Parents Aren’t the Problem…Confusion Is
Recently, we posted a clip on social media from a podcast episode where I said: “Parents aren’t the problem… confusion is.” And holy cow, it’s taken on a life of its own. Some people heard it exactly as it was intended. Others took that line in a vacuum and assumed it meant I was (or, […]
When the Buzzer is About to Sound for the Last Time
I’ve known this season would feel different. I just didn’t know how different. In the next several weeks, my daughter will play the final games of her hockey career. She’s a senior playing NCAA Division III, and when the season ends, so does a chapter that’s been open for most of her life. She fell […]
The New Year Crunch: Is January Hockey’s Most Important Month?
Happy New Year — and welcome to January, the most chaotic, exhilarating, emotionally charged stretch of the hockey calendar. For most of the world, January represents calm after the holiday rush. A reset. A fresh start. A chance to breathe. But in youth hockey? January is where everything ramps up. Teams are fighting for playoff […]
Leading Through Adversity
How Coaches Can Motivate Their Team During Tough Times Every team, at some point in the season, will face adversity. Maybe it’s a losing streak, injuries, internal conflicts, or simply the grind of a long season wearing players down. These challenging moments are inevitable, but they also present some of the greatest opportunities for growth. […]
The Business of Youth Hockey: Who’s Getting Left Behind?
There’s a hard truth that many in the hockey world are feeling but few are willing to say out loud: youth hockey has become a business – and business is booming. But at what cost? Families are paying tens of thousands of dollars a year for what used to be a community-based sport. Kids are […]
Rebuilding the Base: The Vital Role of Rec Hockey in a Healthy Youth Hockey Ecosystem
Youth hockey in North America is facing a critical inflection point. And when I say critical inflection point, I mean this is a HUGE deal that more people in our game need to start paying attention to. We have taken a long, hard look at what is happening at the youngest ages of our game […]
Navigating Tryout Season: A Guide for Players and Parents
Tryout season can be one of the most stressful times of the year in youth hockey. (And, is it just me, or does it seem like the tryout season gets longer each year?!) Players want to perform their best, parents want to ensure they’re making the right choices, and emotions can run high. The key to navigating […]
Growth Through Adversity: Setbacks Are the Key to Success in Hockey & in Life
Every hockey player, coach, and parent wants to see success—winning games, scoring goals, making the top team. But the truth is, the road to success in hockey (and life) isn’t a straight path. It’s filled with obstacles, failures, and tough moments. While it’s easy to focus on wins and achievements, the reality is that setbacks are […]
Choosing the Right Team, Coach, and Club: A Guide for Youth Hockey Parents
Tryout season (often times called, silly season) can feel like a whirlwind. Parents want the best for their kids, and with so many options—different teams, clubs, and coaches—it’s easy to get caught up in the chase. Should your child play at the highest level possible? Should they switch clubs for a better opportunity? What if […]
5 Things Youth Hockey Managers Do to Kickoff a Successful Season
After (seemingly) a lifetime of involvement in youth hockey, I have a confession to make: I have never been a team manager. While spending the better part of 12 seasons as an administrator in our local association (and even longer involved in the game), I wore many hats and worked with countless team managers over […]