Why do kids play hockey in June?

Generally I think the NHL missed a real opportunity to cut back the overly long regular season coming out of the last lock-out. I hardly watch the playoffs now because I usually have better things to do in late April, all May and early June. Moreover, because the pros play so long it then encourages minor hockey such as Tier 1 & 2 Juniors to play through May. Only College Hockey (which I contend is now the most enjoyable hockey to watch) knows enough to quit in late March.

Well, that being said, when my Grandsons play hockey nearby in the spring, I find myself very willing and interested in travelling to watch. I did this in early May as you may recall. I had the opportunity last weekend to do it again. This time it was the youngest Grandson who was playing. He had been selected to play on a Bantam AAA team of American kids playing in another international tourney in Canmore. (Bonus: the weather was so good, I got to drive the convertible, with the top down!!)

The coach of this team was the same one my other USA Grandkids had when they came to Canmore in the beginning of May. He is very good. He doesn’t bring them because they are tournament beaters; rather, he brings them to learn more about the way the game is played in Canada. He wants them to grow as players and as people. While they may think they are Triple A calibre kids, they quickly find out in Game 1 of the tourney that they are not. They aren’t as fast, nor do they check as well. And being a collection of kids from a number of states, they are not as cohesive as a team (even though some of the Canadian teams are all-star/selected groups).

Consequently they were beaten quite badly in the first two games. Nevertheless they played hard and only a few showed signs of giving up or quitting on their goalies. On Day 2 there were obvious signs of improvement as the coach was getting through to them…in one instance it was still 1-1 at the half-way mark of the second period. They were playing more like a team and doing more to back each other up. It was also more entertaining. When there was a letdown it tended to be due to a player’s lack of skill at clearing the puck out of the defensive zone or lack of willingness to dig a little deeper and try a little harder, and at times simply because they weren’t used to playing 20 minute stop-time periods (they usually play 15 minutes).

The final game showed real growth. They scored the first goal of the game. They played with energy. When the other team scored, they didn’t suddenly let down. While they ultimately lost, it wasn’t due to bad goal-tending, it wasn’t due to lack of commitment. The Canadian team was just better. And I can say with pride that my Grandson never quit trying.

When it was all over and I was driving through the sun-drenched mountains, I was happy. It had been a worthwhile trip. Even if it was the last weekend in May. The kids were alright. And I met a coach from a Saskatchewan team who comes from Melfort and his girl-friend comes from Kinistino — places I know well from an earlier life. So all in all, thanks for the wonderful memories, guys…

g.w.