Hockey is back! And this year it’s taking the world by storm. Whether you’re in Australia or Canada, the sport is loved by all ages. There are several different variations of hockey, but the one that’s taking the sport by storm is called squirt hockey. It’s a version of hockey that’s ideal for children. They can have fun while learning self-discipline and sportsmanship. Squirt hockey doesn’t require large ice sheets or icy conditions, which makes it a lot more accessible. It’s a great sport for backyard fun or at the ice rink during the day. And who knows – maybe one day, you’ll be thanking your kid for teaching you how to play hockey!
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The Growth Of Squirt Hockey
You might be wondering how and when did squirt hockey become a popular sport. Well, it started as a passion project for a 12-year-old hockey player named Connor McMichael. He was playing in a backyard rink with his friends when he came up with the idea for this tournament. Since then, it’s taken off like wildfire. The sport is now being played in over 20 countries around the world.
McMichael’s brother, Gavin, took the footage of their tournament and turned it into a YouTube video. It became wildly popular and drew the interest of the International Ice Hockey Federation, which then invited them to compete at the 2020 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in Australia.
The Growth Of The Youngest Competitors
At the 2020 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, Australia will be hosting the junior tournament. And if you thought hockey was dominated by adults, think again. At this year’s World Juniors, the youngest competitor was just four years old. They were named after the first female member of the royal family, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. Little Helena Christensen, aka “Princess Helena”, skated to a gold medal victory.
Even more incredible is that this was the first time that any country had ever won a medal at the World Juniors. It’s a huge inspiration for Australia’s budding hockey players, as well as the entire sport globally. It shows that even at such a young age, children are able to embrace new experiences and compete at the highest level. This is truly an incredible accomplishment for a country that doesn’t even have an ice hockey team!
Sportsmanship Is Key In An Age-appropriate Sport
One of the things that makes hockey so special is the sportsmanship that’s required. It’s not just about winning – it’s about respecting your opponent and having fun while playing while learning. This is why it’s perfect for children. They can have fun while maintaining their self-discipline and sportsmanship. The older kids can practice these skills as well, but it’s easier for them to have fun and stay competitive while playing with their friends. This helps build teamwork and respect. In fact, one of the coaches at the World Juniors said:
“I think what makes hockey special is that it’s a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a kid or an adult playing, the fundamentals are the same. It’s easy to understand the rules and follow the play. It brings the entire family together while having fun and being active. I think kids playing hockey learn cooperation, leadership, and most importantly they learn to have fun while being active.”
This is why hockey is becoming so popular. It’s a sport that can be enjoyed by all ages and is a great option for the whole family. Whether you’re an experienced hockey player or this is your first time playing, you’re sure to have fun.