I get to talk with a LOT of people about "Youth and Sport".   I get information from pro's and con's of the "How To Do It" society.

Are we hurting are kids by placing too much emphasis on the sport?

Are we hurting are kids by placing too much emphasis on the Win/Loss column?

Are looking at each game stat every game really THAT important?

Over the years, I have literally coached in some aspect, 1000's of athletes.  Some people CLAIM they have, but do the math...probably not!  I'm in my 60th year on the planet, 40+ coaching, 16 as an athlete myself, so I've got plenty of miles.

I've had, seen and worked with great Coaches over those years.

The one thing that I look for is the coach that feels that the development of the athlete is first and foremost.  To paraphrase the Field of Dreams movie....Build it and they will win, is true.

We basically play for the coach that will help Hunter become a better athlete, player, human being.

I wrote about his Lacrosse Coach the other day, and I like where he is going with my son.

Right now, we play for the Santa Clara Blackhawks because of the coach oat his level, Coach Sova Khoung heads the Squirt A level.  He's also a fellow that has his head on straight while coaching kids  (I repeat here...KIDS) that are 9 and 10 years old.

Fundamentals, fundamental, FUNdamentals are what he stresses.

Hunter who has played up front as a scorer decides mid season to switch and play DEFENSE.  After some digging, I realize why...the Assistant Coach Shane Holland, who formerly ran an entire program in the great city of San Francisco is the D coach!  Hmmmmm...why does a high scorer want to play D?  Because of the relationship BUILT on trust, personality, and mutual admiration for who each is now and where each will be, Coach Holland makes Hockey GREAT for my boy.

Which brings me to my point.

Last night we played the Number 1 team in our league.  I equate them to the University of Alabama football.  You just want to be in the game at the end.

This team attract the biggest and the best.  The coaching has been and is a wonderful and often times a vulgar display of hockey prowess so much so, they have literally BLOWN most teams out.

We played last night and lost by two points.  We were dead even on most of the stats, but in the end...it wasn't good enough even though our boys played their hearts out.

I think with a few adjustments, we CAN deliver a Clemson type blow to them, but we will see and I digress.

I have had older athletes over the years and play for that Win/Loss column.

It didn't matter if the kid and I had differences.  No one could say on my teams that they didn't play, "because Coach does't like me"  Bullshit!  I played the best players who have done the work on game day.  I didn't care if you were left and I'm right.  You practiced, you dedicated and committed...you PLAYED to win.

Hunter is brought up in this household environment!

Gung Ho all the time and all the way.

That's why when I heard my boy in the locker room last night after the loss (I don't go inside either) when his team mates were goofing off and already onto the next adventure, say..."HEY!  Knock it off!!  In case you guys don't know this, we just LOST !!!"

He was upset all the way home.  I knew this, and most would expect the commute talk would be about, "Don't worry about the loss.  We'll get 'em next time.  Chin up"  NO!  At this point in the season, I appreciate the PISSED OFF!

Injury is less painful when you win!

Winning cures a lot of ailments!

When they start to keep score, Winning becomes fucking IMPORTANT!!!

I also teach him to have quick amnesia.  Don't dwell on the negative, because that shit will get in the way of the progress.

This morning, he was much better!  His "tummy ache" went away.  In fact...at 0400 I feel him on my side of the bed, leaning down to whisper in my ear and say what I say to him..."Hey, Champions are made while others rest".  He wanted to go to the gym and TRAIN!

Sunday is a conditioning day and REST!  Plus, he wanted some "Dad Only Time", and when Mom woke up, he whispered..."Damn that isn't going to happen today, is it?"

No pal!  You go back to bed.  I'm taking the Dog and your Mom out for a run!

Today's Training:

5K run.  Killing this now!

No John, I'm not losing weight from the Aides Virus!!!  I'm losing fat and it is showing on my grill!  But thanks for your concern my friend!!!

Rysa, don't forget the bottom part of this post.  Get outside and get it moving chic!!!