President Mark — Even in the NHL. U5–U7 · Hockey statistics · Theme 7 of 8.
President Mark’s U5–U7 hockey statistics lesson connects an NHL example to a specific conversation between Coach and Player, and between Coach and Parent. A young child thinks not scoring means being a bad Hockey Player.
The immediate learning goal is: Talk about participation, enjoyment and a skill attempted. These are suggested THR conversations. They are not quotations from NHL Coaches or a claim that children should perform at NHL speed.
Begin with the NHL perspective
Ovechkin scored 51 goals and finished minus-35 in 2013–14. NHL historical comparison.
Plus/minus reflects certain goals scored while a skater is on the ice; it does not count individual mistakes or isolate responsibility. Review actual plays and assignments. A scoring total also does not erase a defensive issue.
Why the instruction fits U5–U7
Use a demonstration and an immediate, playful attempt. Skip the statistics lecture. If the child does not know the NHL, say “grown-up Hockey Players.”
For this lesson, keep the target narrow: Talk about participation, enjoyment and a skill attempted. The Player should understand the action and have a suitable chance to try it. Adjust the pace and difficulty to experience, rather than assuming everyone in the age group is ready for the same pressure.
Coach Q&A: what should I say to the Player?
Coach: “Even an NHL star can have a negative statistic. Johnny, tell me one thing you enjoyed trying.”
Johnny: “I didn’t get any goals.”
Coach: “Talk about participation, enjoyment and a skill attempted. I’ll show you, then you can try with me.”
Listen to the real explanation before choosing the correction. Check whether the problem was the read, the execution, an opponent’s play or an unclear instruction.
Coach to Parent: explain the same lesson
Parent: “Should we keep a personal score sheet?”
Coach: “Even an NHL star can have a negative statistic. We do not need personal statistical judgments. Talk about enjoyment and a skill the child tried. The learning goal is simple: Talk about participation, enjoyment and a skill attempted. What I will watch for is this: The child can enjoy participating without a personal statistical label.”
Support at home: Offer reassurance, interest and another enjoyable visit to the rink. Technical reminders from the stands are not needed.
Practice it with U5–U7 Players
1. Choose a simple skill the child enjoys trying.
2. Demonstrate and let the child have several playful turns.
3. Notice a specific attempt and invite the child to describe the experience.
Begin with a level of difficulty where the Player can notice and attempt the cue. Increase pressure when the action is understood.
What recovery looks like
The child can enjoy participating without a personal statistical label.
Notice the adjustment specifically. A useful next action can occur even if the next result is imperfect. If the same difficulty returns, change the demonstration, the practice conditions or the amount of information.
Keep the expectation clear: A positive points total does not excuse poor defending, and a negative rating does not prove poor defending. Review the actual work.
U5–U7 Parent quiz
A young child thinks not scoring means being a bad Hockey Player. According to this U5–U7 lesson, which next step connects NHL perspective to a useful recovery action?
A. Use one statistic to label the Player’s entire performance.
B. Treat a positive scoring total as proof every defensive choice worked.
C. Notice a specific skill attempt and make room for enjoyment.
D. Rank the Player against others without comparing role or opportunities.
Show the answer and explanation
Answer C. This matches the U5–U7 learning goal: Talk about participation, enjoyment and a skill attempted. The child can enjoy participating without a personal statistical label.
Take one conversation to the rink
The shared message is: Even an NHL star can have a negative statistic. Talk about participation, enjoyment and a skill attempted. The Coach teaches the action; the Parent understands the focus and supports the Player’s next opportunity.
In House League, the primary objective is to have fun. Advancement programs should explain role expectations honestly. In every setting, speak respectfully and make the next instruction clear.
See this theme across all five age groups. · Explore President Mark’s complete Even in the NHL series.
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