Science has shown this is the prime age for children to acquire and develop sport skills, therefore it’s known as the Golden Age of Skill Development.
Kids at this age will begin working on how to properly engage in body contact, learn good decision making skills, and having more of a quality performance and execution in practice. In prior age groups, it was mainly about the quantity of ice time and reps, whereas the quality becomes a more important part of the process, according to USA Hockey.
There are many types of leagues for the 12U age group. While skills and talent level very greatly and many kids have been playing for 4-7 years at this point, it is never too late for your kid to get started in hockey. As in younger ages, they still need to take learn-to-skate programs but may be too old for some of the learn-to-play. Don’t worry, there are many other programs like Hockey 101, 201, etc. In-house leagues are the best place to start playing after learning the basics.
All rinks have an in-house league for 12U, although Power-Pole Arena lists it as “middle school” program. Click on the rink logos below to be taken directly to their youth hockey page to learn more about their programs.
