A nice little piece from John Buccigross on ESPN.com
http://espn.go.com/nhl/notebook/_/p.../my-13-simple-rules-hockey-parents-everywhere
http://espn.go.com/nhl/notebook/_/p.../my-13-simple-rules-hockey-parents-everywhere
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13 Rules for Hockey Parents Everywhere
- Thread starter le_fan39
- Start date
Re: 13 Rules for Hockey Parents Everywhere
Thoroughly enjoyed the article...especially the exposure in the media.
Brings me back to the younger years....children are now grown and enjoying a game they can play for life.
It goes fast, enjoy them and the game while it lasts!
Thoroughly enjoyed the article...especially the exposure in the media.
Brings me back to the younger years....children are now grown and enjoying a game they can play for life.
It goes fast, enjoy them and the game while it lasts!
Hockeydad4two
Registered User
Re: 13 Rules for Hockey Parents Everywhere
After being gone from youth hockey for a couple of years, this brings back both good and bad memories. Bottom line is just make sure the KIDS are having fun!
After being gone from youth hockey for a couple of years, this brings back both good and bad memories. Bottom line is just make sure the KIDS are having fun!
UCONN FAN
New member
OnMAA
Vort Doen.....Heija Heija Heija
Re: 13 Rules for Hockey Parents Everywhere
This. (Already forwarded it to the parents on our team).
This. (Already forwarded it to the parents on our team).
Re: 13 Rules for Hockey Parents Everywhere
I thoroughly enjoyed the article but I would change one thing. Never yell instruction to your child during the game. You will become frustrated when she doesn't listen to your great advice and worse yet she might just hear it and listen to it. Instead of instruction during her shift on the ice yell for her to hustle and skate hard and beat them to the puck. One of the worst things a coach or parent can do is to instruct their players while they are skating in what to do other that hustle to get back etc. Even if you were the best hockey mind in the world you could not relay that information fast enough to get a player on the ice to react in the way you want them to in time. Nor should you want to since that is how they learn to play the game. Yet when the shift is over is a prime time for the coach to teach that player what other alternatives they had available to them. It will still be fresh in their minds so they will remember what you are talking about. This is when the best coaching "happens".
I thoroughly enjoyed the article but I would change one thing. Never yell instruction to your child during the game. You will become frustrated when she doesn't listen to your great advice and worse yet she might just hear it and listen to it. Instead of instruction during her shift on the ice yell for her to hustle and skate hard and beat them to the puck. One of the worst things a coach or parent can do is to instruct their players while they are skating in what to do other that hustle to get back etc. Even if you were the best hockey mind in the world you could not relay that information fast enough to get a player on the ice to react in the way you want them to in time. Nor should you want to since that is how they learn to play the game. Yet when the shift is over is a prime time for the coach to teach that player what other alternatives they had available to them. It will still be fresh in their minds so they will remember what you are talking about. This is when the best coaching "happens".
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Redhead'sDad
Registered User
Re: 13 Rules for Hockey Parents Everywhere
Terrific piece. But I expect nothing list from a sports journalist who paid some dues in Rhode Island.
Terrific piece. But I expect nothing list from a sports journalist who paid some dues in Rhode Island.
5 4 Fighting
New member
Re: 13 Rules for Hockey Parents Everywhere
Nice article...Can't say I agree with the used sk8t deal however.
Nice article...Can't say I agree with the used sk8t deal however.
ARM
Fan of chipmunk-like mascots.
Re: 13 Rules for Hockey Parents Everywhere
I think the point of used skates is to not take the game so seriously when the child is young. The player can have fun and learn the game with a solid piece of used equipment, if the parents aren't busy trying to outspend each other. I'm sure NHL annals are filled with stars who were on the ice in hand-me-down skates at that age.
I think the point of used skates is to not take the game so seriously when the child is young. The player can have fun and learn the game with a solid piece of used equipment, if the parents aren't busy trying to outspend each other. I'm sure NHL annals are filled with stars who were on the ice in hand-me-down skates at that age.
5 4 Fighting
New member
Re: 13 Rules for Hockey Parents Everywhere
If there is one piece of equipment that has improved significantly over the last few years...it is the sk8t. Composite materials are being used to bring the sk8t to a new level of lightness while maintaining their protective qualities. Lighter sk8ts translate into quicker feet and a more natural stride. This, at an early age is fundemental. So many kids don't get the benefit of a properly fitted sk8t these days cause Mom/Dad either buy used sk8ts or sk8ts that are 2 sizes too big so they will last a few years. The vast majority of sk8ts todays are heat moldable starting at the Junior 1 size and therefore they have probably been molded to someone elses foot on the used market.
It's all about the skating...putting your young tike in anything other than a properly fitted, good quality pair of new skates and a good helmet is instrumental in ensuring that little Johnny/Sally enjoys the game thoroughly. All because Mom/Dad had the good sense not to cheap out on their sk8ts when they were growing up.
