Kenosha Komets Hockey

Development “DEVO”

Purpose:  The purpose of the Development (Devo) 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.

◦       Players will be split into teams and will have a set game schedule (all games to be played at Kenosha Ice)

•       Program is intended for skaters 3–10 years old

Skills Required*:

·         Get Up on Ice (without Assistance)

·         Forward Stride

·         Glide Turns (Both Directions)

·         Moving Backwards

·         Moving Snowplow Stops

*All skills must be performed without the use of skating aids. Skater's who do not meet any of the basic requirements may be moved to the IGNITION program.

NEW THIS YEAR: Summer Devo will be only one day per week with an option to attend a "Devo only" Stick & Puck on Saturdays!  The cost for Devo Stick & Puck is only $5.00 for 1 hr. and 20 min. of ice time. Busy during the summer?  No problem, drop in when you can!

FAQ's

Q: What is Stick & Puck?

A: Stick & Puck is an open ice slot where DEVO skaters have "free time" to apply what they've learned and play at their own pace.

Q: Will there be any coaches on the ice?

A: One to two Komet volunteers, Midget (high school) players, and coaches will be on the ice to supervise and interact.  They will be there to supervise and assist if any issues arise.

Q: How is Stick & Puck different from Open Hockey or Open Skate?

A: Stick & Puck is open play and structured games are not allowed.  Organized hockey games can occupy large areas of ice, cut off access to the nets from other players, and leave under skilled players as bystanders.  We want the skaters to explore and play like they would at home in the driveway.

Q: Is DEVO Stick & Puck open to everyone?

A: No, at this time the ice slot is only open for registered Summer DEVO skaters.  However, parents who skate are welcome to join their child on the ice.  Friends and siblings are not  permitted on the ice during DEVO Stick & Puck.

Q: Are there other ice slots?

A: Yes, during the summer months and occasionally during the hockey season Kenosha Ice does have Stick & Puck ice slots.  The standard Stick & Puck ice slots are open to everyone unless the calendar states otherwise.

Please note:  Parents must be onsite and within eye sight of their child.  We ask that parents watch from the bleachers or from the lobby view area.  On ice volunteers are not babysitters.  They are on the ice to ensure the rules of stick and puck are followed.

*All dates and times are subject to change if necessary

Required Equipment: The minimum equipment required to participate in the development programs is:

• Hockey skates
• Hockey helmet w/face cage
• Hockey shin pads
• Hockey shorts “breezers”
• Hockey elbow pads
• Hockey gloves
• Hockey socks (worn over shin pads)
• Garter belt or hockey jock (holds hockey socks up and in place)
• A colored jersey will be provided by the program, one jersey per season

Need Equipment?

Players in need of equipment can be sized up for equipment prior to the first day of each session. The loaner equipment is complimentary for the player's first year, as long as the player remains in the Komets development program.

We do not currently provide the following loaner equipment:

• mouth guards, neck guards, or supporters/cups
• hockey sticks – youth size (Ignition level) hockey sticks can purchased through the registration process.  Sticks are wood, left or right handed (straight blade) and cost $15
• hockey socks – worn over knee pads, sold at Kenosha rink or local sporting goods store

Please note, equipment is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
 

"SUMMER SESSION" Equipment Outfitting will be:

07/05/2015, Sunday, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

07/06/2015, Monday, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Anyone in need of equipment who registers after Monday, 7/6/2015 will need to make arrangements with the program director.  Unfortunately we cannot guarantee later registers will be outfitted before the next scheduled practice. 

Membership Requirements: A USA Hockey (USAH) Membership Confirmation number is required for all hockey programs.  You'll be able to register your skater with USAH from within the Komets registration session.

Experienced with hockey and want to help coach our Development program? Please contact our Hockey Director using the contact information below.

NOTE:  All coaches are required to complete a standard background check prior to assisting on or off ice (provided by the Kenosha Komets).