I have to go off topic today because in the crazy world of youth hockey, this week is Tier 2 tryouts. A week or so ago was Tier 1 tryouts. This is typically the worst week of the year for most players and parents….but it doesn’t have to be. Listen up!
Life sometimes is about managing expectations…both yours and your child.
If you are the parent hovering over your kid, telling them they should be the first line player on the AAA team, yelling or “coaching” them in the car to and from the rink, trying to chat it up with the coaches on the team you want them on before and during tryouts, etc….you get the idea…..this means you are the problem.
Here is a big, disconcerting fact for you to swallow if you fall into the above category: you kid isn’t making it into the NHL. I’m sorry. Somebody had to tell you.
Here’s a new concept: Let your kid skate and have fun. Encourage them to do their best. Be happy if they are lucky enough to get to play with their friends year after year. Appreciate the fact a decent coach put them on the right team at the right level so they can experience growth and success. A bonus could be you like the parents of the other kids and those travel tournaments are more enjoyable for you because you just found a new group of drinking buddies! (I knew I could work alcohol into any post)
And the ultimate prize is this: maybe someday your child is lucky enough like me to find a group of beer league teammates that he considers his brothers and best friends. If they do, it’s the biggest win they’ll ever experience in hockey.
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