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Parent's Handbook


When the World Shut Down and Ended Our Championship Run (We Would Have Won the Provincial Championship, Try to Convince Me Otherwise)
March 10, 2020—my daughter was born. Three days later, on March 13, the world shut down. Along with it, our season came to an abrupt and...

Edward Garinger
5 min read


Brandon Hagel’s Path to the NHL and Team Canada – And What We Can Learn from It (On and Off the Ice)
Brandon Hagel’s journey to the NHL and Team Canada is one of perseverance, resilience, and a relentless work ethic. For players, parents,...

Edward Garinger
6 min read


The St. Louis Blues 2019 Championship Run: What We Can Learn From It
The St. Louis Blues’ 2019 Stanley Cup victory was one of the most improbable championship runs in NHL history. At the start of January...

Edward Garinger
5 min read


The Time We Forfeited the AAA High School Quarterfinal Championship Game - And Why I’d Do It Again
Every coach, player, and parent who has been part of a championship-caliber hockey team knows the emotional investment that comes with a...

Edward Garinger
4 min read


Tips for March Break Hockey Tournaments: A Guide for Coaches, Parents, and Players
March break hockey tournaments are an exciting time for players, parents, and coaches. With multiple games in a short period, these...

Edward Garinger
4 min read


Are Parent Cuts a Real Thing in Hockey?
One of the most debated topics in hockey circles is whether "parent cuts" are real. Players and parents often wonder if a player's skill and work ethic truly determine roster spots, or if parental influence can play a role in decision-making. The answer isn't black and white—while most coaches aim to make fair, talent-based decisions, politics and parental behavior can sometimes impact a player's opportunities.

Edward Garinger
4 min read


Quick Fact Sheet: NCAA Eligibility Changes for CHL Players
1. NCAA Eligibility Change The NCAA Division I Council has ruled that Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players are now eligible for NCAA...

Edward Garinger
2 min read


Cell Phones and Their Impact on Hockey Performance at Different Age Levels
Technology is ingrained in our daily lives, and for young athletes, cell phones are an ever-present part of their world. Whether for social media, gaming, texting, or watching videos, cell phones provide constant stimulation and connection. But in the world of hockey, where focus, discipline, and teamwork are essential, cell phones can both affect and effect performance—depending on how they are used.

Edward Garinger
5 min read


How to Convince a Teenager to ‘Trust the Process’ in Hockey
For many young hockey players, the idea of “trusting the process” is difficult to grasp.

Edward Garinger
5 min read


The Cost of the Dream: Why Some Parents Spend More Than College Tuition on Hockey in Pursuit of a Scholarship
For many families, hockey is more than a sport—it’s a way of life. Rinks become second homes, tournaments turn into family vacations, and...

Edward Garinger
6 min read


Why "Club Hopping" Isn’t Always a Good Idea in Hockey
In today’s competitive hockey landscape, players and parents are always looking for the best opportunities for development, exposure, and advancement. It’s natural to want the best possible environment—strong coaching, a competitive team, and a clear path to the next level. But in the pursuit of the "perfect" situation, many players fall into the trap of club hopping —switching teams frequently in search of better opportunities.

Edward Garinger
6 min read


What The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers Gets Right About Hockey
For decades, The Mighty Ducks franchise has been a beloved part of hockey culture. The original 1990s films introduced a generation to...

Edward Garinger
6 min read


What Dan Snyder’s Career Can Teach Us About Hockey
Hockey is a sport built on hard work, resilience, and character. While skill and talent play significant roles in success, the game often...

Edward Garinger
6 min read


The Changing Landscape of Hockey IQ: Why Youth Players No Longer Learn the Game Like Previous Generations
For decades, young hockey players across North America would gather around their televisions every Saturday night, captivated by the...

Edward Garinger
5 min read


What Hockey Gives Your Child When It Doesn’t Give Them a Pro Career
For many parents, enrolling their child in hockey starts with a simple goal: to give them something fun to do, to keep them active, or to help them make friends. But as they grow older and progress through different levels, the dreams begin to take shape—maybe your child could make it to Junior hockey, maybe college, and for a select few, maybe even pro.

Edward Garinger
5 min read


What Ted Lasso Can Teach Us About How We Approach Hockey as Players, Coaches, and Parents
When Ted Lasso first aired, many assumed it was just another lighthearted sports comedy. Instead, it became a cultural phenomenon, offering profound lessons on leadership, resilience, and human connection. While Ted’s world revolves around soccer, the principles he embodies translate seamlessly to hockey. His approach to coaching, team culture, and personal development provides valuable insights for hockey coaches, players, and parents alike.

Edward Garinger
6 min read


The Unsung Heroes: Why Everybody Loves Players Who Make Simple, Effective Plays
In hockey, the highlight-reel players often get the most attention. Fans love the dazzling goals, end-to-end rushes, and flashy...

Edward Garinger
6 min read
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