Hockey parents are the true champions of youth sports

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I have often thought of writing a helpful instructional booklet for the novice hockey parent because I believe that those of us who have been through the wars should be willing to share our considerable knowledge with the rookies of today. And as veteran hockey elders, we should be readily available (in the stands, in the dressing room or just hangin’ out by the snack bar) to impart such wisdom. And if offered respectfully, the newcomer will most likely appreciate the support…while not being made to feel like a complete doofus. As any experienced rink-rat knows, there’s a whole lot more to being a good hockey parent than simply dropping your kid off at the rink. Of course you are free to make that choice by providing only a taxi service – but it won’t be nearly as much fun.

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One of the first things a rookie hockey-parent needs to know is that there is absolutely nothing to fear in the new surroundings. Sure it’s a bit chilly, but one needs to look beyond that to fully appreciate the experience and to learn all there is to know about enjoying time spent in the friendly confines of your local ice palace.

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I got to thinking about all of this last Saturday morning as I drove past the Stirling Arena. As always, the parking lot was jam-packed with hockey-people coming and going; most kids half-dressed in hockey gear, parents fully dressed but only half-awake, quite often with a coffee mug in one hand, sticks and equipment bag in the other. And though it has been almost forty years since I was a hockey dad, I must confess that I still miss the role. Yes, we did have our share of 7 a.m. practices, but I actually looked forward to that peaceful hour in the all but deserted stands of Ted Reeve Arena in East Toronto. It was a perfect time to relax with the morning paper and a large mug of Tim Horton’s finest – and all with a bird’s-eye view of the on-ice drills. Son Jody played in that East Toronto organization for a decade and I didn’t miss a game or a practice.

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Over the years, I have come to believe that hockey parents (with all due respect to the moms and dads whose kids might be enjoying other sports) are surely the most dedicated and enthusiastic of any such group on the planet. The fundamental difference with the game of hockey is the endless involvement; skates must be kept sharpened, sticks properly taped, and of course the essential equipment bag inventory check, before and after each game. Oh, and let’s not forget the sky-high cost of all hockey gear and the requisite pregame chore of tightening the younger player’s skate laces. My fingers remained calloused long after Jody’s first two seasons.

Parenting is indeed a selfless and thankless job, with little or no time off for good behavior. And it is in recognition of such unwavering devotion, along with various personal sacrifices (including the many hours of lost sleep), that hockey-parents must be acknowledged as the true champions. So here is my appreciative tip-of-the-cap to all of the enthusiastic hockey-people out there. Because without all supportive mums and dads, dedicated coaches, tireless volunteers and generous sponsors – our sons and daughters would not be lacing ‘em up.

Terry serves up a little food-for-thought each week and welcomes your comments: countrysunshine@xplornet.ca

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