Golden Opportunities or Grasping at Straws?

As I get further into the hockey parent journey -- cumulatively over 23 seasons now -- I've found that I'm a lot more selective when it comes to opportunities outside the regular season team.

The Ballad of Double Rostering

There's a lot of misinformation and hearsay out there regarding double rostering. In most cases, parent's feelings on the subject are drenched in falsehoods and jealousy but the fact is, it's hard, stressful, and expensive too.

Protect Your Neck. Wear a Neckguard.

Enough with the excuses. I'm trying not to get preachy but if you've watched as much hockey as I have, you'll notice a trend. Might wanna force your kid to strap one on.

Retro Fashion Statement or History Repeating?

I've been around a long time and seen things come and go. Some are predictable...others, well... This season, the team bags issued to my kids were...canvas. What is this, 1983?

The Unearned Success or Unrecognized Talent Predicament

There's always that one player that just seems to find the back of net consistently without even trying. I'm not even talking about the kids that are so skilled that they don't have to try...I'm literally talking about the kids that just stand there...

Skating, Stickhandling, and Watching Hockey

One of the things I've noticed, as the kids get older and the player pool gets smaller but more and more talented, is that there's a clear line dividing the ones that will continue to go far and the ones that are kind of stuck in the mud.

Set a Good Example...and Grow the Game

Most of the parents reading this are at the level where their kids have been "legit" skating since they were four years old. They don't even remember the beginning or that it's hard so, instead, they just poke fun at the people that struggle at the onset.

The Rink Experience - Universally Needed Rink Improvements

A recurring conversation I've found myself in with other hockey parents over the past decade while at the rink revolves around ideas like, "if I owned the building" or "if it were my team I'd do this..." Here's my punch list.

Commitment Levels and the (False) Nickel and Diming in Youth Hockey

Put your head down, bite the insides of your cheeks, take out your credit card, and buy the gear you're supposed to. Then, have a great season watching your kid get better and better right before your eyes.

Finding the Right Summer Hockey Camps and Clinics

If you've considered signing your kids up for hockey camp in the summer, you've surely found there are tons and tons of them. Most...being honest, here...are just money grabs. You should sit, watch, and evaluate if it's worth it.

That Awkward Moment...from that newly Annoying Parent

As a hockey parent, it's only a matter of time before you'll find yourself walking into a conversation that makes you rethink everything...

Rutsch. How should I pronounce that?

Been asked that a thousand times. And when I'm not asked -- it's always been the elephant in the room.

Hockey Myth: If You're Good Enough, they'll Find You

I can't tell you how many times I've heard youth hockey parents say this. Sorry to spill the beans, though, if you want your son or daughter to be 'found', you need a plan...

Hill Training for Hockey Players

When it comes to off-ice conditioning, nothing tops hill training and, best of all, the only equipment it requires is a hill! Some effort and some determination come in pretty handy too.

Set a Good Example...and Grow the Game

Most of the parents reading this are at the level where their kids have been "legit" skating since they were four years old. They don't even remember the beginning or that it's hard so, instead, they just poke fun at the people that struggle at the onset.

Guide to Hockey Parenting...better.

Let's just get this out of the way now. Your kid isn't going to the NHL.

Getting Selected in the QMJHL American Draft

Each year, a couple kids in our hockey circle get picked in the "American" draft. Not entirely sure how they did it -- one parent was awkwardly vague as if caught red-handed when I asked -- but I think I have an idea on what it'll take to get one (or more) of my kids on a long list of potential picks...

COVID 19: Staying Sharp while Social Distancing

The off-season has certainly gotten off to a different start. Without ice available or any organized hockey, here's what we're doing in quarantine to try to stay sharp and hockey ready.

Playing Defense is NOT a Punishment

For a youth hockey player, nothing, not even asparagus, is worse than playing defense.

The Level of Hockey DOES Matter

The articles in the USA Hockey magazines certainly push a few agendas and this is one of them. Does the level your kips play when they're youngsters really not matter?

