Hockey Skills vs IQ | Are Young Hockey Players Missing the Point?

Is there too much ‘skill development’ in youth hockey? Coach Andy and Coach Eric cover why today’s young players are struggling with game sense.
(Clip from PowerTech Development Podcast Episode 159 | A to AAA: The Differences Between Levels)
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[@QuantumRadii]

“…I don’t think they’re correctly identifying the problem.”
Bingo!
First step to problem solving is identifying what, in fact, is the root cause of the issue. I see this as a golf instructor all the time - people making adjustments to their clubface (for example) when their club face is fine, it’s their club PATH that is the issue.
Hockey seems to become dominated by a “skill development” narrative. I thought it was just USA Hockey’s “ADM”, but apparently the same is true of the narrative handed down by Hockey Canada as well. I think both governing bodies have fallen into a bit of an “echo chamber” pattern in which they convince themselves they’re the smartest on the subject and follow a course of action - in this case, tipping the balance away from teaching the game, not just the skills - because they assume a predetermined outcome. To me, this is foolish.
Hearing that a high level U18 team from Canada can’t execute something that basic is disheartening, and it’s obviously a case that those responsible for developing that recognition skill failed. But, I’ll bet all those kids can do Michigan’s and their toe drags are sweet. I say all the time that playing within a system/structure is just as much a skill as fancy stick work or a skating mechanic. Further, it’s the system/structure that puts the player into position to use those other skills effectively.
You guys have amazing conversations!