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A S K D R . H O C K E Y 20 // SUMMER 2026 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM This is one of the most com- mon questions I receive at the rink or in the office. The short answer is later than you think. Many parents worry that playing baseball, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, or some other sport will somehow hurt their child's hockey development. The opposite is most often true. Research consistently shows that early sports specialization- intensive participation in a single sport while excluding others- is associated with higher rates of overuse injuries, burnout and even quitting sports altogether. Young athletes need some variety. Different sports challenge the body in unique ways, developing balance coordination, agili- ty, decision making and overall athleticism. Some of the best players in the world played multiple sports growing up. They didn't become great despite being multi- sport athletes. Instead, they often became great because of it. For most players, I encourage the athlete and their families to continue with multiple sports until at least age 14. Many players at this age naturally start to concentrate more on ice hockey as they enter higher levels of competition. Even then, remaining physi- cally active in other sports can continue to provide benefits. Remember, there is a difference between commitment and specialization. A player can work hard, do private lessons, attend skill sessions, and love hockey without giving up every other sport. Here are a few guidelines for hockey families: • Make time for at least one other organized sport each year until at least high school (14 years) • Schedule periods of rest from organized hockey to allow the body and mind to recover • Watch for signs of burnout including loss of enthusiasm, chronic aches, declining per- formance or emotional exhaustion • Make the priority long term athletic development rather than short term tourna- ment results Parents often ask, won't my child fall behind? My answer is fall behind whom? Youth hockey is not won at the 12U levels. The goal shouldn't be to have the best youth player. Rather aspire to develop healthy, skilled, athletic 18–20-year-old players who still love the game. The players who continue improving, stay healthy and maintain their passion are the ones most likely to reach their full potential. Don't rush the journey. Build an athlete first and the hockey player will follow. P My 11-year-old Tier I hockey player loves hockey and wants to play year-round. At the rink I hear many parents say if he doesn't focus only on hockey now then he'll fall behind. So many of his teammates do private lessons, skill sessions, 3-on-3 leagues — it never seems to end. If I am being honest, I have some serious parent FOMO. What age do you think my son should specialize in ice hockey and is he at increased risk? – Megan from Michigan A Q T H E D O C I S I N A N D R E A D Y T O A N S W E R Y O U R H O C K E Y Q U E S T I O N S Early Sports Specialization g By Charles A. Popkin, MD Parents often ask, won't my child fall behind? My answer is fall behind whom? If you have questions for Dr. Hockey, please email USAHPlayerSafety@ usahockey.org ?