Parents

Bulletin_HC_2501_Registration Communication

Rec Hockey Newsletter Aug-Sept 2022

Rec Hockey Newsletter Edition 2

Hockey Equipment Tips for Young Players & Parents

By John Shorey – Author, Hockey Made Easy

Minor and youth hockey coaches, executives, webmasters, and other email recipients:
If you have players or parents who might benefit from this information, feel free to post it on your hockey website or forward it to them. Please credit www.HockeyMadeEasy.com.

Why Proper Equipment Matters

Hockey is a fantastic sport — but to play safely and enjoyably, it’s essential to have equipment that fits properly. Good gear protects the body while allowing full movement for developing skills.

Skates

Skating is the most important — and the most difficult — skill in hockey.

• Invest in high-quality new skates, if possible.

• If buying used, choose ones with stiff ankle support and plenty of blade life.

• Fit: Skates should fit snugly (½ to 1 size smaller than shoes), without cramping toes.

• Wear only one pair of thin, 100% cotton socks — not multiple pairs.

Skate Lacing Tips

• Use the criss-cross “X” method:

  • Bottom 3 eyelets: semi-tight to allow toe circulation.

  • Middle 3 eyelets: semi-tight for foot flexibility when stopping and starting.

  • Top 3 eyelets: tight for ankle support.

• Do not wrap laces around the ankle — it restricts forward flex and affects speed/turns.

• Tie a regular bow at the front. Replace overly long laces.

Blade Care & Sharpening

• Blades must be sharp, but not razor sharp.

• Dull blades cause slipping; too sharp can dig in and trip players.

• Nicks or burrs should be fixed ASAP by a professional.

• Average sharpening: 4–6 times per season, more for AAA-level players.

• Good sharpening creates a U-shaped hollow, giving inside & outside edges.

• Medium sharpening based on player weight/height provides the best balance.

Sticks

Your stick is critical — it’s used for scoring, passing, puck control, and defending.

Fit:

• When standing in skates, the stick should reach from the collarbone (minimum) to chin (maximum).

• Always bring 2 sticks to practices/games in case one breaks.

Lie:

• The lie is the angle between shaft and blade:

  • Higher angle (e.g., 135°): puck is farther from feet.

  • Lower angle (e.g., 110°): puck is closer to feet.

• Try different lies to find what suits your child's skating posture.

• Once a model works — stick with it!

Curve:

• Determined by the lower hand on the stick.

• A slight curve (~¼ inch) is best for beginners.

• Avoid big curves until at least Bantam level.

New vs. Used Equipment

Used gear is okay — as long as it fits well and protects properly. Look for:

• Shin pads

• Pants

• Shoulder pads

• Elbow pads

• Gloves

• Helmet with cage or visor

• Jock/jill strap

• Neck guard

• Garter belt

Check for secure fit — gear should not shift during falls, contact, or puck impact.

Base Layers

• Wear light cotton or breathable fabric long-sleeve tops and bottoms under your gear.

Hockey Bag Tips

• Use a large bag with side pockets for skates and wet/dry clothes.

• Pack:

  • Spare laces

  • Towel to dry skate blades and avoid rust

Dressing Order (At Home or Rink)

1. Light cotton socks

2. Breathable base layer (top & bottom)

3. Jock or jill strap

4. Garter belt

5. Shin pads

6. Hockey socks

7. Hockey pants (use suspenders/belt if needed)

8. Skates

   • Tie properly

   • Use blade guards if dressing at home

   • Tape shin pads after skate lacing

9. Shoulder pads

10. Elbow pads

11. Neck guard

12. Jersey

13. Helmet with full visor or cage

14. Mouth guard

15. Gloves

16. Stick (bring 2!)

Final Thoughts

These tips are designed to help new hockey parents and players understand the gear needed for a safe, fun, and successful hockey experience.

Have a great game!

