For these 5 to 20 year olds, competition is meant to take a back seat to enjoyment.
Hockey is, after all, a game.
Each player knows that he or she will enjoy equal ice time over the course of the season, and skills development proceeds at the individual player's pace. The season runs for 6 months, roughly October to March inclusive indoors, and outdoor practices starting around December. It is this body of parents who really form the lifeblood of the organization. There will always be children who want to play hockey. There will always be a core of coaches and volunteers, so in love with the game that they will go anywhere to be part of it.