If you were wondering about the new bumpers splitting the ice at some of the practices, its all about “cross-ice.” Cross Ice is winning fans all over the country. Especially for young players, a single sheet game results in very few touches.  The smaller area makes for more time with the puck per player, better player development, as decisions need to be made quicker and more efficient use of the ice.  As many as 3 consecutive games can be played on one surface.  USA Hockey likes the results so much that they limit Mites full-ice schedules until later in the season, but permit cross ice games from Sept 1.  But its not for 8 year-olds alone.  The benefits go all the way to Bantams.  Read the following on small area hockey:

http://www.wayzatahockey.org/coaches_managers/CrossIce.pdf