— John Shorey
Author, Hockey Made Easy

Respect in Sport - PARENT is a mandatory program for the parents.
It is a 1 hour online program that is due no later than October 15th. It now has an expiry date. (4 years).
Please contact the registrar, Cathy Hosowich, for further details and the document to follow.

Respect in Sport - COACH is a mandatory program for all those on the bench for any team. It too has an expiry date.
Sorry coaches . . . if you had the old Speak Out . . . it is no longer valid. Contact Cathy to get updated.
This online program is closer to 2 hours long and must be completed by November 15th.
Please contact Cathy Hosowich for details on this program.

Hockey Canada and its Members want to end the culture of silence that exists in parts of hockey.

To help ensure that we are a safe space for raising concerns, Hockey Canada has established a new, fully independent, and confidential reporting mechanism for all individuals regarding any incidents involving Hockey Canada sanctioned programming. This reporting mechanism is known as the Independent Third Party and is led by Brian Ward and Jahmiah Ferdinand.

Incidents of Maltreatment that occur on or off-ice may be reported. Certain infractions also include an indefinite suspension pending a hearing, as well as mandatory hearings for repeat offenders. Incidents may be reported by the game official or through the Independent Safe Sport Complaint Process.

Maltreatment

Volitional acts that result in harm or the potential for physical or psychological harm. Maltreatment can take many forms, but generally includes any act, lack of an action or deliberate behaviour, by a person(s) in a position of trust that causes physical, emotional and/or sexual harm or damage to another person. Maltreatment also includes child abuse, which can be defined as any form of physical, emotional and/or sexual mistreatment or lack of care which causes physical injury or emotional damage to a child, whether done in person or through technology (including but not limited to computers, the Internet, cell phones, cameras, web cameras and other media).

Bullying

The combined use of negative aggression and power. It occurs when one or more individuals abuse power and direct verbal, physical or social aggression at another individual. Harm inflicted by Bullying may be physical, psychological, social or educational.

Harassment

Engaging in a course of vexatious comments or behaviours that are known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome, including but not limited to unwanted behaviour that is based on discrimination prohibited by human rights legislation and includes sexual harassment.

Please use the link below to access the Hockey Alberta website to submit a complaint

https://www.hockeyalberta.ca/members/maltreatment-bullying-harassment/independent-third-party/

Reporting Abuse or Harassment is often a difficult process. The Independent Third Party is committed to operating in a trauma informed manner. For example:

• All reports will be kept entirely confidential, in line with the wishes of the person making the complaint. This includes confidentiality from Hockey Canada and Member association staff.
• All Complaints will be followed up in a timely manner.
• The Independent Third Party has developed resources to share with survivors of abuse and can direct survivors to additional supports.
• The Independent Third Party answers questions about the complaint process.
• Complaints are taken seriously and rigorously examined.
• The Independent Third Party is staffed by a number of diverse professionals reflecting both gender and racial diversity. Service is available in both French and English.

By logging into RIS, you can see your RIS number, when it expires, and check for all of your children, and get their Hockey Canada ID number for registration.

hockeyalbertaparent.respectgroupinc.com

Having troubles with RIS usernames or passwords, here is their help line.

1-866-956-9791

Although RHC does not require a volunteer bond or volunteer house to be tracked, for each games off-ice officials are required i.e. A timekeeper and a scorekeeper. Tips on these two positions are avalaible below. Coaches or team managers my find it useful to draw up a rota at the beginning of the season so that all parents can take a turn.

• Timekeeping tips
• Scorekeeping tips.

After discussion at the Operations Committee and the Hockey Calgary Board of Directors, Hockey Calgary has developed an ‘Interim Dressing Room Policy’ for the Hockey Calgary program.

The attached policy will become effective immediately and will supersede RHC 70. RHC's Policies & Procedures will be updated accordingly.

https://www.rechockeycalgary.com/parent-coaches-info/#parents:~:text=Bulletin_HC_2302_Interim%20Dressing%20Room%20Policy