This spring, I am embarking on an almost full ice hockey team rebuild. At first, this was a blow. Having so many players (or parents to be more matter of fact) deciding other programs are better for their future, can be a huge punch to the gut.
But then I looked at it another way. It’s a refresh. I have coached many of the same kids through 8U, 10U, and now headed into our second year of 12U. In that time, we won more than 12 tournaments, finished second in the state, and achieved so much success.
With that success, however, comes it’s own issues. The thought that you can’t lose a game, have a bad day, and must win at all costs.
This mindset tears teams apart, and pits teammates vs. teammates and parents vs. parents. It also pits parents against coaches.
Now, I am forging new relationships with new players and parents, explaining my philosophy as a coach, and taking what I have learned in my nearly decade of coaching ice hockey, and bringing it to a new group.
And this group has me excited. They are hungry, ready to work, and have the right mindset to tackle the challenges ahead. And most importantly, they are ready to have fun.
I felt too often, my previous group was unable to see the fun anymore because the focus had become solely on winning as a measure of success.
Not a hockey family? This lesson applies everywhere.
At work, or in your community. Sometimes, the goals of people shift, but the philosophy must stand. This is sometimes why people leave jobs, bands break up, and political movements fail. The goals of the individuals change and diverge from the needs of the group.
It’s time to refresh.
The lesson I had to learn, and am still learning is, this isn’t a bad thing. It’s necessary and in the end, likely leads to something better.
Don’t miss my latest for The Coaches Site!
Tips & Drills for Spring Hockey Tryouts - The Coaches Site
thecoachessite.com/tips-drills-for-spring-hockey-tryouts