(1.) We understand you just returned from Quebec where you coached the pee wee team representing the New York Rangers at the International Pee Wee Tournament. What is the most important thing you try to teach your youth players, as a coach and a mentor?
I think the biggest thing is to make sure the kids are really enjoying themselves. Hockey is such a fun game to play. I think sometimes we bog the game down with too much coaching from a technical point of view. Youth hockey coaches should be judged on how many smiles they see at practice, and by how many of the kids on their team re-enroll the next year. By professionalizing our game too early, we run the risk of taking the sheer enjoyment out of the game — which often leads to kids leaving our game at a young age. Hockey, like all other sports for kids, is for the mental, emotional, and physical well being of our children. It is our job as coaches and mentors to make having fun and developing a player’s character a priority. No matter what level you reach in hockey, there are incredible lessons to be learned that will apply to all walks of life and there are experiences to cherish for a lifetime.
While I cringe sometimes when I consider all the travel players and parents are expected to endure for youth hockey — not only for the expense, but more importantly detracting from family time and often even dividing families, I feel the Quebec tournament offers a very special experience for 12 year old players. While the hockey is tremendous with representation from countries all over the world, the kids often come home with their fondest memories around their on and off-ice experience, including pin trading and experiencing the culture of Quebec. So many volunteers were required to pull off this event. Quebec has been hosting this tournament for 51 years and the entire township is involved.
For our final game, there were over 10,000 fans cheering on all the players. When our boys lost, it was extremely disappointing, however they learned to respect those that worked so hard to make their time special — they skated around the Colisee and saluted those fans/volunteers to say thank you. These are the lessons we can teach our children through the great game of hockey. As parents, coaches, and mentors we must remember to let the kids have fun and enjoy everything hockey has to offer.
(2.) The Messier Project just launched a new small size M11 helmet to help reach the youth market. At the tournament in Quebec, the Pee Wee Rangers, the Tri-State Selects and the Semiahmoo Ravens all wore the M11. What did it mean to you to see these youth players take to the ice in the helmet you helped create? And what was your message about helmet choice and safety to the youth players, parents and coaches at the Pee Wee Tournament and to players, parents and coaches across North America?
It is very gratifying to see players of all ages and level’s wearing the M11 for many reasons. I really feel good about the message that we have delivered to our players, coaches, parents and I believe the hockey community has really embraced the mission to change priorities in our sport — to make head protection a top priority. For the first time in many years, I believe they have a choice to protect themselves better. I really believe the hockey community is committed to finding real solutions to the problem that concussions have caused in our sport — and it all begins with conversation. With the support and feedback we have received, it is evident that the conversation and the exploration of potential solutions was a welcome change and has created a sigh of relief. Once the conversation has started, solutions can follow. We still have a tremendous amount of work to do, but we are more determined than ever after receiving such positive feedback from the hockey community.
(3) Transitioning from Pee Wee hockey to Olympic hockey, you are soon heading to Vancouver on behalf of Team Canada. All of Canada was stunned by Team U.S.A.’s win on Sunday night. What were your thoughts on the game? What does Team Canada need to do to regroup? Expectations and anticipation for Olympic gold medal in ice hockey on home soil is so huge in Canada right now.
I thought the game between Canada and the US was just awesome. The speed and skill that was displayed in this game was second only to the will and determination of every player on the ice. This game was a reminder to every hockey fan about just how far the US and the other countries’ hockey programs have come in the last 10 years or more. International hockey has remained so popular and interesting because of the competitiveness and the rivalries that exist between the countries. For fans and players alike, the thrill of competing for your country brings special significance and tremendous energy to the games.
At the start of these Olympics, I felt that six teams had a real chance of winning the Gold medal. Russia and Canada, the two favorites going in to the tournament find themselves playing each other in the quarter finals, just to advance. As a fan of the game, I find myself anticipating the start of all the games. With so many teams with a legitimate chance of winning, the drama continues to rise as the tournament progresses. I don’t know who will emerge with the gold medal, however I do know that hockey fans around the world are being treated to some of the best hockey ever played. Enjoy!
I hope you are enjoying the Olympics and the excitement each sport offers! I am off to Vancouver to see the Women’s final game, the Men’s semi-final and final games in hockey. I hope to see a little of the Bobsleigh, since I had the pleasure of working with the team this summer.
