|
'The Ultimate Newsletter for Minor Hockey'
2007 ISSUE 13
Click here for our archive of past "Well Said" Newsletters
WELCOME to WELL SAID! - 'The Ultimate Newsletter for Minor Hockey'. This Newsletter, along with The Hockey Source comprehensive website, television show, product lines and new training program is part of our vision to provide you with valuable information about minor hockey so you can make sound decisions and have more fun. Whether you are a Player, Coach, Manager, Official, Trainer, Scout, Agent, Parent or Fan, you are sure to find valuable information on hockey topics.
Survey Says??
In April 2007, The Hockey Source was preparing to send out the 12th issue of its newsletter, “Well Said!”. Although feedback on the newsletter from a continuously growing readership had always been positive, the THS Team decided, after 3 full seasons, to survey the group of signature readers. This group, numbered over 1,500 readers.
A vital piece of information sought in the survey was the role played by the respondent in minor youth hockey. With the exception of “agent”, responders to the survey covered every role imaginable to the game, with the highest number being focused on Parents, Coaches, Managers, Players and Officials. This certainly increased the validity of the responses received.
When asked to identify their favourite section of the newsletter, a number responded favourably to all sections. But the majority selected “Inspirational Corner” ranked as most favourite, with “Face-Off”, “Tips/Did You Know”, and “Feature Story” following in that order of support. Cited most, as the reasons for these selections were the diversity of the topics, and the value of the information to the operation of minor hockey teams. Respondents were significantly of one voice, in pointing out the fact that the content was important, interesting and factual.
Respondents were almost unanimous in pointing towards the section of “Shop the Source” as being the one of least interest. The most stated reason for this vote was that the valuable products of The Hockey Source were very professionally displayed on the Website (www.thehockeysource.tv and the NEW on-line STORE www.thehockeysource.net), and that anyone interested in purchasing any of these items would do so at those websites. Providing more information in the newsletter was simply seen as unnecessary duplication. Based on that feedback, readers will see that the section entitled “Shop The Source” has been removed.
The challenges of operating a minor hockey team are immense. Players and families want to play for a team that is well organized, and that has a clear vision for the season. It is not a small matter that the Coaching Staff (mainly the Coach and Manager) shows the organizational ability and dedication to create a written plan for the season. But, it will be a significant matter if they do not.
The first three seasons covered a long and varied list of topics in the newsletter. When asked to identify those that they would like to know more about, respondents identified such areas as: mouth guards, conditioning, maximizing practice time and the business/finances of minor hockey. To better present the required detail on these, and other topics, The Hockey Source will utilize a multiple series approach, whereby a topic will be thoroughly covered through more than one issue of the newsletter. This new technique will commence in 2008.
When asked to identify topics of interest that perhaps had not yet been covered, the accumulated list was formulate with suggestions of: goaltending, girl’s hockey, fighting, checking from behind, volunteers, unrealistic parents, new innovations, coaching tips, manager advice and factors affecting a player making professional level. In response to this feedback, The Hockey Source Team has decided to add two new sections to the Newsletter…The Face of the Volunteer and Techno Talk. Read more about these new sections further on in this Newsletter.
Currently, the newsletter is produced, broadcasted and placed on the website on a quarterly basis. The survey asked respondents to identify the production cycle that they, the reader and user, would like to see. No response identified “less frequency” as a choice. In fact, the vast majority listed “weekly” and “monthly” as the two top choices for frequency of distribution. The HS Team is delighted with the positive reception of “Well Said!”. Generally, respondents cited the product as being valuable and well written.
The Hockey Source decided to move to a bi-monthly distribution of the Newsletter along with a possible “summer break”. This will mean 6 Issues each year, which is an increase of 50%. This new format will also begin in 2008.
The THS Team has decided to share the results of the survey, since actions are being taken, and will be implemented, based on the feedback received. Several of those changes are evident in this very issue of the newsletter. In providing this overview of advice, The Hockey Source Team thanks all of those readers who took the time to respond and complete the survey.
The Teacher Among Us!
In life and in minor hockey we all experience those individuals who have taken on the role of “teacher and mentor”. A lady by the name of Irene Wood from Edmonton wrote about such an individual in the Vinyl Café Story Exchange. Her story about Mr. Fisher is something that we should all be so lucky and blessed to experience. Excerpts from her story are as follows:
"When I was in High School, I had the good fortune to have Mr. Fisher for Grade 11 History. The class was "People and Politics". It was a history of the 20th Century. I had heard stories about Mr. Fisher as he described quite vividly scenes from Great Wars, such as Vimy Ridge, sounding like a machine gun and waving a blue handkerchief. He made the trenches imaginable, and he vividly outlined the tragedies of a soldier’s sufferings, with tears streaming down his face, and his blue handkerchief always ready".
"Mr. Fisher was very clear and insistent on how he wanted assignments. He was very clear that writing that was not legible would result in assignments being handed back, and he did that on more than one occasion. He did not fool around."
