on the team. This focus on individual performance can sometimes detract from the overall cohesiveness and effectiveness of the team as a whole.
Overall, the impact of teamwork and camaraderie on female hockey players compared to their male counterparts highlights the unique ways in which they experience and leverage togetherness in sports. While both genders benefit from building strong team dynamics, female players often excel in communication, bonding, support, and skill development through their collaborative approach to playing hockey.
As parents, coaches, and players, it’s important to recognize the significance of team dynamics in youth sports and encourage a balanced perspective on the value of teamwork and camaraderie for all players. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment within hockey teams, both female and male players can experience the benefits of togetherness and achieve success both on and off the ice.
