Do you have team building built into your practice plans this season? Hosts Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli dive into the importance of team building in youth hockey. They share practical tips and fun exercises to help coaches and parents create a tight-knit team. From trust falls to tic-tac-toe with hockey sticks, they show how just 20 minutes a week can make a big difference. Whether your team is on a winning streak or facing challenges, these simple activities can help build trust, communication, and accountability. Perfect for any point in the season, this episode is packed with easy-to-implement ideas to keep your team connected and motivated.

Key Discussion Points:

Importance of Team Building in Youth Hockey

- Emphasis on the necessity of team building at the start of the season.

- Establishing trust, communication, and accountability within the team.

- Common misconceptions about team building activities (e.g., pizza parties).

Challenges Faced by Coaches

- Limited budget and time constraints for team building activities.

- Lack of parental involvement and support.

- Balancing team building with other coaching responsibilities like power play and penalty kill.

Effective Team Building Strategies

- Simple, low-cost activities that require minimal resources.

- Examples of team building exercises:

- Trust falls

- Paper plate navigation

- Hula hoop rock-paper-scissors

- Tic-tac-toe with hockey sticks and sandbags

- Importance of defining trust and setting team priorities (team, teammates, self).

Implementation Tips

- Scheduling team building sessions after practice.

- Engaging parents and involving them in activities.

- Adapting activities based on the age group and team dynamics.

- Using team building to address specific team issues (e.g., communication problems).

Frequency and Timing of Team Building

- Recommended frequency: once a month, with more frequent sessions at the start of the season.

- Key periods for team building: beginning of the season, post-holidays, and pre-playoffs.

Benefits of Team Building

- Enhances team cohesion and performance.

- Helps teams overcome challenges and improve overall experience.

- Encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and mutual support among players.

Parental Involvement

- Strategies to involve parents in team building without overwhelming them.

- Examples o

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