Remembering the "Others"

[Icehouse1]

There is a lot of time and posts spent on this board by consistant posters regarding elite players etc. I want to start out by saying I think this is great and these players are very deserving for clearly they have made a commitment to their sport and are very talented. <br><br>What I hope is that we don't forget all the other players who may be equally as committed to hockey, but for whatever reason are not in that top group whether they aspire to be or not. I think coaches can walk a very fine line between how they treat, talk about and interact with "star" players (whether on their own team or others) and the "second" or even third "tier" players. I have come to believe (and witnessed) the impact a coach can have on these "second and third" tier players can be far greater sometimes than these top players. An "average" player who is made to feel "elite" can have a life changing effect that can impact the player far beyond hockey. And we know the reverse impact can happen when they are made to feel "they are not good enough". <br><br>What I am saying is nothing new, I understand this. It's easy to get caught up in "elite" but we have to remember that really these are only a "handful" of girls in the grand scheme of things. The average and "above average" girls make up the backbone of girls hockey. And realistically with the quick advancement of girls hockey some of these players who may fall into these "average" and "above average" categories could have been deemed elite a few years ago! To me, they are equally as fun to watch as some of these elite players! It would be fun to have postings on when these girls have had their time to "shine". <br><br>Again, I am not trying to take anything away from any elite player or be "derogatory" when referring to "second tier or average or above average". I just simply wanted to remind all of us whether we are coaches, parents, administration etc. that the we need to be cognisant of the life lesson we are sending our players. In my opinion, hockey is not one of those sports that "most" people can play...meaning that one simply cannot put on a pair of skates and grab a stick and play if you have never played before. For every player, no matter what level, it takes some sort of "commitment" physically, emotionally and financially. <br><br>It's easy to get caught up in the "eliteness" of this game but we CANNOT and SHOULD NOT forget the other players who equally invest themselves into this sport that they love but who's star may not shine as brightly right at this moment. However, whether these players go on to become olympic hockey players or teachers or coaches or doctors etc. their star will be shining brightly then and hockey, and all that goes with it, will have had an impact. It's up to all of us to make sure we keep it positive for all players. <br><br>Okay, I am getting down from my soap box now! Thanks! <p></p><i></i>

[brookyone]

Excellent post with good / valid points made. Every team has them and every team needs them...not to mention that those "other" players possess considerable skill themselves, and bring much to the game with their work ethic, dedication & character. You just wouldn't have hockey without them. <p></p><i></i>

[ghshockeyfan]

The "supporting cast" often is overlooked and rarely mentioned by name unfortunately.<br><br>It isn't about the best players, but instead all the players, and sometimes the ones that need the most attention aren't the most talented ones that often seem to get it.<br><br>The time spent helping a kid that has never played before have that opportunity is just as important as time spent with a D1 prospect - just not as rewarding in the eyes of others. Thank goodness some coaches find time spent helping new players rewarding themselves. Honestly, it's the most rewarding part of coaching I believe, but I can't lie that it's a blessing to have had the opportunity to coach amazing talent as well.<br><br>Similarly coaches line up 20 deep to coach top notch programs, but don't forget that all teams need coaches... <p></p><i></i>

[StirTheMix]

Right on, GHS! <br><br>A terrific way for any of us (I'm not a player or coach, just a parent) to contribute is to volunteer for your local association or school - teams or otherwise. The same argument holds for the un-sung volunteers as for the front page coaches and "star" players!<br><br>And still another easier way is to put our behinds in the seats at the school games, whether our kid is on the team or not. And go to the Gopher women's games - there are plenty of empty seats that tell the general public very few people care in those too rare TV shots at Ridder.<br><br>That will especially will be true when the State Tournament makes its way to Xcel and the TV shows empty seats. It's up to US to make it a good show (yes, I know February is a long way off). <p></p><i></i>

[ghshockeyfan]

Lots can be done to support the game, I agree. I'm guilty of not getting out to support the lady gophs and other area D3 teams as much as I should actually. I've also missed some of the coaches assn events, etc. I guess we all try to help as best we can.<br><br>Some of the most rewarding coaching I've ever done had no chance of ever winning a trophy or championship. I'm sure many coaches out there would agree with me. Teaching a kid to skate, working with the youth association, etc. is a very rewarding experience. Rarely will it get you much recognition, but that's not really the point I guess!<br><br>Maybe my thoughts on this will change if I ever win a championship, but that won't be the only metric by which I judge the "success" of my coaching "career." <p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p100.ezboard.com/bmnhs.showUserP ... ckeyfan</A> at: 10/24/05 9:45 pm<br></i>

[ARM]

icehouse1, Nice thread. <p></p><i></i>

[Icehouse1]

Thanks! We all know hockey is a "tough" sport on many levels. ALL the girls amaze me and I hope it continues to grow! <p></p><i></i>

[ghshockeyfan]

ttt - Important that we keep this in mind with all the "talk" about the elite players, top teams, etc. <p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p100.ezboard.com/bmnhs.showUserP ... ckeyfan</A> at: 12/4/05 11:11 am<br></i>

[Icehouse1]

ghs,<br><br>I am new to what the abbreviations stand for in these threads (ie. "ttt" in your post) but thanks for remembering! No question that every program has its own challenges...but programs like Kennedy that are under major rebuilding and situations like Simley really speak to how important EVERY girl is and contributions to the team that can be made by each player no matter what level they are at. In my opinion, it's also under these conditions where the test of true leadership and coaching principles have major impact in how these girls feel about the team and themselves. To watch teams continue to give all they have to give when there's less than a minute left in the third period and the score is 0-15, or 4-10 or even 1-1, whatever... speaks to the true strength of the ENTIRE team. <br><br><br><br> <p></p><i></i>

[ghshockeyfan]

Well said & I agree. I couldn't be more proud of the Kennedy kids & the Simley squad that have had their challenges as of late.<br><br>ttt = to the top - just wanted to bring this thread to the top of the board as it shouldn't be forgotten. <p></p><i></i>

[ghshockeyfan]

ttt <p></p><i></i>