Many player at this time of year are now being faced with the possible move up or down a level. This can be a time of confusion, excitement, and disappointment for many player. In the end though it is a situation that nearly every player will experience as least once or twice in his playing career. It happen in the NHL and it can happen in every junior league.
To be sure all player not at highest level is looking to move up. This is what all player should want and should work hard to accomplish. However, it does not always happen when you want, and you have to be careful in deciding where or if to go when the time come.
A move up just to move up does not make sense. There must be a plan in place. Why would leading scorer from Junior B or Tier III want to go to last place team at Junior A or Tier II? Do the higher level team have players that you can help and that can help you? Or, is this going from a good situation to a bad situation? Just because it is higher level does not mean it is better for your long-term career.
Is it better to have the championship at lower level, or some games at higher level on your resume? Is it better to win scoring title in the current league or to become a role player at higher level? Is it better to have number one goaltender job at lower level or be backup at higher level? Is it better to dominate defensively and get a lot of ice time at lower level or to be a number six defense at higher level with little ice time and no special team play?
These are important questions to ask when looking to move up. They are also important questions to ask when looking at being sent down.
Can you get more ice time or produce more at the lower level? Can you refine your game and work on your deficiencies at the lower level? Will you become a better player based on more opportunity?
Every move, whether it be up, down or staying put is an opportunity to make a decision on your career. When faced with these choices, some that are made without your input or control, it is always best to see it as an opportunity to learn something from the game.
Be careful if you are faced with these types of decisions. Do not get the attitude that you are too good to be sent down, or that you deserve to go up. If you were that good, you would not be in this position. Be humble and be honest with yourself. Make the decision that will allow you the most ice time in the best environment possible.
These are the things that we experience in the game that will mold us for life after hockey. Making good decisions and accepting circumstances is something you will have to do as you grow older. The sooner the person learn to do this the more successful the person will be in the game of life.
Coach