The Emotional Gamble with (very) Young Hockey Players

No doubt about it, registering for hockey super young is an emotional gamble -- for the kids...

Too Late to Start Hockey? Or too soon?

The age-old question that every hockey parent encounters is when, or even if, they should enroll their child in an organized hockey program.

Teaching the Little Ones to Skate

Looking at the present strides of my kids, you can plainly see that I taught each one differently. And you know what? I've gotten better at it.

Helmet Drama for Beginner Hockey Players

Is your little hockey player routinely complaining about their equipment? Here's a solid tip to get past that stage...

Points on the Score Sheet Don't Matter..but Keep Track!

Give credit where credit is due...even if it doesn't end up on the score sheet. As a hockey parent -- that's your job.

Skating into the Sunset: When Youth Hockey Ends

It comes sooner than you think. So how have we been planning for this date that's rapidly approaching for our family? Short answer...we haven't.

Talk to People. Talk to Everyone.

Encourage your kids to talk to people. Teammates, obviously, but also to opponents before face offs. Talk to different kids in shared locker rooms for skills or clinics or whatever. Talk to the younger players in your program. Grow that social circle.

Hockey Salad Days

If you have an 8, 9, or 10-year old player in your household, enjoy it. You're in the midst of the most fun and rewarding seasons you'll ever have.

Ugh...Youth Hockey Tryouts, Fees, and Scheduling

The deeper you get into this thing called youth hockey, the more coaches you know, the more players you know, and the more programs you know... The more you know, the uglier and more frustrating it gets, it seems.

Golden Opportunities or Grasping at Straws?

As I get further into the hockey parent journey -- cumulatively over 23 seasons now -- I've found that I'm a lot more selective when it comes to opportunities outside the regular season team.

That Awkward Moment...from that newly Annoying Parent

As a hockey parent, it's only a matter of time before you'll find yourself walking into a conversation that makes you rethink everything...

Realistic Expectations: Take the Dad-Goggles Off!

For your sake and your kid's sake, it's all right there in front you. Take the goggles off.

Set a Good Example...and Grow the Game

Most of the parents reading this are at the level where their kids have been "legit" skating since they were four years old. They don't even remember the beginning or that it's hard so, instead, they just poke fun at the people that struggle at the onset.

Meaningful Advice For Youth Hockey Parents

I've been fortunate to have been given advice, right from the mouths of NHL Talent, on what path to take for my children's hockey development...

What is Spring Hockey?

I've been at this so long that I'm 100% guilty of just assuming parents that are new to youth hockey just...know. If you don't though, well, your answer might lie here!

Team Setting, Team Culture, Team Personality -- it matters.

That's like stating the obvious -- clearly the team culture matters -- but I'm certain I'm not the only hockey parent that's been caught overlooking what should've been obvious all along.

A Simple Piece of Advice: Be Nice!

Kids grow up. Their interests change. My circle of friends in kindergarten was vastly different than my circle of friends in junior high school. That's life.

The Aggressive Bully

Bullies have always been an issue in hockey. But there's little worse than when it's your own kid that's auditioning for the role. That's what I'm dealing with currently.

Respect the Opponent. Respect your Teammates. Respect the Game.

Opportunities to score 6 goals in a game should be rare. If your kid is doing this routinely, read on...

Guide to Hockey Parenting...better.

Let's just get this out of the way now. Your kid isn't going to the NHL.

The ever-Swirling Drama in Youth Hockey

Some parents, and a few players even, stand out for the wrong reasons. Learn how to separate yourself from the drama.

The December Doubts

This is the time of the season where it really starts to sink in and a lot of players (and their parents) realize that they've made some pretty bad mistakes on where they chose to play this season.

Commitment Levels and the (False) Nickel and Diming in Youth Hockey

Put your head down, bite the insides of your cheeks, take out your credit card, and buy the gear you're supposed to. Then, have a great season watching your kid get better and better right before your eyes.

The 'Dreaded' Car Ride Home after Hockey

Who here has relentlessly torn their kid's play or effort apart on the ride home from the rink? I've even done that after a practice.

Snobbery in Youth Hockey?

