Player Development

The EYHA Way is our shared identity as a hockey organization. It guides how we teach the game, develop players, and represent our community.

We teach the game the right way.

We build strong fundamentals: skating, puck skills, passing, shooting, and understanding the game.

We develop players for the long term.

Success is measured by how players grow year after year and how prepared they are for the next level of hockey.

We help players understand the full game.

Players learn how hockey works in a structured way over time: breakouts, defensive responsibility, forechecking, special teams, and team play.

We take pride in our organization.

Players represent EYHA with respect and take care of the locker rooms, facilities, and teammates around them.

We build strong young people.

Hockey teaches responsibility, teamwork, effort, and respect.

EYHA follows the USA Hockey American Development Model (ADM), which provides the national framework for age-appropriate player development.

Within that framework, EYHA emphasizes several key priorities to guide how players and teams develop throughout the program. The goal is consistency over time to ensure players build their skills, understanding of the game, and confidence as they move through each level.

The Five Development Pillars provide a consistent framework for all players, coaches, and families throughout the full EYHA organization.

Skating & Skills – Strong skating and puck skills are the foundation of hockey.

Hockey IQ – Players learn how the game works and build understanding as they progress.

Value of Team – Players learn responsibility, communication, and how to compete together.

Coaching Alignment – A shared development framework helps players build year after year.

Pride in the Jersey – Players represent EYHA with respect, accountability, and pride.