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From 7th to 10th of May 2010 an international youth hockey coaching conference took place in Heidelberg (Mannheim). 280 participants from 30 nations took part in this conference organized by the German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB) and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). Author Daniel Coyle (‘The talent code’) kicked off the event at the Olympic Training Centre (OSP) Rhein-Neckar with a stirring speech Friday evening. 13 companies presented their products at a fair. oreover several nations presented their youth hockey coaches practice concepts. One of the exhibition highlights was a small rink with artificial ice made of synthetic material that could be used by the participants. ‘Public viewing’ was one of the highlights as well: on a nine square meter screen people were able to watch the opening game of the 2010 IIHF World Championship between the host country Germany and the USA.

DEB Coach Instructor Jim Setters: „For the first time youth hockey coaches from different nations met during a World Championship. Most of the professional coaches know how other countries train and play but youth hockey coaches often don’t have the possibilities to study other nations. Already the kick-off meeting on Friday was a success. Everybody was exalted and the casual and cooperative atmosphere stayed during the conference.“

The overall program contained 18 short speeches and presentations held by different spokespeople that initiated interesting discussions. Another international coaches conference will be held between 14th and 16th of May at the German Sports University in Cologne. One of the central topics of this event will be the integration of young players in professional hockey. Additionally the conference is a component of the German hockey coaches education program.