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The Dangers of Early Specialization in Hockey: How to Ruin a Kid’s Health, Development, and Love of the Game—Even If They "Want To"
In youth sports today, the pressure to specialize early is higher than ever. Many young hockey players are urged—sometimes by their parents, sometimes by their coaches, and sometimes by their own internal drive—to dedicate themselves exclusively to the game at a young age. The argument is usually the same: If you don’t specialize early, you’ll fall behind.

Edward Garinger
6 min read


The Owen Sound Attack’s 2011 Championship Run: What We Can Learn From It
In 2011, the Owen Sound Attack made history by capturing their first-ever Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Championship, securing the J. Ross...

Edward Garinger
5 min read


Curtis Sanford’s Path to Professional Hockey: What We Can Learn from His Career
Curtis Sanford’s journey to professional hockey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and a relentless work ethic. Unlike...

Edward Garinger
5 min read


Alexandre Daigle’s Hockey Career: Lessons for Players, Parents, and Coaches
Alexandre Daigle’s hockey career is one of the most well-known cautionary tales in NHL history. Once the first overall pick in the 1993...

Edward Garinger
5 min read


The Archives - Windsor Spitfires Drills 2007 (Warren Rychel, Bob Boughner, DJ Smith, and Bob Jones)
In the early 2000s, OHL teams and their coaches frequently partnered with the Ontario Minor Hockey Association to host OMHA Game Day...

Edward Garinger
2 min read


How Does Mentorship Impact the Next Generation of Hockey Leaders?
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

Arthur Irie
4 min read


Behind the Whistle: Uncovering the Hidden World of Youth Hockey Referees
Youth hockey is not just about high-energy games or budding athletes; it is also about the referees who ensure fair play on the ice. These officials are essential to the game but often go unnoticed. This post aims to highlight their stories, challenges, and the vital contributions they make to the sport.

Arthur Irie
4 min read


How to Successfully Navigate the Transition from Player to Coach in Youth Hockey
Making the leap from being a player to a coach in youth hockey can be exciting yet overwhelming. It offers a chance to give back to the sport you love while facing the challenge of guiding the next generation of athletes. To transition effectively, you need more than game knowledge—it's about changing your mindset and expanding your skill set. Here’s how you can navigate this rewarding shift.

Arthur Irie
5 min read


Demystifying the Path to Junior Hockey Team Selection: A Guide for Aspiring Players
Navigating the junior hockey team selection process can feel overwhelming for young athletes and their families. With tryouts, skills assessments, and understanding what coaches want, it’s easy to feel lost. This guide aims to clarify the selection pathway, providing practical information that aspiring players need to position themselves for success.

Arthur Irie
4 min read


The Time I Quit the Team My Dad Was Coaching—With Two Games Left in the Season
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.

Edward Garinger
7 min read


The Time I Scored Four Goals Against My Old Team (After Getting Cut from the Team the Year Before)
When I look back on my minor hockey days, a few moments stand out vividly—but one above all: the night I scored four goals against my former team—the same team that had cut me from their rep roster just a year earlier. That single game taught me lessons that have stayed with me for life: perseverance, redemption, and the pure satisfaction of proving something to myself when it mattered most.

Edward Garinger
5 min read


The Time My Junior Coach Told Me I Was Probably the Least Skilled Player in the League
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.

Edward Garinger
6 min read


Can the Underdogs Defy the Odds? Uncovering the Psychology of Hockey Playoffs
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...

Edward Garinger
5 min read


Coaching Influences: Learning from the Good and the Bad
Like anyone who has played sports, my coaching philosophy has been shaped by a mix of positive and negative influences. I've learned from coaches across different sports, age groups, and personalities—some through great leadership, others by showing me exactly what not  to do.

Edward Garinger
4 min read


What Makes a Junior Hockey Team Reputable?
Disclosure: I wrote this article in February 2025, when I as a 'free agent', and before I joined a team as General Manager.

Edward Garinger
3 min read


Finding the Right Junior Hockey Team Prospects Camp
Disclosure: I wrote this article in February 2025, when I as a 'free agent', and before I joined a team as General Manager. For aspiring...

Edward Garinger
3 min read


The Time My Coach Made Me Give My Skates to Another Player Who Forgot Theirs
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.

Edward Garinger
7 min read


The Impact of Youth Hockey Coaches: Fostering Character Development Beyond the Game
Youth hockey is not just a pastime; it's a vital platform for developing essential life skills. Coaches play a crucial role in shaping both the technical abilities of young athletes and their character. In this post, we will look at how coaches impact youth hockey players and highlight the importance of character development alongside athletic training.

Arthur Irie
4 min read


Ethical Decision-Making: What Would You Do?
Introduction Hockey coaches face ethical dilemmas constantly—whether it’s deciding how to handle ice time, managing conflicts with...

Edward Garinger
6 min read


What Letterkenny Gets Right About Hockey
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

Edward Garinger
6 min read
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