Written by Brian van Vliet - October 15, 2008 (As Seen In Hockey Now)
With the annual stress of hockey evaluations behind us, most minor hockey teams are getting well into their seasons with exhibition games and possibly tournaments. As the parent of two kids in Calgary Minor Hockey, I want to share my thoughts on an issue that comes up each season.
Every year we have to endure those hideous team “parent meetings” where we determine who is going to bring the jerseys and fill the water bottles etc. Inevitably, one question is always brought up. Are we going to play to win or are we going to have fun?
Some parents seem to believe that those are two different concepts.
We all have our own way of interpreting a word or phrase. Somehow between those Sydney Crosby coffee commercials and messages put out by numerous hockey associations, the meaning of the word FUN in hockey seems to have become somewhat skewed. I have seen too many instances where well meaning volunteers have brought it upon themselves to worry more about organizing bus trips and social events rather than extra ice and quality training.
What ever happened to teaching the kids about hard work and playing to win? After all isn’t that why we have practices? Why is it that winning seems to be looked at as a bad thing amongst many in minor hockey?
After all, you never see a happier group of kids than those who have just won a championship.
It is that same mindset that brings to light those too often regurgitated statistics about how it is virtually impossible for a kid in minor hockey to make the NHL.
I will never be one to tell my son he can’t make the show or my daughter that she can’t play on the Women’s National Team. Just like I will never tell them that they can’t go to Harvard and/ or become world renowned in whatever field they choose.
This armchair sports fan believes that FUN is achieved by working hard and being successful. And along with that comes WINNING.
Agree or disagree, I’m off the goalpost.
