The Excitement and Grueling Schedules of Youth Ice Hockey
You are sitting on your deck with a cold brew in late July, when your phone buzzes with a text requesting all parents to register and update with the newest sport app…the 5th one in the last year. Please accept which practices, games and tourneys from August till March of next year. And so it begins. Sure, I am met with the wave of excitement of the new season, but there is certainly the sting of that schedule. It is all-consuming. As a single parent, I worry about taking those Fridays and sometimes even longer weekends off from work. I have to wonder what these other parents do for a living. I take a deep breath, telling myself I will figure it out later.
For hockey parents, the end of July is like the calm before the storm.
We’re talking about the storm of pre-dawn practices, last-minute equipment purchases, awaiting the last-minute delivery of uniform jerseys, and the ever-familiar scent (you know the kind) of hockey gear that seems to permeate the car, the basement or the garage.’
Let’s not kid ourselves – the upcoming schedule can at times feel grueling when you have a lot of balls in the air.
It’s a juggling act worthy of a circus, but one we’re all too familiar with.
We’re talking about balancing schoolwork with late-night games, coordinating travel for weekend tournaments, and ensuring our young athletes are eating right and staying healthy.
THE Schedule – You Know, If You Know
It starts with those early morning practices, where the sun isn’t even up yet, but your little hockey star is already on the ice, perfecting their slapshot. Then there are the late-night games that have you driving home in the dark, replaying every thrilling moment.
Hockey parents have a few tricks up their sleeves – some like to insist they create “strict” schedules, while others seem to shoot from the hip when it comes to a schedule. God knows how or when the kid gets to practice and games. Sure, we should have flexibility in the schedule, prioritize tasks, and let the hockey Gods show some grace. We need to know when to take a deep breath,laugh off the chaos and just go with it.
You simply can’t stress about each calendar item. You will drive yourself bananas.
Travel adds another layer of craziness to your already hectic schedule. Weekend tournaments and out-of-town games are par for the course, turning us parents into expert travel planners. From packing essentials (always double-check those sticks and skates!) to navigating hotel stays, it’s a constant shuffle living by that app and internet reviews, and checking for a history of bed bugs.
Staying Physically and Mentally Strong
Amidst the whirlwind of practices and travel, the physical demands on our young athletes can’t be overlooked. Keeping them healthy and injury-free is a top priority.
This means ensuring everyone gets the proper nutrition and enough rest – a challenge when weekends are filled with back-to-back games. Who amongst us has not googled and pinned healthy on-the-go meals, to avoid the drive-through haul? But, you find yourself running out the door with half a tumbler of coffee and a protein bar and the only thing getting filled with all that good nourishment is the folder in your cloud account.
Let us take a look at where to draw the strength and light until we get till next March shall we….
The Support System
Other positive parental involvement is the backbone of youth hockey and can be your lifeline providing crucial support that helps young athletes thrive both on and off the ice.
From coordinating carpools to ensure everyone makes it to early morning practices, to organizing team snacks that keep the kids fueled and focused, hockey parents wear many hats. We commiserate, complain, and draw strength from the stands of those amongst us. We insist they are the only ones who undestand our plights. Not like those football or baseball parents…only hockey parents get it!
Your Hockey People
Sure, we cheer from the stands, and some do it loudly some do it pretty. There is a spectrum. We find out fast whre we belong. Our fellow parents create a positive and encouraging environment that also motivates the players on the ice to give their best effort. And, it warms our hearts and draws us closer as a community. These our our hockey people, their presence and enthusiasm make a difference, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
The community spirit among hockey families is another essential aspect of the support system. The camaraderie that develops through shared experiences – whether it’s organizing a team-building activity, hosting a fundraising event, or simply bonding over post-game meals – strengthens the team and creates lifelong friendships.
These collective efforts foster a supportive and inclusive environment where every member feels valued and part of something larger.
Coaches
The main point here is to let the Coach…coach.
By trusting the coach to provide their expertise, we can step back and focus on supporting their child from the stands. This separation allows parents to enjoy the game (breathe) without the pressure of critiquing every play – or not even knowing the significance of every play! Allow your child to develop and foster the coach-player relationship with more ease and in a more positive and relaxed environment.
This relationship between coach and player and the team, also reinforces the child’s independence and growth, knowing they can rely on their coach and the group of the team is an important developmental step as the child grows especially in adolescence. You just step back, they got this.
Coaches who go above and beyond, often becoming mentors and role models, leave a lasting impact on their players.
