Team Size

At the squirt level, or even the peewee level a team of twenty – which is the max, is not easy to maximize each players ice time during a game. Bantams are a different story. By the time players reach the bantam level they should be able to put in 100% during each 40-second shift. They should know how to change efficiently, effectively, and use the team’s size to their advantage. USA hockey has a max of 18 forwards and 2 goalies. If you can field two teams of eleven or more and have the appropriate coaches than that may be an option – especially at the younger levels. I would want to have at least three lines of forwards with two lines of defense and two goalies if I were able to. That’s fifteen on each team. This means you need twenty-six forwards and four goalies to pick from. Some teams can get away with one goalie on each team. This could put your team in a jam if your goalie were to miss a game. The next issue is splitting the team evenly or to have one team stronger than the other. Each year presents another challenge. Some years there is a big difference in skill levels that justifies two separate level teams, and at other times you may find that two or more evenly balanced teams work the best. That is something you have to decide what is best for the skaters. Two teams of less than eleven usually won’t work too well. I’ve seen it done. I’ve seen a team of seven do very well at bantams, but that was a situation were the team only had seven show up for tryouts and the coach took everybody that signed up. Each situation depends on the team, and unique situation. I usually end up with large teams, and I use it as an advantage – you have to work things right. I guess that’s the bottom line anyways. Can you make it work, and is it good for the players? At squirts just getting the players off the bench takes too much time, and players don’t always know when to come off the ice or how long to stay on. At bantams you’d better know, and you’d better be able to change very quickly. Then there is the possibility of injuries or players missing games if they get sick. Small teams get impacted more than larger teams when these situations arise. Whatever you wind up with for a team needs to play like a team. Each member has to do their best and should have an enjoyable season. Nothings easy, and no single design fits all teams. Every player has a choice whether they wish to stay with the team, or look for another. If you are worried about competing at the appropriate level, remember it is whom you play against that is the challenge. Look for teams that require you to raise your game to a higher level, not easy wins. Once the team is set, then the real work begins. Good luck to all, and have a great season.