I love talking youth hockey, obviously, but have I become a total snob over the years? Self awareness is super important...

Player Guidance: Hockey Parent CliffsNotes

When trying to help guide your player away from developing bad habits that stick, I've found that the most effective path is to only really laser focus in on one (or maybe two) things at a time.

Youth Hockey Nutrition, err, lack thereof

Players in to pro ranks take their diets very, very seriously. But youth players?

Dissatisfied with Practice?

Seriously?! Again?! Why aren't they telling him?

A Better Penalty Shot Technique

You see it more often than not in youth hockey games -- the super slow approach on a penalty shot.

Score More Goals!

To be an effective goal scorer, the two most important ingredients are accuracy and the ability to get the shot off quickly.

Letting the Team Down: It's All Your Fault

With the game on the line, it doesn't always turn out like it does in the movies...

Skating, Stickhandling, and Watching Hockey

One of the things I've noticed, as the kids get older and the player pool gets smaller but more and more talented, is that there's a clear line dividing the ones that will continue to go far and the ones that are kind of stuck in the mud.

Hill Training for Hockey Players

When it comes to off-ice conditioning, nothing tops hill training and, best of all, the only equipment it requires is a hill! Some effort and some determination come in pretty handy too.

Don't Barf: Prepare for Game Days Properly

On game days, check the hockey bag, don't forget the water bottle, make them go to the bathroom...and please, make sure they EAT SOMETHING!

Play Without the Puck

The kids that know what to do and where to be WITHOUT the puck are the best hockey players.

Youth Hockey Tryout Tips for Kids Under 10

There are a few surefire ways to get noticed in youth hockey tryouts -- you just need to prompt your kids a little bit!

Make a Play!

The best player is the kid that makes everyone on the ice with them better.

Getting more out of Hockey Practice

If there's one thing that I've struggled with since the kids' very first organized hockey practice, it's explaining the purpose of practice to them and to, like, get them to take it seriously.

Good at Hockey? You sure?

Dollars to donuts, those middle of the pack kids on third and fourth lines at mite and squirt now will be the superstars down the road.

These Traits are 100% within your Control

As an adult, you're likely already aware of all of these things but your kids might need a friendly reminder!

What does it mean to be coachable? And why it's so important.

The kids that can be coached all excel. The kids that can't...well, they peak at around 10 years old and then everyone else passes them by...

Effort First - Points Second

NYR player Mika Zibanejad nails it. Effort is the path to success long term...not points.

Positionless Puck Chasers in Youth Hockey

Once kids are turning 11, you can see a more rapid progression in development in some of the players and also the end of the line in others.

Dirty Players: Can we stop with all the Slashing?

It doesn't matter where you slash a player, or even if you hit them or not. Hitting, or even attempting to hit, another player with your stick is "slashing".

Five Secrets to Becoming a Dominant Youth Hockey Player

Follow these 5 easy steps to gain an advantage and stand out as a high-end hockey player.

Going Bar Down -- Help with Lifting the Puck

The 'in' thing these days in youth hockey, and even pro hockey, seems to be having the ability to go bar down...

Skate Faster: Don't Skip Leg Day

A perfect stride is nothing without leg strength. Oh, and slightly longer skate blades too...

The Unearned Success or Unrecognized Talent Predicament

There's always that one player that just seems to find the back of net consistently without even trying. I'm not even talking about the kids that are so skilled that they don't have to try...I'm literally talking about the kids that just stand there...

Is Sportsmanship in Youth Hockey still a thing?

Sportsmanship, handshake lines, and tough guy posturing. Just some musings on what I've been noticing each and every weekend this season.

Situational Game Awareness

You ever seen a kid get all wide-eyed and shoot at an empty net from their own zone? Yeah, that's dumb hockey. And it's rampant.

What to Expect at a USA Hockey CEP 1 Coaching Clinic

Outside of a handful of Google searches I made in a last ditch effort to see what I should be prepared for, I was really heading in to this blindly...

Playing Defense is NOT a Punishment

For a youth hockey player, nothing, not even asparagus, is worse than playing defense.

