The MK Way

Values for MK Storm Players, Volunteers and Families

This is intended to be a set of values for all people associated with MK Storm Junior Ice Hockey Club.
The hope is that we can all have these values in our minds when we’re at the rink and do what we can to make sure the environment is positive.

  • Kids develop more effectively in a positive environment. We have a responsibility as parents, volunteers and families to be role models for them in terms of our behaviour.
  • We can set the standard for them to follow.

01

Be a Good Teammate

Hockey is a team sport. When players act as individuals it makes it much harder to be successful. We want to encourage players to be good teammates so that they learn these principles at a young age.

Teamwork and cooperation are really good skills for children to learn as it can help them in other areas of their life. At school, college or work it is important for them to be able get along with people and be kind and supportive.

Some behaviours to encourage:

  • Be encouraging
  • Be positive
  • Be supportive
  • Look out for your teammates
  • Say well done when someone does something good

As parents we can help the idea of teamwork. Don’t say negative things about other children and their play.

TOP TIP – Don’t reward players for scoring goals. This often leads to selfishness in young players and may mean they shoot when they should pass. This will hurt their development in the long term. Try rewarding them for setting other players up or for acts of being a good teammate.

This is a short clip about being a good teammate in the words of MK Storm Players: https://youtu.be/Uu2opp11rkk?si=zj_ybai76h8gU50

02

Fiar Play & Respect

We want MK Storm teams to play hard but play fair.

If you have to cheat to win then the win is diminished.

MK Storm teams should be competitive and try to be successful but a “win at all costs” attitude sends the wrong message to our kids and should not be what we’re teaching them.

Children often learn from what they see and if we are role models as adults in terms of respect then it will filter through to the players.

Some behaviours to encourage:

  • Shaking hands and saying well played to opponents, no matter the result or what has happened in the game.
  • Being calm and respectful when talking to coaches, managers or other volunteers.
  • Speaking to referees and match officials with respect.
  • Don’t be a bad loser but also be a good winner.

TOP TIP – Be positive and encouraging in the stands when supporting MK Storm. Don’t shout at referees, opposition players or opposition fans.

03

Preparation (Mind & Body)

We should be encouraging MK Storm players to be prepared and take responsibility for themselves and their own kit.

When they are old enough, they should be working towards checking their own kit, tying their own skates and making sure that they are on time.

Being prepared is also to do with being physically prepared. MK Storm players should try to stay fit and healthy by being active away from the rink.

The fitter and stronger players are, the easier the game becomes.

Some behaviours to encourage:

  • Learn to get kitted independently.
  • Check your kit is all in the bag yourself before leaving for the rink.
  • Do exercise away from the rink to stay fit.
  • Try to think about diet and nutrition, especially on hockey days.
  • Drink water to support exercise rather than energy drinks etc

TOP TIP – “Five minutes early is on time”. This is a good ethos for kids to learn for the other things that they do. Being on time for school or college, not being late for exams or work are things that they can apply from what they learn doing sports.

For hockey specific strength and conditioning see our website: https://www.mkjihc.co.uk/off-ice-training

04

Hard Work

Working hard isn’t related to skill level. It is a basic thing in sports that isn’t dependant on how long someone has been playing.

If a child is encouraged to work hard and be dedicated then it will improve all aspects of their game. Players that have a good work ethic and compete well are more likely to succeed.

There is an old hockey saying: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard”. Encouraging our players to work hard will help them to become more self-motivated in other aspects of their life. Whether that be homework, exams etc.

Some behaviours to encourage:

  • Work hard at both ends of the ice. If you are a forward, make sure you are also working hard when your team is defending.
  • If you’re doing skating drills then skate all the way to the line, every time. If you’re cheating on drills then you are only cheating yourself.
  • Never quit. No matter what the score is, no matter what else is happening, never give up. Don’t stop skating.
  • For some of the older players, be physically competitive. Don’t be afraid to make a check or work hard to get the puck back for your team.

TOP TIP – Encourage your players to be brave. Hockey is a physical sport and players need to get used to getting bumps and carrying on. This will make them more resilient and more able to be confident with contact.

05

Having Fun & Making Friends

Part of the joy of hockey is the relationships that can be built and the lifelong friendships that can be made.

We want MK Storm teams to feel like a family and that is achieved best when everyone is having fun and getting along.

We need to build a supportive and encouraging environment all across MK Storm. The more people feel included, the more fun it will be for all.

Some behaviours to encourage:

  • Play the sport with a smile on your face.
  • If you make a mistake don’t worry about it and let it ruin the day. Learn from it and move on.
  • Be forgiving and supportive of teammates if they make a mistake. Hockey is more fun when people aren’t scared to make mistakes.
  • Be welcoming to new players. Introduce yourself, make sure they know what to do in drills and be a good role model.

TOP TIP – If you see a new parent or player on your team, introduce yourself. Be welcoming, positive and friendly. We’re all one team and all want the best for MK Storm.

Start Your
Ice Hockey Journey Today!

Ready to hit the ice? Milton Keynes Junior Ice Hockey Club’s Entry Pathway is the perfect starting point for young players looking to develop their skills and join a team. No experience? No problem! Our expert coaches will guide you every step of the way.