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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1996-02-21, Page 13February 21, 1996 Getting a feel for the game in pre -tyke hockey Chris Skalkos T A staff EXETER - Before they leam their ABC's or even how to tie their shoes, children in pre -tyke programs are learning how to skate while getting the feel for a hockey stick in their hands. Pre -tyke is the fust level in minor hockey including children between the ages of three and four. For 45 minutes every Saturday morning, coaches Dave Partridge and Greg Pfaff lead their group of 30 pre - tykes through a series of skating drills at the South Huron Recreation Centre Arena. The two believe skating is the most important skill a hockey player can master and it is the main focus behind the Exeter Minor Hockey pre -tyke program. "Kids should be learning how to skate up till eight or nine years -old. They can learn stick handling in their driveway," said Partridge who feels children pick up the skill quickly. "We noticed the most improvement at this age group more than any other," he said adding some of the children have progressed from using the support of a chair, to striding on their own within a few months. With the aid of four volunteer assistants, Partridge and Pfaff incorporate games into their drills to keep the children interested and they have an opportunity to have fun scrimmaging at the end of each session. They said the biggest challenge for the children is overcoming their fear of falling down, something that happens often. "They are timid at first. But once they fall the first couple of times they realize it doesn't hurt and they become more confident," said Pfaff. "After all, they don't have too far to go," he said. Some of the drills Partridge and Pfaff have created are designed to teach the pre -tykes how to SafTJT.-,'d-4i.u' 'j,:;.: �.- :HF.: fn.;.fertl,T �, " In Stephen Township, pre -tyke coach Mark Cronyn is also focusing on teaching his group of 13 pre -tykes how to skate. "We try to get them skating by teaching them balance," said Cronyn. "They learn fast, but stopping still seems to be a problem." Cropyn said some of his pre -tykes pick up the skill quickly while others need to work a little harder, but he said all of them will improve by the end of the season. Putting children into skates and onto the ice at such a young age is the choice of parents, however, Partridge said it's up to the kids to decide if they want to continue. "Parents initiate the whole hockey idea but if the kids have fun they will want to go on," he said. "There are a few that are here because their parents want them to but most of them are having fun and want to be here," said Pfaff. Both coaches agree most parents register their children into pre -tyke programs to expose themto a sport they may want to pursue when they are old enough to decide for themselves. •r�.,�� "If the kids are turned on to skating before they go to tyke or novice than they can only get better in those levels," said Partridge. The head start will also help them if they advance to higher levels in minor hockey. "To build future hockey players you have to build future skaters first," said Pfaff. Don Richardson, president of Exeter Minor Hockey feels the pre -tyke program lays the foundation for future hockey stars in the community. "Pre -tyke is the heart of our system. If we don't have new blood coming in our organization we'll fold," he said. Richardson coached pre -tykes 10 years ago and he said the program often reveals a child's natural ability on ice. "Some of those kids take to it quick. You Can " said 1Zt* on }n8 c! ey payers 3t t itygl, , Overcoming; the fear of falling is the biggest challenge for children. Some of the drills in the Pre -tyke program incorporate falling safely to help build confidence. Boo 1:s The Exeter Times Advocate offers all'kinds of services... • Fax • Photocopies • Colour Copies • Transparencies • Laminating • Resumes • Typing • Flyers • Programs • and more . \ `•,uppllt.'L, School Sr Office Supplies Business Cards Ruhlht'l c\:_ Self- Inking Stamps l'1 FS(Ind 1 1 abels lVedtliAnniversary Invitations Supplies 424 Main Street Exeter, Ontario (519) 235-1331 Fax: (618) 2350768 9:10 to I 00 p.m. Mon ms. 4116, Greg Pfaff above, instructs a group of pre - tykes on a skating drill. Teaching children how to skate is the main focus of pre -tyke programs. At right, Pre -tykes between the ages of three and four chase tfterta acuminate at the South Huron Recreation Centre on Saturday morning. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Al • • ••• DASHWOOD WINDOW AND DOOR CENTRE EXETER Is relocating (not closing) to OUR NEWLY" RENOVATED SHOWROOM IN ASTRA We would like to thank our customers for your patronage over the past four years. We invite new and old customers to visit our showroom on FIRST AVE. VANASTRA ,or call us toll free 1-800.524-6616 We will continue to provide you with a complete line of Dashwood Aidersen � & Andersen Windows & Doors • • • • • • • • • • • e • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •