Topic Area 1:
Player Skill Development Initiatives

Session Lead: Pat Kelleher

Understanding the need for and establishing a long term plan for player development will assist player recruitment and retention and provide opportunities for a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience in youth hockey and foster long term participation in the sport at all levels of play

• Long term player development strategies
• A review of current youth development programming “Best Practices”
• Addressing the developmental shortcomings in youth hockey
• Opportunities for growth through the IIHF Audit Initiative
• Current trends and issues concerning player safety in today’s game