DO NOT change your shirt!

My beloved Boston Bruins came one step closer to the Stanley Cup last night with a 2-1, second overtime win over the Pittsburgh Penguins.  It is clear from watching the game the Bruins are playing with heart and fire, but that is not the secret to their success.  Then how are they winning you ask?  The secret is my shirt:

From the first drop of the puck in this series and the three victories that have followed, this shirt has been on my back then carefully put away for the next game.  Life and especially sports are surrounded with routine and superstition. 

No matter if you are enjoying a game or preparing for a significant life event, embrace superstition and keep your lucky shirt at the ready.

Cheers,
Toby

Sports, Sportsmanship, and the Scoreboad

I am gearing up for a new hockey season.  While getting together rosters, putting together drills, and thinking about tournaments I started thinking about the big picture.
The scoreboard shows "Home" and "Guest" not the names of who scored the goal and who made the assist. The scoreboard reflects the performance of the team, not the achievements of its individual members.
The score sheet does not tell the entire story either. It shows who scored, who assisted, and the saves made by the goalie - so much is missing.
When watching your next game look for these things: the back check, clearing the puck out of the defensive zone, the hug or highfive of encouragement, the hustle of the weaker player who never gives up.
Herb Brooks said it best: "When you pull on that jersey, you remember one thing, the name on the front it a hell of a lot more important than the one on the back."

Thank you parents for all the support; it means the world to the coaches as well as your sons and daughters.

Please share this with other coaches and those who love the game.

Cheers,

Toby

Why I Coach Hockey

Coaching hockey is something I deeply love: I not only have great times with my own children, I take great pleasure teaching a skill and watching a child "get it." No matter what sport or activity you choose, take some time and make a difference. Coaches DO make a difference.

Had a great conversation with one of the kids in my Skills clinic today:
"Did you have fun @ the game today?"
"I didn't score a goal."
"If you could only pick one, would you rather score goals or have fun?"
A big smile... "Have fun."
...I guess I am doing something right

Why Children Need Sports

Greetings all,
This is a piece I wrote some time ago, but with hockey in full swing, I thought I would repost.
For those who have not seen the movie "Miracle," get it TODAY! My favorite scene is when Herb Brooks skates his boys to their knees and says this famous line: "When you pull on that jersey, remember the name on the front is a hell of a lot more important than the one on the back!" This is the lesson children, and their parents, will learn through sports. It does not matter your nationality, color, political party, or last name; to be a member of a team, one must be able to play and get along with those on the team. Children learn how to deal with winning and losing - lessons that seem to be vanishing to today's "I'm entitled" culture. Get your kids involved, you don't have to be the dad that coaches the team, but go to backyard, go to practice, go to the games. Sports do not only keep your kids healthy, sports develop their character. Cheers, Toby