About Devos
The SHAW Development Program is a learn-to-skate-&-play-hockey program. It is geared for children ages 3 to 6 who are new to skating and to hockey. Some children have already done Snow Plow Sam or similar program, but many have never laced up skates before. We introduce basic hockey skills (skating, stick handling and passing) in an informal, supportive environment based on the USA Hockey Initiation Program curriculum and other age appropriate games & activities.
Devos do not play timed hockey games against opponents. At some point in the season, devos will scrimmage cross-ice against each other.
I encourage you to review USA Hockey IP Curriculum, so you know what to expect. Click the link for CEP Level 1 Manual.
http://www.usahockey.com//Template_Usahockey.aspx?NAV=CO_07_02&ID=19686
Coaching Philosophy
Devos is low key and low pressure. Each skater learns at her/his own pace. We encourage each child to try a skill or technique that is just beyond her/his ability. Children who are confident push their limits, take chances and improve the most. We do not force children to participate. Our goal is for new players to have a positive first hockey experience, to try hard, play fair, have fun and to develop skills and self-confidence.
In addition to the benefit of physical activity, hockey also teaches life skills such as persistence, cooperation, and teamwork. It is our goal to instill in all our skaters a sense of fair play and good sportsmanship. To learn more about this, see USA Hockey and Hockey Canada’s “One Goal” www.onegoal.com
Over the course of the season each devos will learn to literally stand on her/his own feet. Second year devos will improve basic skills and develop better hockey sense. Success is due in great measure to the team’s commitment to praise, encourage and gently correct. Patience and a positive environment pay dividends.
Volunteers
The instructor to skater ratio is important, so we recruit on-ice volunteers including other SHAW coaches, parents, other adults, and SHAW players. All volunteers are subject to the Devo coaching staff’s approval. All volunteers must wear a certified hockey helmet. Skaters under 18 must wear full gear.
Wilson Park
Our home rink is Wilson Park (20th St. and Howard Ave). The season will start up in late October (or early November) and end in February or March. For the past 5 years, devos have skated on Saturday mornings.
Registration Information
Registration fees have not been set, but I expect it will cost $300 give or take. Milwaukee County has increased the cost of ice rental, so it might be higher. There are many opportunities for fundraising to defray costs.
USA Hockey Registration
SHAW requires that all hockey players register online with USA Hockey first. There is no USA Hockey fee for skaters 6 or younger. Here’s how to register.
- http://www.usahockey.com
- Hover over the Player tab
- Click Register online
- Complete this online registration process, and print the confirmation page that confirms you are registered with USA Hockey and your Affiliate.
- Bring the confirmation page with number/barcode the day you register with SHAW.
- SHAW registration days have not been set yet.
Hockey Equipment: all Devos must wear full hockey gear
- Helmet with full cage or visor: this is the most important piece of safety equipment. Make sure it is HECC certified and it fits properly.
- Mouth guard: all SHAW skaters are required to use a mouth guard.
- Hockey Skates: Devos and mini-mites will probably need a new pair of skates every year because they will out grow their old ones. Practicing once a week and the occasional public skating session barely breaks in brand new boots. There is nothing wrong with a pair of used skates if the uppers and the blades are in good condition. Get them sharpened at a reputable pro shop. Always dry the blades after use.
- Stick: Don’t spend a fortune. I recommend a wooden youth stick with a straight blade. Young players may hold the stick left handed for one practice and right for the next. Let them experiment until they figure out what is more natural.
- Shoulder pads
- Elbow pads
- gloves
- pants
- jock/jill
- Shin pads
Recommended Gear
- Suspenders or belt
- Jersey: one practice jersey will be provided.
- Hockey socks
- Garter belt
- Duffle bag or hockey bag
I suggest buying gear from a Hockey shop. The local pro shops have well trained staff to help you select the right gear in the right size. Some SHAW families prefer Hockey Haven. Others use the Hockey Locker. Play it Again Sports on Layton near 76th may have used gear. Of course, there are many online retailers who often sell last year’s models (or older) at discounted prices. Getting the proper size is more difficult, but prices may be hard to resist.
Thank you for your interest in SHAW. Please email me if you have questions.
It’s a great day for hockey.
Molly Larkin
Director of Development
CEP Level 4. No. 133202
mclarkin@rocketmail.com
Hello Molly,
Just finished reading through your Blog – excellent Blog! Excellent information! Excellent content!
Thank you.
John Steinbrenner