Ethical Decision Making

In 2011, the Owen Sound Attack made history by capturing their first-ever Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Championship, securing the J. Ross...

Hockey is more than just the excitement of a game or the rush of victory. It is a rich tapestry of community, values, and personal growth. At the heart of this growth is mentorship, which is crucial in shaping future leaders in the sport. Mentorship helps young athletes navigate the challenges of hockey, instilling values that extend well beyond the rink. This blog post shines a light on how mentorship cultivates development, builds character, and prepares the next generation

When I was 17 years old, I made a decision I’ve spent years trying to make sense of—and, sometimes, wishing I could get in a time machine to go back in time and redo.

There are moments in life that never leave you. Not because they’re glorious or triumphant—but because they hit you like a punch to the gut. They mark you. And no matter how far you’ve come since, they still echo.

I started writing this article in February 2025. In March 2025, an underdog in the League I've been involved in for 13 years beat a very...

This is a story I’ve told countless times, and while I can laugh about it now with friends and colleagues, it still speaks volumes about a coach’s approach to hockey—and, more importantly, to life.

Introduction Hockey coaches face ethical dilemmas constantly—whether it’s deciding how to handle ice time, managing conflicts with...

Since its debut in 2016, Letterkenny has become a cult favorite among hockey players and fans alike. What started as a small Canadian comedy about the quirky residents of a fictional small town has grown into one of the most recognizable shows in hockey culture. At first glance, the fast-paced dialogue, running gags, and over-the-top characters might make it seem like a ridiculous take on hockey life. But if you dig deeper, you’ll see that

In hockey coaching, philosophical differences are inevitable. As a coach, you might have a vision for player development, team structure, or game strategy that differs from those above you—whether it’s the General Manager, President, or an Executive Board. The challenge is navigating these differences professionally while maintaining credibility, influence, and, most importantly, your job.

In junior and professional hockey, trades are an inevitable part of the game. Whether it's about improving team chemistry, filling a positional need, or developing players in a different environment, trades happen. However, for the player being moved, a trade is a deeply personal and often emotional experience.

In the fast-paced, high-pressure world of hockey coaching, disagreements are inevitable. Whether you're an assistant coach questioning the head coach’s systems, a head coach at odds with the general manager over roster decisions, or a development coach who believes in a different training methodology than the organization’s leadership, philosophical differences can—and will—arise.

One of the hardest parts of being a hockey coach is delivering bad news—especially to a player who has put in the effort, showed up with enthusiasm, and given their best shot during tryouts. Telling a player they didn’t make the team can be an emotional moment for both the player and the coach, and how you handle this conversation can have a lasting impact on the player's confidence, development, and love for the game.

I’ll never forget the day an opposing team’s coach hurled a personal insult at me—calling me a “lying cheat, just like [my] old man.”

Ice hockey is more than just a sport; it's a community. For many young players, the experience extends beyond the rink, fostering friendships that shape their development into young adults. These connections play an instrumental role in building life skills and emotional resilience.

Having a team authority figure who drinks (excessively or otherwise) on the team bus and at games puts the entire organization in a difficult position. It can lead to poor decision-making, loss of credibility, and a toxic culture. Whether you're a coach, player, or parent, this situation is challenging—but not impossible—to navigate. This article offers practical steps for handling it while maintaining professionalism and ensuring the well-being of the team.

Hockey is a fast, physical game, but there’s a clear difference between playing tough and playing dirty. If your coach is telling you to...

Every coach, player, and parent who has been part of a championship-caliber hockey team knows the emotional investment that comes with a...

As a hockey coach, your core values define who you are, what you stand for, and how you lead your team. They influence every decision you make—from how you structure practices to how you handle adversity. More importantly, they set the tone for your players and staff, shaping the team’s culture and long-term success.

A Note to the Reader In another piece, The Game Within the Game , I explored the reality that hockey is not a clean sport. It is emotional, physical, imperfect, and often unfair. That is why grey areas exist. That is why gamesmanship exists. And that is why what happens beneath the surface of the game matters just as much as what appears on the scoresheet. But acknowledging that those grey areas exist is not the same as endorsing everything done in their name. There is a diff

Whether you are a player, coach, executive, or parent, this short handbook is for anyone striving to be a strong and effective leader....