So ya think we got the best players in history on the ice right? Ya think we are going to see the best players in the world as we get set to watch a few weeks of the Olympics? Yeah right.
For years, everyone simply expected Canada, Russia, and the United States to dominate play at all the international competitions. For years, it was pretty easy to predict that one of those teams would walk away with the prize in most international competitions.
Well kids, you can’t think that way any more.
Nope, the cats out of the bag kiddies. The some people are so focused on games, wins, and losses these days that they are sacrificing skill development which is the foundation of their prior success. Hmmmmmmmm, I wonder where that started moms and dads?! Ha Ha Ha
Everyone wants to win, and everyone is playing a ton of games these days. Play three games on a weekend after two or three days of practice each week? Yeah, that makes sense!
More tournaments? Oh hell yeah! Everyone gets a trophy. Ha Ha Ha Guess what moms and dads, not every kid deserves to get a trophy. How about pulling your heads out of your butts, and letting the kids actually develop their skills by playing only half as many times as they practice? How about letting them play other sports in the summer?
Or, hey here is a new idea……you stop living vicariously through your kids!
I think everyone would agree that Canada has lead the world in player development for ummmmmm………..EVER!
Why then hasn’t Canada won a medal in the last two World Junior Championships? Why haven’t they won the event since 2009? World Juniors used to be Canada’s tournament too lose!
When the world leader starts to struggle, its time for people to take a little time to notice. Nothing to see here folks…..keep moving on. Ha Ha Ha
Bigger, faster, stronger. For Sure, todays players are all of that.
Coaches are focusing on systems, and not skills. When a Pee Wee team that practices two and sometimes three times a week spends more time on systems than they do on skills, there’s a problem there kids. Ummmmmm yeah, we want you to play here and here and here, pass here and here and here, but sorry kids we are out of practice time to tell you why or practice your passing and stick handling skills! Now thqat sounds like a plan for long term success Chester!
Then we wonder why the kids with money to get private lessons are the ones who excel?
Its not like parents have influenced any of this though, right? Everyone is so caught up in how many games and wins that little Johnny has, and all the trophy’s he gets. And then you wonder why little Johnny doesn’t go anywhere beyond Junior B or Tier III in the states? Ha Ha Ha
How about we all go back to basics?! How about we all go back to letting skill develop more and worry about wins a little less?!
Nahhhhhh what purpose would that serve? Hell, it only worked pretty well for decades.
David Wagner – The Angel Of Death – For Those Who Live Stupidly I salute You
*The Death Pool is a mix of comedy, and satire in connection with recent events. It is not an official report of current events although it may look as though the news is so accurate that it could one day happen or may be happening.
