The practice schedule for the 2009-10 Development Program can be found under "Calendar" and then "Practice Schedule". The first session for this season will be October 20th, 2009.

Purpose:  The purpose of the Mite Development program is to increase the skill level of young skaters within the Komets association by focusing on skill development and placing the players in situations where they can maximize the amount of time touching the puck.  The quickest way for a player to improve is by focusing on skills rather than playing games.

Why Cross-Ice Games?  Cross-ice games maximize the amount of time players handle the puck.  At any level of play, an average player may only have control of the puck for a few seconds during the course of a game.  In a small area/cross-ice game, that same player may have over a minute of puck possession time over the course of 6-7 shifts in one 10 minute game. (Source: USA Hockey)

General Format:

• All players will practice one night per week.  These practices will be one hour in length and will primarily focus on developing the skills of the players and goalies.
• Players will be divided based on their general skill level to ensure each player is being challenged appropriately and can focus on the next appropriate practice skill set.
• Teams will play cross-ice games on Saturday mornings.  Depending on final registration numbers, players will be split into 3 or 4 teams for the games.
• If we have 4 teams, we will have one game on each side of the ice
• If we have 3 teams, 2 teams will play and one will practice.  The practicing team will rotate each week so everyone gets to play an equal number of games.
• Shift length will be monitored by the coaches so everyone gets equal (as close as possible without a stop watch) ice time.

If you have any individual questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Komets Hockey Director, Kevin Muller at Kevin@hockeyshare.com or 262-748-7595.