Unusual Coaching Instruction - No Blocked Shots

We've all seen it. From shots on net to clearing attempts -- kids just fire it as hard as they can right into a set shin pads. Never works. Ever.

Evaluating Your Child's Hockey Coach

Are you completely missing the mark on how good your child's hockey coach actually is? I certainly was...

Great Youth Hockey Coaches Teach Confidence

A great coach instills confidence and pulls talent out of players that otherwise seem, well, like they're just skating in circles out there...

Finding the Right Coach for your Youth Hockey Player

When picking a program for your child to skate with, one of the more important things to take into account is the coach and, more specifically, their coaching philosophy.

The Right Coach; the Right Attitude

Getting all bent out of shape doesn't get you anywhere. Good coaches know that.

Divided Locker Room?

A fractured locker room never leads to success. Everyone on the roster matters.

The Right, errr, Wrong Curve

I've repeatedly stated that the advantages that differing equipment provide are minimal...except this time.

Product Review: Sparx Skate Sharperner

This is a review of the Sparx Hockey Skate Sharpener that allows you to easily sharpen your skates at home.

New Season, New Equipment

Before the hockey season gets going, we're usually a little ahead of the curve when it comes to making sure everyone's equipment still fits. But when it doesn't fit anymore, man, can it be a struggle to replace!

Blue Pucks vs. Black Pucks

USA Hockey requires youth hockey programs to use for the U8 level of hockey...and that's a terrible, terrible idea.

The Wheeled Hockey Bag - Do NOT buy one...

You might be your their chauffeur...but you're not their mule. Don't be an enabler. If your kids really want to play hockey, make them carry some of the weight too.

New vs. Used Hockey Equipment

Considering saving a few bucks by purchasing used equipment for your little hockey player?

White Hockey Equipment. No, just...no.

Hockey style changes from year to year -- and repeats itself each decade. Been around long enough to see it all.

Broken Hockey Stick Refunds & Exchanges

If you're the parent of one of those kids that goes through five or six sticks per season, you might want to pay close attention to how your player treats their stick...off the ice.

Product Review: SISU Mouthguard for Hockey

This is a review of the SISU NextGen Mouthguard -- for real, the only youth hockey mouthguard that's worth it.

The Proper Way to Tape a Hockey Stick

Style points aside, there is a proper way to do it -- and the science behind it matters more than you'd think!

Youth Hockey Skate Sharpening

How often? Where? And how much? Some parents insist on weekly sharpenings but...

Retro Fashion Statement or History Repeating?

I've been around a long time and seen things come and go. Some are predictable...others, well... This season, the team bags issued to my kids were...canvas. What is this, 1983?

The Effectiveness of the SuperDeker

Okay, so I was not a fan of the SuperDeker when came out. Way overpriced for what's literally maybe $7 worth of 1980's-era Radio Shack technology but...

When to re-tape a Hockey Stick

I play with a guy who loves the look of a freshly taped blade and always makes sure that it...

Curing the Hockey Bag Stank

Why does my kid's hockey bag smell so terrible -- even after I've just washed it...repeatedly? I think I've found the source of the stink!

The Buttendz Grip

I've never been a fan of all the wacky additional contraptions marketed towards hockey players but this one...works. You should buy one.

Review: Raven Hockey Sticks

The right equipment for the age of the player makes a difference. Raven Hockey has figured that out.

Protect Your Neck. Wear a Neckguard.

Enough with the excuses. I'm trying not to get preachy but if you've watched as much hockey as I have, you'll notice a trend. Might wanna force your kid to strap one on.

Let's talk about Hockey Skate Laces

Frustrated by how much money I'd spent on laces that were just terrible, I decided to pinpoint the best, widely available, skate lace.

The nightmare that is Youth Hockey Tryout Season

Whether you have any intention of switching programs or not, tryout season can be chaotic and stressful...for the parents moreso than the kids.

Is Elite Hockey Cost Prohibitive?

One factor that quells a lot of hockey families from even considering elite hockey is the cost.

