Coaches Corner
Developing Youth

A typical hockey season is filled with highs and lows. There are numerous challenges that present themselves almost daily. I've had the pleasure of dealing first hand with both ends of the spectrum as I'm coaching a mite and a midget team. I enjoy the variety and thrive on the challenges that fill each day. And as we hit the midway point of the season, I'm excited about what new challenges are on the horizon.

The biggest challenge for me as a coach is balancing the various components of what brings us together. It's not only the skills and systems, but it's the right combination of personnel (players, parents, manager, etc.), preparation and discipline meeting the opportunity, when it presents itself. If not all components are in sync (and they rarely are), the development of our youth is a struggle. But, it's the struggle that helps to teach development. It builds tolerance and character. And if molded correctly, it can improve social skills and maturity.

I remember when I was twelve and wanted to play for another club. I had some friends that played there and thought it would be fun to join them. My dad made me call my coach to tell him what I wanted to do. A couple years later I had some ideas of what our lineup should be. I guess at 14 years old, I already had a little coach in me. My dad encouraged me to discuss it with my coach. The coach actually went with my suggestion and it worked out well. I guess I was pushing it when I later made further suggestions that my coach did not like, but that worked out well too. Another time, earlier that season, I was benched! Devastated and tearful, I took responsibilities for my actions and did what I had to do to help the team. It's events like these that build character.

Expect a roller coaster ride. Things are not always going to go as planned. But, rather than point fingers or take the easy way out, let's teach our kids to resolve problems, not accentuate them. Let's encourage them to go to the source if there are concerns. Let's teach them to be responsible for their actions. If they learn to do it now, they'll be in much better shape when they have to do it five or ten years from now.