practice to game ratio

[gdahl]

I am curious to hear what other people think is the appropriate practice to game ratio. I understand their is the "theory" side of it and the "reality" side of it. My understanding is that squirts play "x" number of games and than practice 3 times that number. Than at peewees they play even more games but still practice at 3 time that number...And now we are a bantam and play a lot of games like 80 or so and the practice ratio is still 3 to 1? I would like to hear from others the reality of what goes on in your association? How many games do your squirt, peewee, and bantam teams play, and how many practices do they have? If they have indoor practices what are the costs for the year per player?

[XVegan]

I am always amazed that people look at practice to game ratios and only discuss limiting games to make the ratio "look Better" or adhere to a predetermined number. Instead of limiting games how about increasing the number of practices. Go from 2 to 3 practices per week or add team combined skill sessions or off ice training. Only by increasing practice time will the players develop better fitness and skills. Limiting games only massages the ratio and does little for the player. If you argue that it is a cost factor of money for games or practices I think that you are fooling yourself because I have not seen the supposed cost savings from limiting games ever used to increase available practices.