If there is one piece of equipment that has improved significantly over the last few years...it is the sk8t. Composite materials are being used to bring the sk8t to a new level of lightness while maintaining their protective qualities. Lighter sk8ts translate into quicker feet and a more natural stride. This, at an early age is fundemental. So many kids don't get the benefit of a properly fitted sk8t these days cause Mom/Dad either buy used sk8ts or sk8ts that are 2 sizes too big so they will last a few years. The vast majority of sk8ts todays are heat moldable starting at the Junior 1 size and therefore they have probably been molded to someone elses foot on the used market.
It's all about the skating...putting your young tike in anything other than a properly fitted, good quality pair of new skates and a good helmet is instrumental in ensuring that little Johnny/Sally enjoys the game thoroughly. All because Mom/Dad had the good sense not to cheap out on their sk8ts when they were growing up.
Re: 13 Rules for Hockey Parents Everywhere
Great article - really enjoyed it..but I also have to disagree about hand me down skates -- they are okay to start, but proper fit and support are so very important - depends on the condition of the skates.. My daughter started with her brother's hand me downs, until she went to a skating clinic and was having the toughest time with skating backwards - the coach checked out her skates and noticed they weren't fitting her properly - we got some new ones for her and they really helped-- but that doesn't mean they were top of the line, either.. I totally agree that too much emphasis is placed on name brands and "gotta have" that the kids are brainwashed -especially the $200 sticks!!!
Great article - really enjoyed it..but I also have to disagree about hand me down skates -- they are okay to start, but proper fit and support are so very important - depends on the condition of the skates.. My daughter started with her brother's hand me downs, until she went to a skating clinic and was having the toughest time with skating backwards - the coach checked out her skates and noticed they weren't fitting her properly - we got some new ones for her and they really helped-- but that doesn't mean they were top of the line, either.. I totally agree that too much emphasis is placed on name brands and "gotta have" that the kids are brainwashed -especially the $200 sticks!!!
Re: 13 Rules for Hockey Parents Everywhere
Also with regard to new vs. used skates you also have to consider the condition of the blades, i.e. the cost to buy and put on new blades vs. the cost of buying new. With regular sharpening (also a must) blades do wear down quickly, and it may be more cost effective to simply buy a new pair, especially when the feet are still growing and another half or whole size is needed to ensure a proper fit (THE most important thing, IMO).
Buying used can be OK, but you need to be very selective and make sure they fit properly, are comfortable and the blades are not worn down too much.
Also with regard to new vs. used skates you also have to consider the condition of the blades, i.e. the cost to buy and put on new blades vs. the cost of buying new. With regular sharpening (also a must) blades do wear down quickly, and it may be more cost effective to simply buy a new pair, especially when the feet are still growing and another half or whole size is needed to ensure a proper fit (THE most important thing, IMO).
Buying used can be OK, but you need to be very selective and make sure they fit properly, are comfortable and the blades are not worn down too much.
CanHockGuy
New member
Re: 13 Rules for Hockey Parents Everywhere
Nice article but #11 is seriously flawed. Never do you intentionally run up the score. It is bad sportsmanship. If you want to eventually teach kids how to get peeved off and fight, then run up the score. It's called respect and respect is much more important than the excitement of scoring a goal. Selfishness is too prevalent in kids hockey. Keep that out of the game.
As for skates, if you can afford them, buy good middle of the road skates that fit. Used is ok but make sure they fit snugly. The connection your child has with the ice is the most important thing besides a top quality new or used helmet that fits! Do your homework.
Nice article but #11 is seriously flawed. Never do you intentionally run up the score. It is bad sportsmanship. If you want to eventually teach kids how to get peeved off and fight, then run up the score. It's called respect and respect is much more important than the excitement of scoring a goal. Selfishness is too prevalent in kids hockey. Keep that out of the game.
As for skates, if you can afford them, buy good middle of the road skates that fit. Used is ok but make sure they fit snugly. The connection your child has with the ice is the most important thing besides a top quality new or used helmet that fits! Do your homework.
CanHockGuy
New member
Re: 13 Rules for Hockey Parents Everywhere
I almost forgot....With all due respect could think of several better than Hasek.....Bad team guy....Bad in the room.
I almost forgot....With all due respect could think of several better than Hasek.....Bad team guy....Bad in the room.
5 4 Fighting
New member
Re: 13 Rules for Hockey Parents Everywhere
Although I would never recomend anyone buy a used helmet...for those that do check the back on the outside for a 1/2 dollar sized sticker that indicates when the helmet series is obsolete. The date stamped on this sticker indicates when the helmet is no longer covered by warranty and subsequently not to be used. If it doesn't have a sticker, don't buy it.
Although I would never recomend anyone buy a used helmet...for those that do check the back on the outside for a 1/2 dollar sized sticker that indicates when the helmet series is obsolete. The date stamped on this sticker indicates when the helmet is no longer covered by warranty and subsequently not to be used. If it doesn't have a sticker, don't buy it.
