What is the Most Memorable Thing a Coach Has Taught Your Child?

Last week we asked you to provide input regarding the most memorable thing a coach has taught your child. The individual who provided the best answer would win a $50 gift certificate to HockeyShot.com. We received many great responses regarding the coaches in your lives. Congratulations to Tammy Shults for providing the following winning response:

Tammy said: My child has learned the value of helping others. When my daughter was four years old, she played one year of Mite A hockey. She was the only girl on the team and was very unsure if she liked the sport the way her older brother did. She stuck it out, learned how to skate, and developed many friendships with all those "stinky" boys.

Throughout the season her shyness held her back from playing during games and scrimmages. Several times the coach would "plant" her in front of the net so she could try to score a goal. The most amazing part was that her teammates (mostly five year old boys) willingly and selflessly passed the puck to her several times hoping to help her get her first goal. In her very last game of the season with less than three seconds remaining and after many failed attempts she scored her first and last goal.

As the coach picked her up and spun her around, I had to wipe away a tear. I knew that she had just experienced the true meaning of team. This group of little boys and my daughter were led by a coach who knew that it was important for all the kids on the team to score a goal and that "getting one" for my daughter would mean something to all of them.

Last night my son had a game at the rink where my daughter scored her goal. As we entered, her eyes sparkled and she looked up at me and said, "mom this is where I scored my goal!" I know she will never forget her first hockey goal or what it felt like to be part of a team that was led by such amazing coaches.

Editor's Note: Congratulations to Tammy Shults for winning this week's contest. As a thank you for her answer, HockeyShot.com is giving Tammy a $50 gift certificate to HockeyShot.com. Want to win this week's prize? Be sure to click here for the latest Grow the Game contest.