Every year good hockey players get cut because of parents, this year will be no different. Take a backseat let your child develop, stop undermining the coach’s and try your best to be supportive it’s not hard, it’s youth sports. If you are looking to play at your third or fourth rink in three or four years take a good look in the mirror it’s you not everyone else.
The best advice I was ever given was from a "Dad" that actually played professionally at the AHL level. He said:
"Find a good coach your kid likes and learn as much as you can from him. Then find another coach and repeat. If you have issues with the coach, talk one on one with him. Do not talk sh*t at the rink or with other parents about coach. Keep everything private. Do no worry about Stats, just make sure your child works hard, listens, plays hard every time they are on the ice and most importantly before age 14, concentrate the most time on your kids skating because that is 90% of the game".
Best advice I was every given. My kid is now 2nd year Bantam, his skating is awesome, he is hardest worker on team, and his shot & passing are getting better so points are not an issue anymore. This is a marathon people not a sprint. The best kid at 11u will most likely not be the best kid at 15U. Stop all your BS, find a process that works and stick to it. This will also be a lesson for your child. Hard work over long periods of time pay huge dividends. This is called player development that gives your kid the mental skills to succeed if hockey does not work out. Which probably won't work out in 99% of the players.
