ANSWERING SOME MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT 3-ON-3 AND 4-ON-4 HOCKEY, News, WLMHA (West Niagara Minor Hockey)

This isn’t traditional 5-on-5 competition; however, it is still the game of hockey. Many teams at the professional level use small area games and variations of 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 scenarios in practice to keep their skills sharp. The fundamentals of the sport are still there – skating, passing and shooting happen more frequently.

Players will gain confidence in their ability through increased skill repetition in a game-like setting. This experience is something they can carry with them throughout their future in minor hockey regardless of the format.

Modified hockey provides players with a different perspective of the game. Every player needs to be involved at both ends of the ice. They have an increased responsibility to support their teammates or risk being outnumbered. Awareness grows on both the offensive and defensive sides of the puck and players will gain a new understanding of how this translates to traditional 5-on-5 hockey.

With more open ice, there will be an increased emphasis on fundamental skills and execution. Players will skate more, have more puck touches and be engaged in every situation on the ice. Goalies will also need to be more engaged throughout games as transitional play will be frequent and scoring opportunities will occur more often. 

Kids are back at the rink being physically active and socializing with their teammates. They are playing the game they love after months of social distancing and limited activities.

3-on-3 and 4-on-4 hockey increases player engagement which contributes to a more positive experience for the player.  In the end, ask any player if they’d rather be sitting at home instead of being on the ice.