So, your kid thinks he’s ready to leave the nest for the grown-up world of big boy junior hockey. Today’s FIVE offers a free test for every potential parent of a junior eligible player seriously considering the big jump.
First there’s the most important rule parents must completely understand if their son is trying to make the jump from youth to free-to-play junior hockey. It takes a ton of maturity to move from parents paying for ice time to having to earn it on the ice.
We all know what happens to the guys that are not ready for the free-to-play leagues…they continue along the pay-to-play route.
You know we had to turn to the coaches for some of their favorites. One of the oldest of that crew came up with these gems.
THE FIVE
1. Still sucking on the teet – Not literally, let’s be reasonable. But we’ve all seen it. “I have to call my mom and ask her,” is the last thing a coach wants to hear from a nineteen-year-old.
2. Has parents carry his bag – If the dad is still carrying his son’s bag into the rink, and then into the dressing room, for a camp…there’s a good chance the kid is not ready for junior hockey.
3. Rely on a parent to pack your bag – “Did mommy pack your suitcase for you?” That’s the last thing any coach wants to have to ask a player. That’s not good. How about this, “my mom will be here this weekend to do my laundry.”
4. Has no idea how to fend for food – “Hey coach, my billet family is gone for the week, but I don’t know how to cook for myself. My mom asked if I can just eat at your house?”
5. Uses parent email for correspondence – “I’m sorry coach, but my parents insist on managing all my email until after college. Do you want my snap, insta, or discord?”
Stephen Heisler 