Training Aid Overload: Hockey Room Essentials

With so many off-ice training aids available, it's really hard to know what's a gimmick and what isn't. I know I've blown a lot of money on things that just don't get any use -- save yourself the trouble...and money!

Getting a Sponsor / Becoming a Brand Ambassador

Free stuff is awesome, right? Well, there's a right way and a wrong way to go about maybe getting in on some of it.

Hockey Myth: If You're Good Enough, they'll Find You

I can't tell you how many times I've heard youth hockey parents say this. Sorry to spill the beans, though, if you want your son or daughter to be 'found', you need a plan...

About Next Season: The Elephant in the Room

Ahhh...the most stressful time of the season. It's tryout season!

The Difference between Town Hockey and Elite Hockey

I can't tell you how many times I've been asked by other hockey parents why we chose to move our kids from a local town league hockey program over to an "Elite" program...

COVID 19: No, hockey has not been unfairly targeted.

I know it. You know it. And it's our own fault...but youth hockey being shut down for the next few months isn't the end of the world. Let's just do better when we're allowed back on the ice.

Rutsch. How should I pronounce that?

Been asked that a thousand times. And when I'm not asked -- it's always been the elephant in the room.

The Dilution of Hockey Hair

Maybe I'm just a purist but, for me, to qualify as hockey hair, it's gotta long in the back. And only the back. Business in the front, party in the back!

The Ballad of Double Rostering

There's a lot of misinformation and hearsay out there regarding double rostering. In most cases, parent's feelings on the subject are drenched in falsehoods and jealousy but the fact is, it's hard, stressful, and expensive too.

The Experience of Playing Up

Five seasons of playing up a birth year has opened my eyes to a few things. It turned out to be worth it in the end...but also came uncomfortably close to being a complete disaster.

Picking the 'Right' Youth Hockey Program

Sometimes having options makes things more difficult as there are different paths to choose.

The Worst Website for Youth Hockey...ever. MyHockeyRankings.com

MyHockeyRankings.com heart is in the right place but at this point, in my opinion, it's kind of soured into something very, very, well, bad for youth hockey...

The Level of Hockey DOES Matter

The articles in the USA Hockey magazines certainly push a few agendas and this is one of them. Does the level your kips play when they're youngsters really not matter?

A Connecticut youth hockey program you should consider playing for

InstaFamous!

That one time we got a shout-out from Jeremy Rupke. We've hit the big time now! Or have we?

Regarding the Humboldt Broncos Tragedy

My kids aren't yet old enough to be living with billet families or routinely going to games on a team bus but like all hockey parents, we can relate to the despair.

Do NOT be Intimidated by Elite Hockey Programs

You know what? Players on elite teams are better but that doesn't mean you should be afraid to try out.

Tiers In Youth Hockey Explained. Well, sort of...

Nearly all youth hockey parents are just winging it once terms like select, elite, premier, AAA, national, and tier enter the conversation...

Best Player, err, Selfish Puck Hog Always Leaves

Maybe it's a case of "the grass is greener on the other side" and they just switch programs chasing something different? Or maybe it's something else...

The Rink Experience - Universally Needed Rink Improvements

A recurring conversation I've found myself in with other hockey parents over the past decade while at the rink revolves around ideas like, "if I owned the building" or "if it were my team I'd do this..." Here's my punch list.

Those Pesky Figure Skaters!

It's so peculiar how figure skaters and hockey players have so much in common between their sports but, mutually, have almost no respect for one another. That should change.

The Best Youth Hockey League in the Country

Back before everyone was registering with USA Hockey and following a certain development model, there was a youth hockey league in the Northeast...

Responsibility of Referees in Youth Hockey

Coaches in youth hockey are reminded of the influence they can have on a player but I'm not certain officials are reminded of that too.

Let's End the Youth Hockey Walk of Shame

It's a disservice to your player if you're not looking for a perfect fit by routinely playing with the same program season after season...

Youth Hockey: Should You Play "Up"?

Ice hockey is a sport that you need to start early in order to excel. If you start late, it's really, really, tough to catch up. But what if you're ahead?