“There was a boy named Dennis in the class. Dennis was a troublemaker. His assignments were often handed back and he was regularly late for class, which was another unacceptable action for Mr. Fisher. One day, Dennis entered class late and tossed his assignment on Mr. Fisher’s desk and sat down. Mr. Fisher stood up, pushed back his chair, grabbed Dennis’ paper, ripped it up and threw it in the garbage can. He rushed to Dennis’ desk, pointed his finger in Dennis’ face and began a two-minute tirade, in which he berated Dennis for everything from tardiness to his messy hair. The room became very quiet. Dennis did not look up or say a thing. Suddenly, Mr. Fisher stopped, patted Dennis on the shoulder and thanked him. Mr. Fisher then turned his yes on all of us, and made the following passionate speech:
‘I stood here for two minutes completely humiliating this boy in front of you all, and not one of you said anything. You all knew I was out of line, and had no right to be saying those things to Dennis, yet nobody tried to stop me. Why? Because I am a teacher, a figure of authority? Because you were afraid? Dennis was expecting this today, because I asked him to come in late, throw his homework on my desk and asked his permission to rant at him like a lunatic for a couple of minutes.’
"There are not many things I remember about Grade 11, but as long as I live, I will never forget that morning in Mr. Fisher’s class. Mr. Fisher taught us to be accountable, to be empathetic, and not to be afraid to stand up when we knew something was not right."
THS Down Under
Although hockey may be quieter in North America and Europe in the summer, it is certainly running at full speed in Australia and New Zealand . From June 22nd to July 15th of this year, The Hockey Source had a chance to share in the love of the game “down under”. Kevin V. Huhn, Hockey-ologist, and founder of The Hockey Source traveled with the Canadian Moose World Travelling Hockey Club in their tour this past summer. He provided hockey players from different cities, on-ice specialty training. Players involved, ranged in age from 7 to 75, and in skill from novice to seasoned veterans. Local hockey enthusiasts in Christchurch and Lake Tekapo, New Zealand ; Brisbane and Sydney, Australia had a chance to experience the teachings from one of hockey’s most passionate coaches in the game today.
As much as the tour down under was about spreading the good word about the game from the source – Canada , it was also about education of the Hockey-ologist. He soon learned that ice hockey (as it is only known in New Zealand and Australia ) is played on a variety of sized ice sheets, which all (but a few) have netting instead of glass around the boards for protection of the viewers. The level of play was close to the caliber of hockey known to most youth hockey and adult recreational players in North America and Europe. Readers need to be reminded that the National Australian and New Zealand men and women’s hockey teams play in the World Championships at Division IV, Division III, and now, Division II levels.
Like most North American amateur players and their families, travel is also a bit part of the game “down under”. It is quite common to hear about the car rides of 3-4 hours to a game or practice, by many moms and dads, for their playing children. One of the most interesting pieces of trivia of hockey revolves around how long it has been played in Australia …this season marked the 100th anniversary.
The Hockey Source witnessed first hand, the welcoming hospitality from local enthusiasts in the cities and places “down under”. Australia and New Zealand are full of love for the game of hockey. We should all look for them on the global level of the game over the next few years, as interest and development continues to grow.
To Use or Not to Use - Wood?
PLAYERS! PARENTS! You are in need of a new hockey stick. You are standing in front of endless racks of sticks with various components, colours, designs, names, advertising, guarantees and prices. And you are asking, ”Which is the right one?”
We have all been there quite likely. Some of us have been happy with the choices we made at that point. But lots of us lived through that purchase to remember “I will do more research before I go through that experience again”. And now, it has become even more complex, with the invention of the new “one piece” hockey stick and some of its composite relatives. Lots of parents are bemoaning the fact that they were not born experts on hockey sticks.
The Hockey Source has done some research, and is in a position to at least raise some of the issues and factors that need to be considered, in deciding whether to purchase a hockey stick made of wood, or a one-piece composite. Some of these are clear-cut, while others, not so much.
Considerations for your next purchasing decision regarding:
The Stick
- Cost: Probably the clearest fact is that wooden sticks are much more affordable to purchase. What is not so clear is how many wooden stick purchases does it take to get to reach the same cost of 1 one-piece composite stick?
- Repair/Replacement Needs: When a wooden stick is in need of repair, it is replaced. When a 1 piece is in need of repair, in many cases, it can be. The only question is, how will the repair cost of a one piece compare to the purchase of a new one?
- Consistency: Due to the new materials and the use of molds, it is possible that a player can purchase one piece sticks that are identical. Whereas wooden sticks have inconsistencies in their characteristics, resulting in no two sticks being the same.
- Durability: Which type of stick will last the longest? How much of that is due to the material as compared to frequency of use and playing style of the individual?
- Nostalgia: Will there be some players who always use wooden sticks because “they have always used wooden sticks”? A current look at all levels of hockey, including professional would show this to be a fact. But will the trends change?
