Why Equal Playing-Time in Youth Hockey Matters More Than You Think

Equal Ice-Time in Youth Hockey is the Smarter Play

In youth hockey, few topics spark more debate than ice-time. Should the best players get more? How should ice-time be earned? Should every player get an equal shot? Is Equal Playing Time aspirational but not realistic? My belief is simple: at the younger levels, ice-time should be much closer to equal; and for good reason.

The issue is not just about fairness but also the fact that talent evaluation in young players is incredibly subjective. At nine, ten, or eleven years old, physical growth rates, confidence, and skill levels vary widely. Yet, in most Canadian rinks, ice-time still tilts heavily toward whoever looks like the “best” player at the time; often because coaches and parents are chasing wins and do not fully understand player development.

When parent-coaches are involved, ice-time inequity becomes an even bigger issue. The most well-intentioned coach can subconsciously overvalue their child’s contributions or reward players who match their own vision of what a “good” hockey player looks like. And while that is understandable, it is also short-sighted. Early dominance is not a reliable predictor of long-term success, yet too many coaching decisions are made as if it is.

Unfair ice-time does not just hurt the players who get less; it also hurts the ones who get more. When a young player’s worth is consistently tied to performance and outcomes, they learn to measure themselves only by what they produce on the ice. Any athlete who has competed at a meaningfully high level knows this is not a sustainable form of motivation. Over time, it can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a fragile sense of self-worth that crumbles when results do not go their way.

Effort and Attitude Over Short-Term Results

Equal ice-time does not mean handing out free rides. The foundation should be effort and attitude, not just skill or statistics. Coaches can; and should; hold players accountable for how they show up, how hard they work, and how they treat their teammates.

Rewarding effort and attitude sends a powerful message: “What you can control matters more than what you cannot.” A young player cannot control how tall they are or whether they have hit their growth spurt yet, but they can control their work ethic, focus, and positivity. Those are the habits that lead to both personal and athletic growth, and they are worth reinforcing early.

When coaches give ice-time based on these controllable qualities, they encourage every player to give their best, regardless of current ability. It shifts the culture from one of entitlement and early labels to one of growth and opportunity; producing not only stronger athletes, but more resilient, self-driven people.

Playing the Long Game

The “best” ten-year-old is not guaranteed to be the best twenty-year-old. Development in hockey is unpredictable. Players mature at different rates. Skills can be learned, refined, or even reinvented over time. Focusing too much on winning and leaning heavily on early standouts can actually narrow the talent pool in the long run.

That is why equal; or at least much closer to equal; ice-time in the early years is so important. It keeps more children engaged, builds confidence in every player, and gives late bloomers the time and space to develop. It also protects early stars from burnout caused by overuse and constant pressure.

By the time players reach higher competitive levels, there will be plenty of opportunities for ice-time to reflect performance and results. But in the formative years, the smartest approach is to give all players a genuine chance, focus on effort and attitude, and remember that the real goal is developing the person as much as the player.