6 Tips for a Productive Parent Meeting
I’ve been to a lacrosse parent meeting in a bar (loud), a basketball parent meeting in a lobby (chaotic) and many, many hockey parent meetings in tiny ice arena party/meeting rooms (during which the kids run wild rather than going home to do their homework). I once sat in a glass-walled room and watched my son’s teammates take turns carrying his little brother around upside-down. Meanwhile, one dad explained the family’s entire vacation schedule (we’re going to Europe, aren’t you?) and one mom takes five minutes to say she doesn’t want to go to any out-of-town tournaments. These were not productive meetings. Read more
10 Ways to Prevent Volunteer Burnout
When my son was in grade school, I switched all my volunteer activities to Scouts rather than PTO—because the Scout dads were just glad I showed up while the PTO moms preferred to micromanage and criticize. And nothing can make you more bitter and burned out than being criticized for volunteer work. Read more
Don’t Play Head Games: Take Concussions Seriously
While checking out your helmet for this upcoming year, take a look at what Ian Laperrière has to say about head injuries: Montreal native and former Avalanche right winger Ian Laperrière, known as “Lappy” to fans, has endured his share of injuries over his 16-year NHL career, beginning in 1994 with the St. Louis Blues, moving briefly to the New York Rangers, and then with the Los Angeles Kings for eight years. In 2004, he signed with the Avalanche, where he quickly became a fan favorite and valued teammate. In 2009, Lappy went east, to the Philadelphia Flyers, and in a November game against the Buffalo Sabers, he was hit in the face with the puck while attempting to block a slap shot. The blow knocked out seven teeth and required 70 stitches. He later returned to the game. The Hockey News honored him as the “toughest player in the NHL.” Read more
Parent Meeting Agenda
Every coach knows that communication is key to a successful season. To set the tone for the season, start off with a productive parent meeting that follows an agenda that keeps everyone on track. Read more
The Mistake of Leaving Home and Advancing Too Quickly
Freddy Adu, at age 14, was the brightest young star in American soccer. Featured on “60 Minutes” and “David Letterman,” Adu was signed by Nike in 2003 for $1 million. Many said he was the most skillful young player in the world. (Click here for more details.) Read more
7 Tips for Volunteers
When you know a lot about hockey, it’s easy to commit to doing too much for a team. When you know nothing about hockey, it’s easy to shy away. But you’ll have more fun, get to know more people and understand what’s going on if you volunteer for at least one activity, whether it’s managing a team or planning a pizza party. As with everything else, it’s important to do what you say you’ll do—and do your best at that. To be a good volunteer: Read more
Tryout Fuel: Sound Nutrition Strategies for On the Go
Among the many challenges of hockey tryouts is the fact that they are not necessarily conveniently timed to your life. You may be rushing from school or scheduled hours after dinner—maybe even first thing in the morning. The key to fueling up to wow the coaches on the ice is planning. At least a day before your hectic week begins with back to school and back to tryouts, plan how your child will get everything he needs for the entire day—from school supplies to hockey equipment and a day’s worth of food. Read more
Glossary: Hat Trick
A baseball cap is not something you associate with hockey often—except when you see them flying through the air and landing on the ice. And why would anyone do this? Because a player earned a “hat trick” by scoring three goals in one game. Equivalent to a grand slam in baseball, a hat trick is extraordinarily rare and difficult (except for Mites). Variations on the hat trick include the natural hat trick, consisting of three goals in a row, and the Gordie Howe hat trick, which involves a goal, assist and fight in the same game. Read more
Armor Under Pads: The Base Layer
You know you’re facing a problem when two kids show up for practice late on the same day for the same reason: eczema infected by Velcro on their shin pads. And both moms spent more for the copay at the doctor’s office and prescriptions than the cost of spandex leggings or long skating socks to wear under the pads. In this case, it was a no-brainer—the boys needed to wear a base layer under their pads. But do all players need this? Take a look at opinions from experts. Read more
Mouthguard Primer: 25 Tips!
Rumor has it that mouthguards aren’t required in Canada—but neckguards are—because you can replace your teeth but you can’t replace your head. While I can find no confirmation of this, last season my son was coached by a recently retired NHL player from Canada who did, in fact, require a neckguard. Read more
