Youth sports should be a source of positive education and physical activity in a fun, safe environment. Keeping players healthy is a top priority for all officials and associations. Learning more about concussions and brain injuries through Rowan's Law creates awareness for players, parents game officials and team officials to recognize the signs and understand the importance of what's needed to return to play safely. Guest Bio: Michael Dundas is the Manager, Hockey Development at the Ontario Minor Hockey Association

There are so many factors in getting someone on the ice. It takes a commitment from players, coaches and administrators to be willing to dedicate the time and effort necessary to ensure everyone has a positive experience. However, none of that is possible without the most key decision maker – the parents. They impact the choice of registration, making sure their kids get to the rink, and have a voice in all of the major decisions. Parents want to know if their kids are going to be safe and have fun while learning new skills in our great sport. Guest Bio: Aaron Wilbur, Founder of The Coaches Site

A minor hockey coach spends almost as much with the players as their parents do. They hold the keys for unlocking their skill development and teaching them important life lessons. The core of the player-coach relationship is a mutual respect and the knowledge that the coach has the player's back. Guest Bio: Ray Ferraro, TSN Hockey Analyst

Any time you add a simple tweak to a standard drill it gives the opportunity to teach both the offensive and defensive side of the game. On offence, whether you're working on hands or moves or creativity, kids learn where they have to put the puck so someone can't take it away. On the other side of the puck, if you don't have the puck and you're actually chasing someone, you have to learn how to position your body and your stick so you can get it back. Incorporating those things into practice can translate it into games. Guest Bio: Corey McNabb is the Director of Player Development for Hockey Canada.

Every goal counts the same on the scoreboard. When the puck finds its way into the back of the net, there's no reason not to celebrate. Coaches and players are always looking for the most efficient ways to score, and working on the most effective methods in practice can help lead to more success on the ice. Guest Bio: Dave Manning is the Head Coach of St. Andrew's College in Aurora.

Change can be tough to go through. There's a comfort in what's always been done. You need patience to see the results. It's been 10 years since USA Hockey unveiled it's American Development Model for the betterment of the sport to keep kids in the game. It worked - and here's how. Guest Bio: Dave Starman is a pro scout with the Montreal Canadiens, Tier 1 Coaching Development Director for PAL Jr Islanders, and USA Hockey's Coaching Education Program.

What makes physical literacy unique is the emphasis on developing not only kids' fundamental movement skills, but also their confidence and joy of moving. The recipe of skills, confidence, and joy is the secret to giving children what they need to be active for life. If your purpose as a minor hockey coach is to help develop "hockey players for life," you need to develop these three pillars through your coaching. Guest: Richard Monette, Managing Director for Active for Life

As an assistant coach with the Winnipeg Jets, Todd Woodcroft is very familiar with the high-level talent from across the hockey universe. He's worked in a variety of roles including Assistant Coach with the Swedish, Belarus, Swiss and Canadian Men's National Teams. Over the years he's been able to pick up and learn how countries are developing players from a grassroots level. Guest: Todd Woodcroft, Winnipeg Jets Assistant Coach

Today's players consume more information through a screen than ever before. With video being such a prominent resource there is a fine line for minor hockey coaches in terms of using it as a teaching and feedback tool. While different tactics are key to success, it's all about developing strong instincts. Guest: Aaron Wilbur, The Coaches Site Founder

The past few years Hockey Canada has been changing the look of minor hockey across the country. These Player Pathways aren't a significant change but rather just a different way of looking at age-appropriate skill development. Guest: Paul Carson, Vice-President - Hockey Development with Hockey Canada