Junior Icemen 16 & Under Program
Age Group: 2007, 2008
Teams: 16UA
Start Date: The week of August 14th
End Date: Start of March
Roster: 15 - 18 skaters, 1-2 goalies
Purpose: At the 16-and-Under level, coaches should focus on the following age-appropriate concepts and skills so that players enjoy the experience and develop both as hockey players and as young kids.
Focus Points: Fun and Engagement, Practice Structure, Age-Appropriate Training, Skill Development, Body Contact//Body Checking, Team Play, Training, Learning to Compete
* 16 U stage development is called Learn to Compete. This is the time to prepare athletes for the competitive environment, continue to refine technical skills, ancillary skills and develop physical attributes. The focus is on optimizing fitness preparation and to begin to specialize in ice hockey. Training should be individualized to the athlete’s needs in skill development, mental preparation, fitness and recovery. During this stage training volume will increase, as does training intensity. Competition becomes more important and the focus shifts to performance. Training will stress the development of position specific technical and tactical skills under competitive conditions. Mental skills that contribute to performance are also emphasized. The focus of this state emphasizes strength, stamina and continuing the speed training while maintaining the flexibility.
Icemen Experience: Each player will receive 2 tickets per season to preselected Icemen games. Players will also be provided with unique event experiences with the Icemen.
Game Rinks: Games are played throughout the state of Florida on most weekends.
Program: 3 On Ice practices and 2 off Ice practices weekly
Curriculum: All age groups follow a comprehensive 25-week on and off-ice curriculum focusing on age-appropriate training and proper player development guidelines. This will ensure all players have the opportunity to reach their full potential in a fun, challenging and positive learning environment.
Practice Focus:
The goal of practice is to create the most fun, challenging, learning environment for players to enjoy the game and improve faster for performance in games. Game based learning is scientifically proven to be the best retained when acquiring skill, more transferable for optimizing development and performance. Practicing the perception (cognitive) and action (physical) movements “coupled” together allows players to learn in game-like situations. Every practice should be composed of the following:
- Fun & Engaging
- High Activity (puck touches, movement)
- Game Like Situations (looks like the game)
- Decision Making
- Competition / Challenging
No Practice dates: * subject to change
Sept 4, Oct 31, Nov 23, Dec 18 - Jan 1, Jan 15, Feb 19
League Format: All 16U levels play full ice games.
League Games - Play in SAHOF League
Tournaments: 4 Tournaments per season, locations/dates - TBA
* Note the majority of locations for tournaments will be in the state of Florida or neighboring state with a drivable distance with the potential option of something further if it makes sense for competition purposes and developmentally. Tournament locations are TBA and will depend on the level of team and tournament divisions offered at different rink locations.
Travel: All local in Florida with potential options for 1 out of state event.
Team Communication/Schedule - Teamsnap app will be used.
Uniforms: All jerseys and merchandise are ordered on Uniform day, which includes reservation of jersey number. More info will be emailed out after tryouts.
Playoffs: All playoff fees are NOT included in club dues.
Jr.Icemen - 16U Equipment and Apparel Requirements
- Navy Helmet / helmet stickers
- Navy Hockey pants and/or Pant Shell
- Predominantly Navy Gloves (no conflicting colors)
- Game Jerseys (white & blue)
- Game Socks (white & blue)
- Practice Jerseys (white & navy) - included
- Practice Socks (white & navy) - included
- Tracksuit
- Dryland Shorts & two T-Shirts
- Equipment Bag
- Polo Shirt
- Jr.Icemen Hat (optional)
