Who's here? Who isn't? Take Note..

Spent the past weekend at a summer hockey tournament with my older boys.

Okay showing, overall, with one kid making it to the finals and the other, well, going 0-3-1.

Weird, though...the kid without a win actually had the better tournament.

It's not all about winning...

Until it's professional (and at the top level), it seldom is.

But the thing I really wanted to mention, and something I've been contemplating for a few years now, is that you should always take note of who is NOT participating.

And then try to figure out why.

Or, be like me, and just openly ask.

"Hey -- didn't see you at the Alpaca Cup this weekend..."

Always talk to parents of players who are either older than yours or just flat out better than yours.

Follow their lead.

In most cases, I've learned that they're not just aimlessly drifting out there.

Chances are, they know something you don't...but will absolutely share it with you if you ask.

We all have huge overlapping hockey social circles, I'm certain 25% of the parents reading this have been in a rink lobby at the same exact time I have, and I'm sure we've all been at events, thinking we're being sneaky, only to encounter 5 teammates also there.

Dammit...Doug is here? Seriously? Can't get away from that kid...

I can't think of an event or camp or skills things we've been to with my oldest where we didn't personally know anyone else.

So, on the flip side, be hyper aware of who IS there.

You know which group(s) you should be aim to be a part of.

As of late, my oldest son, a 2009, is doing workouts with the team trainer with a couple of other players...all 2006s entering their final season of junior hockey.

Wanna make that top team?

Surround yourself with the players already there.

This all traces back to the idea of only participating in things that lead you towards your player's ultimate goal.

Pick and choose wisely!

Agree? Disagree? Let me know -- I love the feedback from all angles!

Chris Rutsch

Hockey Dad

Year round, I spend a significant amount of time and money transporting my three boys to and from freezing cold ice rinks. Not because I expect them to make it to the NHL but because I know the rigorous youth hockey experience will serve them well in the future.