What is happening to hockey in Canada?

     Hockey is Canada's game. Or is it? The game that has been our trademark for so many years seems to be dwindling in our great nation, but why? Is it that people simply can't afford to put their kids on the ice? Perhaps its a loss in interest from the younger population? I personally don't believe it to be either of the these things, I believe it all begins with coaching and the lack of development we give kids, that combined with the political aspect of minor and junior hockey in Canada and you've got a losing formula for years to come. But how do we fix this problem? Is there truly one great answer to solve everything? The simple answer is no, there isn't one way to fix this problem, but I believe there are simple steps we can take to ensure that hockey remains Canada's game. The easiest way to fix this problem would be to have non parent coaches in minor hockey, the hard part of this is that who is going to coach then, when you have parent coaches the team seems to get picked more on who's parents are friends with who rather than who is the most skilled player. This is a big problem as it should be the best and hardest working players who make the team, not who you know but what yo can do should get you a spot on any team. Also if a parent is going to coach his or hers, sons of daughters team it shouldn't be an automatic that their child gets the most ice time and is first line centre, they should have to earn their spot just like everyone else on the team and if that means player third line wing and watching your child have to grind their way through the season than so be it, not only will it help make them a better person it will help make them a better player. The next easy step would be to focus more on development and less on certain plays. If the average team is given 50 minutes to practice and is anywhere below the bantam age group the game plan for practice should be simple, 15 minutes of power skating, 10 minutes of passing, 10 minutes of shooting and finally 15 minutes of a passing and shooting drill. Players would become more well rounded, they would be better skaters and wouldn't be passing the pucks behind their team mates. This would also address the problem of players not being able to shoot the puck. The next thing would be to teach these players that about the basics ie: protect the house, don't turn the puck over in the red zone and things such as that. Overall I believe these to be small but easy steps to improve hockey in Canada, at least those are my thoughts, what are yours?