A healthier way to develop elite male hockey players in Canada

A McGill University-led study suggests that Canada's elite hockey system could benefit from placing greater emphasis on developing well-rounded individuals. The researchers found that while Canada continues to produce world-class athletes, the win-at-all-costs culture often associated with elite male hockey players can overshadow personal growth of players ages 15 to 17 and may contribute to broader issues within the sport, including unhealthy team environments and recurring off-ice transgressions.

The study, published in Psychology of Sport and Exercise, emphasizes that elite player development should go beyond teaching technical and tactical hockey skills to include fostering leadership, promoting teamwork, character development, and supporting athletes' psychosocial well-being.

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