Minnesota Advancement Hockey Program Evaluation
For the average American, hockey may seem like a chaotic, free for all on ice. The truth is, it takes thousands of hours of training, discipline, and character building to become an elite hockey player. Among the many hockey programs in Minnesota, Minnesota Advancement Program (MAP) provides opportunities to a select group of driven hockey players. MAP hockey is a great place to invest time in, where elite hockey players receive quality teaching, feedback from coaches, opportunities to showcase and improve their talents through various opportunities and build their character. “The Minnesota Advancement Program [MAP] is the Elite division within FHIT Hockey”. At this program, motivated individuals can play alongside elite hockey players and be challenged by elite coaches. MAP is elite for the reason that players must be invited or apply to play in the program, players are placed in 1 of the 8 MAP tiers based on their potential to play at that level and age, and every player works their hardest to be their best. For the past 15 years MAP has been a program, it has taught players who are dedicated to personal development in hockey and in life.
Trainers and coaches at the MAP programming deliver quality teaching to all participants. They are experienced in hockey including a combined time of “over 60+ years of collegiate coaching and playing experience, and 60+ years of professional hockey playing experience”(MAP). Coaches and trainers at MAP have extensive knowledge and experience in the game of hockey. Because of this, they know how to teach players effective form and skills. MAP staff has a passion for inspiring each individual they work with, through hockey. One way they display their dedication to teaching is by showing correct form and results through verbal and active demonstrations. For each on-ice session, three coaches are in full gear skating with the players and for each off-ice session there is at least one certified trainer. During sessions, trainers and coaches often demonstrate what skills should look like or take players aside for one-on-one teaching. Along with demonstrations on and off ice, coaches provide live video they can show players to help understand technique.
Another way MAP staff demonstrates their passion for quality teaching is that the basis of their teaching and workouts are specific to hockey and are focused on a specific skill each week. Each session has a prepared lesson plan that starts with a learning target and builds on prior knowledge from previous sessions until a specific daily goal can be achieved. On-ice sessions are broken up into 3 parts: 20 minutes of efficient skating instructions, edge work, shooting and agility; 20 of read and react drills; 20 minutes of small area games. This ensures that each practice is helpful and productive as well as motivating and fun. Off-ice sessions include different workouts each day made by certified head trainers that work every muscle necessary for hockey. In addition to customizing workouts for hockey, each week MAP has a different theme for players to focus on that really helps take players’ games to new levels. All of these reasons exemplify how coaches and trainers at MAP deliver quality teaching.
MAP programming’s coaches and trainers provide effective feedback and encouragement for players. One way they achieve this is, during workouts and on ice sessions, coaches and trainers are actively aware of opportunities for improvement for each student. Coaches and trainers take any chance they have to correct or encourage athletes. Also, coaches are always very accessible and easy to talk to because they work hard to connect with each athlete and enjoy helping athletes develop and improve their hockey skills. Another way staff at MAP provide effective feedback is, coaches provide an informational, insightful and valuable overview of each on-ice session to parents and players on their online account that informs them of what the practice was focused on and how the player performed. This overview also informs them of how the player could improve. They always begin and end each written report with a personal, positive, encouraging statement that is really motivating.
In addition to all of the dedication toward training athletes the MAP coaches also provide protection and guidance through the college and AAA recruiting process. For example, a college scout or coach who observes an athlete at a tournament or game must first approach the MAP coach before they can contact a student athlete. The MAP coach acts as a liaison between the student athlete, their parents and the recruiting program. They continue to share their expert advice regarding the recruiting process by educating athletes and adhering to the most current recruitment guidelines. Each of these aspects contribute to how coaches and trainers at MAP provide useful feedback and encouragement to all athletes. Players receive opportunities to improve and showcase their talents in top notch training facilities and tournaments. The main location for MAP programming, includes 8 ice rinks, a hockey specific workout center, and a stickhandling and shooting facility. All of these benefits expand the improvement opportunities for athletes in the MAP program. The incredible facilities also help players feel encouraged to use them to progress in their hockey skills. Other opportunities provided to players by MAP are invitations and access to tournaments where college and AAA scouts and coaches attend to find their newest recruits for their programs. Each summer, MAP teams compete against other elite hockey teams from around the twin cities in 2-3 tournaments. However, MAP players in higher tiers also have the opportunity to participate in a hockey tournament in Boston, Massachusetts with their MAP tier. At this tournament there are many college scouts that watch most games that take place there.
In my experience, it was the most enjoyable tournament I have ever been a part of. I think so highly of this tournament because at the tournament I was able to connect and bond with my team, have fun playing hockey against elite players, and it opened my eyes to the college scouting world. These points are just some of the opportunities that the MAP hockey program provides players to improve and showcase their hockey skills. MAP programming builds players’ character through daily practices and workouts that teach persistence and determination. MAP teaches athletes in the program to be willing to work hard. MAP does this by teaching effectively, giving valuable feedback, encouraging players, and creating an environment where players can stretch their limits and strive for their goals at a high intensity. Each one of these aspects help motivate players to do their best at hockey and in life. MAP also helps players stay focused on development and always being willing to work hard. Players who are willing to work hard may have the opportunity to play hockey in college for athletic scholarships. MAP emphasises the importance of being your best self for the success of the team. I am fortunate to play on a MAP team in which every teammate has strong character. I know that each teammate has a strong character because nobody will point fingers if someone messes up. Instead of blaming one another, each teammate makes a commitment to work harder in order to become better for the team. All of these examples show MAP builds character in all of its participants.Some people might say MAP hockey is too expensive because it costs over $1000 for the summer season. Although, MAP is expensive, if it is in a player’s interest to improve in hockey and compete with elite players, the price is worth every penny. From a financial perspective, the cost of MAP is a long term investment that could yield future opportunities such as college scholarships or professional careers. Many alumni of the program have played at the collegiate and professional level. The many benefits of joining MAP outweigh the expense. The coaches teach quality form and technique for elite hockey and give meaningful feedback that is worthwhile. Players receive many opportunities to improve their hockey skills as well as opportunities to build their character. In addition to these benefits, MAP makes learning and improving fun. These are all reasons why the cost of MAP is worth the outcomes players receive.
In conclusion, the MAP program builds skills, develops character and provides a variety of opportunities for it’s students. MAP is a great program that dedicates its purpose to challenging and developing elite hockey players. In the MAP program, players receive quality teaching and training and get insightful feedback from coaches and trainers. Players also participate in great opportunities to improve and showcase hockey skills and improve their character. Through the MAP program hundreds of students achieve their hockey goals to become the best that they can be.