Great Programs have Great People

Do your best to seek out a program that has an abundance of good people.

Will the 2020-21 Youth Hockey Season even Happen?

Is it going to happen? Are they going to be allowed to play? Will I get my tuition back? Should I expect it back? Games or not, the 2020-21 youth hockey season is lining up to be a HUGE positive.

Getting Selected in the QMJHL American Draft

Each year, a couple kids in our hockey circle get picked in the "American" draft. Not entirely sure how they did it -- one parent was awkwardly vague as if caught red-handed when I asked -- but I think I have an idea on what it'll take to get one (or more) of my kids on a long list of potential picks...

Ebb and Flow of Hockey

Hockey changes every few years. The style of play morphs but I'm not certain it's evolving...more like revolving.

Youth Hockey Age Levels and Birth Year Teams

Is it better to be the youngest kid on your team and play against older competition? Or is it better to play alongside the best of the best at your own age?

Roller Hockey for an Ice Hockey Player

While many purists immediately write off roller hockey (or dek hockey) as a joke and complete waste of time...

Hot Take on Year Round Hockey

A well rounded athlete is certainly a good thing. You can't argue with that but...

Spring and Summer Hockey Tournament FOMO

Have you ever been at home on a Friday night and had your social media feeds start blowing up with everyone in your hockey circle posting from an arena three hours from home? Yeah, me too.

Review: Freddy Meyer's Dream Big Hockey Stars Tryout

Everyone involved with youth hockey has had moments where we cross paths with former or even current NHL players and sometimes our kids even share...

What to Gain from Summer Hockey Tournaments

I never go in expecting to get smoked in every game but I don't anticipate winning the whole thing either. Follow my lead and every tournament will be fun...no matter what!

Review: Junior Bruins Training & Evaluation Camp

This is a review of the Jr Bruins Training & Evaluation Camp for their AAA Brick Series teams.

An Alternative to Spring & Summer Tournament Hockey Teams

Thinking of signing on to play for a Spring or Summer Tournament team this off-season? Perhaps you should re-think that...

AAA Summer Hockey Tournaments are Underway!

There's something that needs to be said regarding all of these summer tournaments with big fancy names. You know what, I'll just come out and say it. They're not as exclusive as you think.

Review: Duskocy Power Hockey

This is a review of Duskocy Power Hockey. Adam Duskocy offers on-ice lessons during the off-season in Connecticut.

Review: Boston Junior Bruins Brick Series Tryouts

This is a review of the Jr Bruins tryout process for the AAA Brick Series teams.

Review: IPH Hockey - Private Coaching and Lessons

This is a review of IPH Hockey. They offer on-ice private lessons in Connecticut.

Brick Tournament Team Call Backs

Been there, done that. Every player/family we've had as a teammate that has played for a Brick team falls into one of two categories...

Youth Hockey Burnout

After 3 solid years of hockey, spring hockey, private lessons, tournament teams, roller hockey, and then some more hockey, it happened...

Bobby Orr is Wrong

A blasphemous statement, huh? Especially coming from someone living in New England. But hear me out...

COVID 19: Staying Sharp while Social Distancing

The off-season has certainly gotten off to a different start. Without ice available or any organized hockey, here's what we're doing in quarantine to try to stay sharp and hockey ready.

The Pluses and Minuses of Private Lessons

Clearly, individual sports like swimming, figure skating, golf, or even baseball are where it makes the most sense to have a private coach. But what about hockey?

Finding the Right Summer Hockey Camps and Clinics

So many options available but the best camps, I've found, are usually the ones you've likely never heard of.

Lunges for Hockey Players

Forget squats, wall sits, and box jumps. Lunges build strength in your quads, ham strings, and your glutes -- basically, the parts that create what is commonly referred to as the hockey butt.

Finding the Right Summer Hockey Camps and Clinics

If you've considered signing your kids up for hockey camp in the summer, you've surely found there are tons and tons of them. Most...being honest, here...are just money grabs. You should sit, watch, and evaluate if it's worth it.