The Cougars Association is committed to using the principles of Long-Term Player Development to lead, develop and promote positive hockey experiences.

The focus of the GCMHA is on providing a safe and fun environment for players to develop a life-long love of hockey, to make friends and to build the technical, tactical, physical and psychosocial skills to become good hockey players.

Cougars coaches will use age-appropriate seasonal and practice planning to provide the best instruction for their players. 

Our development plan will emphasize:

1.     Consistency in the coaching philosophy

2.     Consistency in what the coaches are teaching

 

Our association’s success from a coaching/player standpoint will be based on 3 main aspects:

1.     Enjoyment of players coming to the rink every day

2.     Improvement of players’ skills

3.     Development of players to play at the next level – which may be a higher tier or the next chronological age group

 

The ultimate goal of hockey development in the GCMHA is to keep as many kids as possible playing at as high a level as possible for as long as possible.

By implementing a standardized technical curriculum and methodology for instruction, the GCMHA aims to build a foundation for athletes to enjoy the game of hockey and to reach their potential as individuals.

While it should be the goal of each team to be successful in their league, the player development process will be at the forefront of each team and this development component will not be compromised.