Inside the Game, Kurt Kleinendorst, NHL, AHL, International Hockey Coach, segment five of five

We finish with Kurt in segment five and we discuss youth hockey and coaching. 

Kurt talks about what is happening with the college game and the junior game and how it has changed the game in ways college coaches have to like. 

He also talks about what he looks for in a player when putting team together. One thing he stressed is that someone is watching you and how you interact with your teammates, coaches, parents, referees, and the competition. He looks for character in a person. Good people he can coach and work with. 

One other area is travel hockey. Kurt feels that if you son or daughter is going to play fourth line on a triple "A" team you better to drop down to double "A" to get more ice time, more special teams play. It will be a positive experience for you player and their development will be enhanced and the next year or two years later will be ready for the triple "A" level of play. 

We close with Kurt suggesting that USA Hockey should really have a program for coaches on how to be a better coach. More of seasonal program than a weekend somewhere to get your different level of coaching certification. Teach coaches how to work with all the kids and not just the top players but building a team from the lesser players to the top ones. 

Kurt has great insights to building a team  concept.