- Flex: Are all wooden sticks of equal flex? Are all one-piece sticks of equal flex? How much flex is required? How does flex relate to the weight and strength factors?
- Weight: Clearly, the new one-piece sticks are lighter in weight, but the question is what is to be gained by weight reduction…and is this more important for younger, less developed players, or to older, more skilled players? Are there drawbacks to a stick being too light? too heavy?
- Strength: How do wooden sticks and one piece sticks compare in strength? What is the frequency of “breakage” with the two kinds due to the strength component?
- Feel: What appears to be a unanimous fact is that wooden sticks provide a superior and softer feel of the puck to the player. If so, are there certain players for whom this is a bigger factor than others (e.g. Offense vs. Defense). As in golf clubs, sticks apparently vary as to the size of the “sweet spot”. Experts imply that one-piece sticks have larger sweet spots. What is the advantage gained by that, if the wooden version gives one a better feel while controlling the puck?
The Player
- Age:What is the relevance of age to type of stick purchased? Does one do “cheaper for the younger”, or lighter in weight because of less development? Does one wait until an age when “breakage” is less likely, and when does that occur? Or have you already gone past that period by the time you ponder?
- Sex: Are there any considerations at all that make this factor one of relevance?
- Skill Level: How does skill of the individual relate to the type of stick that they use? Does the expensive one-piece stick only brin g benefit to the higher skilled individual, who has a better chance of using it properly? Or conversely, is it an aid to those players who have yet to reach that level because it easier to use?
- Skill Need: Players on a team will all be involved in shooting, passing, and receiving passes, but to varying degrees. Do each of these roles relate more closely to one type of stick vs. another? Should a “goal scorer” have a higher flex stick? Should a “playmaker” have a wooden stick due to increased feel of the stick?
- Player vs. Goaltender: Why is it that almost every article written on this topic speaks only to “players”? What about goalies? Are any of these considerations just as important to that position as it appears to be to all those other positions, for which the goalie is the last hope if execution of play falters?
- Safety: Are there any factors of safety that are affected by the type of stick used by a player? Does a light stick allow it to be used more as a weapon (as recently viewed in events occurring in the NHL)? What are the dangers of “breakage”? What debris is left on the ice when a one-piece stick breaks vs. a wooden stick that could affect skating?
And then there is the question of concern for our environment. Do we continue to destroy trees for a game? However, can the chemical composite of a one piece be as environmentally friendly when burned or used in a tomato garden?
Is No Pain Perfect?
ATHLETES, just because you are pain free, it does not mean that there are not any problems.
If you have an unknown weakness that has not yet become an obvious injury, you will under achieve. For example, if you are dehydrated, you will under perform.
Looking at the body in its entirety, if you do not have a healthy spine and central nervous system (the centre of all that goes on in the body), you will ALWAYS under perform. If you talk about performance but do not prepare fully, how do you expect to achieve your goals?
Just like a race car, the mechanics go over ever inch of the engine, transmission and other moving parts prior to each trip to the track, whether practice or race. The athlete’s body should be treated no differently.
Only certain professionals are sufficiently trained to be able to perform this kind of needed assessment on the body. Talk to a sports chiropractor and get your assessment done before there is unwanted pain, and you are left hampered in the attainment of your goals
From the desk of Dr. Dave Harper (Subject Matter Expert) for The Hockey Source on Treatment for Injury Prevention and Recovery.
DEAR VALUED READER, WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
If you would like to comment on anything that you have read in this or past newsletters; if you have some input or opinions on material you have viewed in our website; or if you simply have some valuable information or experience you would like to share with the rest of our readers, please write to us with your thoughts at info@thehockeysource.tv .
Enjoying this newsletter? Great! Forward it to friends! Or tell them where to sign up!
Well Said! © Fire 'n Idea Inc. (producers of The Hockey Source) 2003-2007. All Rights Reserved.
THIS NEWSLETTER IS DISTRIBUTED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
Fire 'n Idea Inc. is not responsible for the interpretations made or actions taken by any person(s) based on the information provided within this newsletter. All information contained within this newsletter is accurate to the best of our knowledge. Information obtained from outside sources is referenced. Fire 'n Idea Inc. is not responsible for the accuracy or content of any information acquired from a third party (i.e., web links, quoted or referenced sources, etc.).
This newsletter may be copied or transmitted under the following conditions:
1. No modifications are made to any part of the text.
2. All pages must be included and transmitted.
The Hockey Source does not sell, rent, or give away your name or address to anyone. For more on the Privacy Policy go to www.thehockeysource.tv and click on the Privacy button.
Archive of Past Issues of "Well Said" |
"Well Said" Archive - Click to read past issues of our newsletter!
Untitled Document
• |
|
• |
|
• |
|
• |
|
• |
|
• |
|
• |
|
• |
|
• |
|
• |
|
• |
|
• |
|
• |
|
• |
|
• |
|
• |
|
• |
|
• |
|
• |
|
• |
|
|
