The district playoffs are starting soon and for most teams the final periods are about to be played. The headline comments above were actually said by a son to his father/coach. It is interesting that a 15-year-old player is able to succinctly articulate his feelings and his anguish. In 12 words, he expressed what so many have written in these pages and in youth sports publications for years.

Hockey is a kid’s game and it is about the kids. Oh, sure, winning is important, or rather trying to win is important. Parents and coaches sometimes get too caught up in the win-loss record of the team. Parents worry about what line their child is playing on and especially if the coach makes a change.

“Why is the coach changing the lines? My child can’t play with the child of lesser abilities, it will hurt his career.”

The speculation and wondering is interesting but not important compared to the many valuable lessons that kids learn playing sports.

In a recent discussion with the father of a young man who played A Bantams for me in Wayzata and then played high school hockey there, I learned his son is a straight-A student in college and playing sports recreationally at school. The father remarks that his son did have some interest from Division-III schools, but not the schools he wanted to attend. In their family, college is required and hockey is optional. Both father and son are happy. This same parent has younger children playing hockey and we shared ideas about what a parent learns as their kids go through the youth hockey programs.

Here are some of the lessons learned, some the hard way.

• The kids that grow early and mature early will make the A teams in most communities. It is what it is, so no use worrying about it.
• Many B players will eventually play high school hockey as they grow and mature a couple years later and often surpass the early stars. It is just the way it works.
• Many of the players who always played on A teams will only be average players in high school and most will not play beyond.
• In some communities, it is simply a numbers game once the kids get to high school. Even some of the better known private schools where kids go to have access to sports, they cut 30-plus players from their boys’ high school program each year.
• Year-round hockey will not significantly change the long-term outcome for a player, and, in fact, it may contribute to burnout and disillusionment. One thing we do know is that it is expensive. Playing other sports is very beneficial for hockey players and allows them to recharge for hockey.
• Many coaches assume that their players want it as badly as the coach wants it. The truth is that rarely do all of the players have the same emotional investment as the coaches and parents. This is true at the Division-I level all the way down to Mites. At the younger ages, this is especially true.

As the playoffs progress and teams are eliminated, instead of anger and frustration, it is a time for celebration and reflection. Celebrate a season of hard work, sweat, tears and laughter. Celebrate new and old friendships on and off the ice. Reflect on how the kids have grown as hockey players and individuals. Savor the victories and defeats equally as both offer important lessons and valuable memories.

If you remember the points listed above, your journey in the game will be far more enjoyable for you and the players in your family.