Re: 13 Rules for Hockey Parents Everywhere
I agree to an extent about the running up the score, there are ways to slow down scoring, but in some ways its un-safe to teach the kids to stop playing hard, and get them into bad habbits, and its almost more embarassing to the losing team if the winning team eases up. At some point, the score becomes irrelevent, and the game becomes as much about learning/growing from the experience. If I'm coaching a team losing by a lot, I'd rather have them play hard (not chippy) and learn from that. I've also seen, in a 6-2 game, the team w two goals get chippy and start taking dirty penalties, and then the other team kept scoring PPG's and ended up winning 11-3. I don't have a problem with that
what's a skate-t?
I agree to an extent about the running up the score, there are ways to slow down scoring, but in some ways its un-safe to teach the kids to stop playing hard, and get them into bad habbits, and its almost more embarassing to the losing team if the winning team eases up. At some point, the score becomes irrelevent, and the game becomes as much about learning/growing from the experience. If I'm coaching a team losing by a lot, I'd rather have them play hard (not chippy) and learn from that. I've also seen, in a 6-2 game, the team w two goals get chippy and start taking dirty penalties, and then the other team kept scoring PPG's and ended up winning 11-3. I don't have a problem with that
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5 4 Fighting
New member
Re: 13 Rules for Hockey Parents Everywhere
A skate-t
is a an abbreviated name for skate that takes longer to type than the word itself...
what's a skate-t?
I agree to an extent about the running up the score, there are ways to slow down scoring, but in some ways its un-safe to teach the kids to stop playing hard, and get them into bad habbits, and its almost more embarassing to the losing team if the winning team eases up. At some point, the score becomes irrelevent, and the game becomes as much about learning/growing from the experience. If I'm coaching a team losing by a lot, I'd rather have them play hard (not chippy) and learn from that. I've also seen, in a 6-2 game, the team w two goals get chippy and start taking dirty penalties, and then the other team kept scoring PPG's and ended up winning 11-3. I don't have a problem with that
A skate-t
is a an abbreviated name for skate that takes longer to type than the word itself...CanHockGuy
New member
Re: 13 Rules for Hockey Parents Everywhere
#11 stated that there is "no such thing as running up the score." I beg to differ. Where I come from, running up the score means that you are intentionally trying to belittle your opponent, and are rubbing it in to some extent because it's too easy. If a team is getting smoked and they are still battling hard, then carry on, no harm no foul. It's easy to spot the difference, body language is a dead giveaway. Young players must learn respect for the game, it will teach them that nothing comes easy in life and hard work and respect to others is more important than worrying about yourself (bad habits). Where there is a will there is a way, that's the challenge.
what's a skate-t?
I agree to an extent about the running up the score, there are ways to slow down scoring, but in some ways its un-safe to teach the kids to stop playing hard, and get them into bad habbits, and its almost more embarassing to the losing team if the winning team eases up. At some point, the score becomes irrelevent, and the game becomes as much about learning/growing from the experience. If I'm coaching a team losing by a lot, I'd rather have them play hard (not chippy) and learn from that. I've also seen, in a 6-2 game, the team w two goals get chippy and start taking dirty penalties, and then the other team kept scoring PPG's and ended up winning 11-3. I don't have a problem with that
#11 stated that there is "no such thing as running up the score." I beg to differ. Where I come from, running up the score means that you are intentionally trying to belittle your opponent, and are rubbing it in to some extent because it's too easy. If a team is getting smoked and they are still battling hard, then carry on, no harm no foul. It's easy to spot the difference, body language is a dead giveaway. Young players must learn respect for the game, it will teach them that nothing comes easy in life and hard work and respect to others is more important than worrying about yourself (bad habits). Where there is a will there is a way, that's the challenge.
Re: 13 Rules for Hockey Parents Everywhere
I do not agree with this rule:
8. Whenever possible, trade in your kids' ice skates and buy used skates, especially during those growing years and even if you can afford to buy new skates every six months. Your kids don't need $180 skates and a $100 stick no matter what your tax bracket is. They will not make them better players.
I feel people tend to buy skates that are toooooo Big and they sacrifice this year for next year. After brief explanation to the parents of why I hate this theory and being in a high intensity
skating class hmmmm they will pick up bad habits and or will not be able to break these bad habits.
For girls its very important to get it right quick because they slate these kids
earlier than boys.
At age 12 you are picked at least in New England. On the boys side not so fast you have time.
I do not agree with this rule:
8. Whenever possible, trade in your kids' ice skates and buy used skates, especially during those growing years and even if you can afford to buy new skates every six months. Your kids don't need $180 skates and a $100 stick no matter what your tax bracket is. They will not make them better players.
I feel people tend to buy skates that are toooooo Big and they sacrifice this year for next year. After brief explanation to the parents of why I hate this theory and being in a high intensity
skating class hmmmm they will pick up bad habits and or will not be able to break these bad habits.
For girls its very important to get it right quick because they slate these kids
earlier than boys.
At age 12 you are picked at least in New England. On the boys side not so fast you have time.
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