Development Report 2016-17

The board made further investments in development this year. We purchased smart televisions, I pads, and speaker systems for both arenas so that video technology could be used on and off the ice. The Hockey Canada App, which has hundreds of drills, was offered to all coaches. NSDMHA was recognized by Hockey Nova Scotia this year as one of the leaders in Nova Scotia for implementing this new technology.

There was a change to the structure of development weekend this year. The Atom, Peewee and Bantam groups took part in skilled base competitions. The novice groups used the half boards with two stations of drills on one end, and a game on the other end. Power skating and goalie clinics were also held on that weekend.

Power skating sessions and weekly goalie clinics continued this year. It is very important for young goalies to start with the proper fundamentals and the goalie clinics meet these needs.  We are one of the few associations in Nova Scotia that offer a weekly goalie clinic. Puck shooters were purchased and were a great asset for the goalie clinics. I would like to thank Kevin Stairs and the rest of the coaches for their efforts with this program.

I would like to thank the board, the development committee, players, coaches and parents for their input and support in making this a very successful season.

With great thanks,
John MacPhee