Over the weekend, I spend in Buffalo as I usually spend attending the draft. It is a great event. So much more now than what it used to be in the 1970’s and 1980’s. It is the event now, very much like a shortened playoff series with the excitement level for fans.
As usual the best of the best player are on display. The Sabres organization put on the best show with the best amenities you can ask for in the event. It is one of the best hockey city in the world, and definitely have one of the best owner in the NHL.
A phrase that is tossed around by the scout the last few year, now being used by the analyst and the fans talk about player “bloodlines”. Concerning the player parents. Usually only when the father play NHL or minor pro some time in the past. Once in a while it refer to the mother who may be have the athletic ability in her past.
This is perhaps the most stupid phrase being used in all of hockey.
Are we now breeding horses for genetic perfection? Are we breeding for distance runner, or sprinter? Are we talking about “thoroughbred” horse? “Thoroughbred” is a phrase some people use as well!
The implication that anyone is going to be genetically better because the parent was the player is not proven by any scientific measure. It is simple another stupid political advantage to be used to justify some player being pushed.
The only thing that can be proven by this stupid theory is that the player, if he paid attention, know what it take to train, and work like a professional. That do provide the advantage.
If “bloodlines” or “thoroughbred” status had any real impact other than what a young person observed growing up, every former NHL player child would end up in NHL.
Now, I am sure some of you say I am stupid after reading this. For you I want to remind you that “bloodlines” and “thoroughbred” horses have a tendency for injury and other ailment. One tenth of all “thoroughbred” will have orthopedic problem, and nearly two “thoroughbred” horse per day have career ending injury. Let us not forget the other medical problem of the “thoroughbred” such as small heart, and respiratory issue.
So knowing this do you want you hockey player to have the “bloodline” or be the “thoroughbred”? Not only is it the stupid saying, it really is insulting to the player and the parent that only be compared to livestock. Or, is this the larger statement on how the game see player?
Coach