Navigating the Negative Aspects of Youth Hockey
No doubt…they happen! Dealing with the negative aspects of youth hockey can be challenging for any parent.
Critical coaches and political/adult drama can dampen our enthusiasm to get up at 5 AM. Been there, look at your kid’s face and little stick, and just drive. We have ways of dealing with the drama and can help.
Be careful with these feelings of frustration. Your child will undoubtedly pick up on your rising stress level.
If it is a coach’s behavior becomes detrimental, it might be necessary to have a constructive conversation with the coach or even escalate the issue to the league’s administrators. Balancing constructive criticism with positive reinforcement at home can help buffer the negative impact and keep your child motivated.
We have all heard the horror story of how a child or teen is hurt from a coach or another team member making them feel less worthy. It’s essential to maintain open communication with your child, encouraging them to express their feelings and reassuring them of their worth
Parent Drama
Gossip and drama among other parents can also be a significant source of disgust and will drip down to the kids. They have their finger on you emotional pulse.
It’s important to rise above the fray by staying focused on your child’s experience and development.
Set a positive example or just remove yourself and rise above it, by avoiding participation in gossip and instead fostering a culture of support and respect among the parents.
Addressing conflicts directly and diplomatically can often defuse tension.
Encouraging open communication and maintaining a focus on the well-being and enjoyment of the children can help mitigate drama, ensuring the atmosphere remains positive and conducive to everyone’s growth and enjoyment of the sport.
Sanity Savers to Start the Season Off
Visuals
- Photos of Team Events, Practices, and Games: Capturing the essence of youth hockey can be done through dynamic photos of drills, practices, and games. Websites like Ice Hockey Systems provide a plethora of images showcasing various drills and practice setups that can be useful for visual content (Ice Hockey Systems Inc.) (Ice Hockey Systems Inc.) .
- Infographics on Schedules, Travel Tips, and Safety Measures: Infographics can make information more accessible and engaging. USA Hockey offers various resources and guides that can be translated into informative graphics, such as tips on organizing practice schedules and ensuring player safety (USA Hockey) .
Other Resources and Links to a Good Start of the Season:
- Articles on Nutrition, Injury Prevention, and Mental Health:
- Pure Hockey has several articles focusing on essential drills, nutrition tips, and training regimens that can help parents keep their young athletes in top shape (Pure Hockey) .
- TeamGenius offers insights into youth hockey drills and player evaluations, which can be beneficial for developing comprehensive training programs (TeamGenius) .
- Contacts for Local Hockey Organizations and Support Groups: Connecting with local hockey organizations can provide support and foster community spirit. These are some great examples of how to build a great community spirit. These two hockey organizations have superb spirit. Websites like San Antonio Youth Hockey and Texas Outlaws Hockey Club offer information on local teams, practices, and community events (Ice Hockey Systems Inc.) (USA Hockey) .
Here are some YouTube videos that can be valuable resources for your article on youth hockey:
- 40 Hockey Drills for Kids – This video covers a comprehensive range of drills designed to improve various skills in young hockey players. It includes both on-ice and off-ice exercises, making it a versatile resource for different practice settings. Reference: Torataro Hockey
- 22 Hockey Drills For Kids – Stickhandling, Shooting, Powerskating & Stick Tricks – This video focuses on individual skills such as stickhandling, shooting, and powerskating. It’s great for parents and coaches looking to enhance specific aspects of a player’s game. Watch here
- Ice Hockey Drills: 3-Drill Half-Ice Practice Plan for Puck Protection, Passing, and First Steps – This video offers a practical half-ice practice plan that emphasizes puck protection, passing, and initial movements, ideal for structured team practices. GottaLoveCTHockey; Watch here
- Top 10 – Best Stickhandling Drills For Hockey Players | OFF-ICE Hockey Practice | Puck Control – Focused on off-ice training, this video provides drills that players can practice at home to improve their stickhandling and puck control skills. Reference;
Minárik Hockey Skills; Watch here - Ice Hockey Drills: 3-Drill Halhttp://GottaLoveCTHockeyf-Ice Practice Plan for Puck Control, Passing – Another great resource for half-ice practice, this video emphasizes puck control and passing, crucial skills for effective gameplay. Reference: GottaLoveCTHockey Watch here
These videos provide a variety of drills and practice plans that can help both parents and coaches support young hockey players in developing their skills and maintaining enthusiasm for the sport.
