BC Hockey has announced the Atom Transition Plan (ATP) from cross ice hockey at the Initiation (5-6) and Novice (7-8) ages to full ice hockey at the Atom (9-10) level.

BC Hockey has been at the forefront of the highly successful cross ice hockey program for both Initiation and Novice aged players allowing them extra skill development that fits these age groups. This transition plan is designed to ensure that players best equipped for full ice gameplay and it ties in the mandates provided by BC Hockey at the cross ice level.

“This detailed transition plan from Novice to Atom fits perfectly with our Novice cross ice initiative,” said BC Hockey Chief Executive Officer, Barry Petrachenko. “The resources for this plan clarifies our commitment to an enhanced, standardized player experience by placing development and enjoyment of the game at the forefront.”

 “After the implementation of cross ice hockey at the Initiation and Novice level, research has shown that players will be going into Atom hockey with an increased exposure to more puck touches while playing in a fun and creative fashion”, said Aaron Hoffman, coaching coordinator of BC Hockey. “The branch has worked hard to establish a series of resources in the ATP that will meet the needs of coaches during this transition from cross ice to full ice hockey with drills that will help bring consistency and understanding.”

The plan was created by a group of technical hockey experts that are focused on long-term athlete development and includes: practices, controlled scrimmages and a resource bank on the four (4) key learning outcomes indicated for full ice play:

• Stoppage and Start of Play – Foundations of Full Ice Gameplay

• Spatial Awareness – Defensive and Offensive Zone Concepts

• Rule Adjustment – Offside and Icing

• Maintaining Game Flow – Changing on the Fly