Initiation Program (I.P.)

The K.M.B.H.L. has introduced a newer program for the littlest ball hockey players in the area..  The format consisted of a half-hour practice cross-floor, followed by a half-hour game, cross-floor.  The main objective of this program is to give boys and girls ages 3 to 5  their first hockey experience.  Hockey at the grass roots level should be fun, based on participation by all, and learning basic hockey skills.  This program is based on these ideals.

The K.M.B.H.L. Initiation Program is based on the I.I.H.F (International Ice Hockey Federation)model of practicing and playing the width of the arena, as opposed to the length of it.  This model has been used in many of the leading hockey nations in the world for a number of years.  This form of hockey has stood the test of time, and has shown that children who begin their hockey exposure in this hockey environment have had an outstanding hockey experience.

Parents may ask the question why should my player play cross-floor, what will this bring?  I want my child to play the full length because I want my youngster to experience "real hockey".

To help address these questions, lets think about a child trying to run with the ball, while performing a drill the entire 60 meters from one end of the floor to the other. How long will this take?  How much energy will this require?  Will the players decision making skills be enhanced more in the close action of the smaller cross-floor surface or in the wide open area of the full-floor?  In which situation will my child be more involved in the action?

Last year we had many teams participate in our I.P. Program and are expecting an even greater success this year!