What you do on weeknights and some weekends, you do out of passion. Even before we met, you were already giving your time. And when you tell our daughters to never give up and to always persevere to get closer to achieving their dreams, I know that’s just your way of doing things. This role allows you to live in the world that is yours: hockey.
When you’re coaching, you pour every second into your role. You eat, talk, and dream about hockey. You prepare your team—from the youngest to the oldest—for every single game. You also have to offer them personal advice along the way.
It always breaks my heart when I read an article about a young person who quit the sport because a coach failed to support them as they moved up through the ranks, or when I hear about a coach who yells at, shoves, or mistreats their players. I find it appalling that some people willingly choose to sign up for a role that destroys young people and their sometimes fragile self-esteem.
You, on the other hand, head to the arena, ready with your drills and exercises. You take the time to select the players who are ready for the next level and provide the others with clear feedback so they can improve and increase their chances of being selected next year.
It’s not easy to navigate relationships with kids, parents, families, referees, and league presidents. Everyone has their own agenda, dreams, desires, ambitions, and goals. Respecting each of them without losing sight of your own perspective and goals is no easy task. I’ve seen you prepare for meetings to defend your opinions and ensure the continuity of programs that are important to you. You’re training on concussions so you can support your players.
Every sport has its risks, and I know full well that hockey is dangerous. You yourself have suffered concussions while playing this sport you’re so passionate about. I know that as soon as one of your players gets injured, you understand the possible consequences.
I have only one wish: that if one day our children take up this ice sport that is such a big part of our lives, they’ll find a coach who is passionate, attentive, and—above all—knows how to motivate, guide, and develop their players’ skills.
I also hope that every adult considering becoming a coach will realize the impact their words, attitudes, and behaviors can have on a young person’s enjoyment of the sport they love most.