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ADM Proves the Right Choice for Colorado Rampage

By Mike Scandura - Special to USAHockey.com, 01/23/15, 10:30AM MST

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USA Hockey Model Association growing and developing

When the Colorado Rampage sought to become a USA Hockey Model Association, Chairman of the Board Andrew Sherman knew the organization, based in Monument, Colo., might have to make some changes.

Embracing USA Hockey’s American Development Model was a no-brainer.

“There were several requirements we needed to meet, including the practice-to-game ratio,” Sherman said. “For example, with peewees we have 75 practices and 30 games. We also have off-ice workouts.

“Even with our Tier I teams, our goal is to have 130 practices, 100 off-ice workouts and 50 games. You have to meet the practice, game and off-ice requirements.”

That’s exactly what the Rampage did, and upon receiving Model Association designation, it enabled coaches to access some of the best resources, plans and national-level USA Hockey staff to ensure their players would be able to excel.

Rampage coaches benefitted from meeting a pair of high-level “resources” when they attended a coaching clinic that featured USA Hockey’s ADM Technical Director Ken Martel and ADM Regional Manager Ty Hennes.

“During the clinic we had with Kenny and Ty, they came out on the ice and did an interactive coaching education program,” Sherman said. “All of the coaches were on the ice and [Martel and Hennes] ran them through station-based practices and drills.

“It became a real interactive training session for our coaches, especially since they had to run through drills. It enhanced their knowledge regarding station-based practices in terms of the ADM.”

The ADM is another reason why Rampage registrations have increased by 10 percent this season to the point where 350 kids signed up.

“Any time you’re looking at an educational or development model for children and you can see structure, programming, curriculum and certified instructors, it’s going to help you not only retain but grow your program and develop,” Sherman said of the ADM’s role in the Rampage’s numbers growth.

“We’re absolutely thrilled with USA Hockey’s ADM. We couldn’t be happier. It aligns perfectly with our philosophy. To be designated a Model Association in terms of something we already do [i.e., utilize the ADM], we’re thrilled.”

This season the Rampage suit up 15 Tier I and Tier II travel teams plus a house league that’s comprised of kids ages 8 through 14.

According to Sherman, the ADM components that have proven most beneficial include a combination of the number of practices, the number of off-ice workouts and the number of games within the structure of the ADM.

Perhaps most importantly, station-based practices equate to repetitions kids are exposed to within that structure.

“When you’re doing station-based practices, you’re getting thousands of repetitions, which lead to player development,” Sherman said. “It’s an incredible opportunity.”

Sherman became affiliated with the Rampage in 2002. Given his long-time association with the organization, he doesn’t hesitate to offer advice to his contemporaries who are trying to grow and improve their respective programs.

“The benefits I would note are the number of practices and the windows of ‘trainability,’” he said. “Nine to 10 is the golden age of development. Your body can acquire those skills at that age. There’s actual science behind this.”

From his perspective as a former college player at RIT, youth coach and administrator, Sherman knows full well more goes into developing a well-rounded player than learning the correct way to skate, pass and shoot.

“The most satisfaction I’ve derived has come from making a difference with kids, family and life,” he said. “I’ve had the opportunity to develop young people by teaching life lessons, good nutrition and an overall healthy lifestyle.”

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.

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