One of my team rules for both players and parents, especially with younger players:

DO NOT reward for goals, assists, and/or points!

That doesn’t mean I’m against rewarding players. I just believe we can reward them in ways that encourage better habits and better hockey decisions.

I often tell parents, if you want to reward your player, talk to me. Let’s find something that supports what we are trying to develop.

✅ Your defenseman takes the body instead of reaching for the puck — reward it.
✅Your forward plays F3 properly on the forecheck — reward it.
✅Your player creates a lateral gap by surfing an oncoming forward — reward it.
✅Your winger is strong on the puck in the defensive zone and makes the right play to get it out — reward it.

None of those plays will show up in the box score......But they are winning habits!!!

If we constantly reward goals, assists and points, young players can start chasing those numbers. They may take an extra chance, force a play or make a poor decision because they are thinking about the reward instead of playing the game correctly.

I would rather reward the process.
✅ Reward the compete level.
✅Reward the decision.
✅Reward the defensive play.
✅Reward the right habit.

Goals, assists, points, and winning are the results of proper development.