If you could teach your kid one thing about hockey, what would it be?

[NJDevs430]

It looks a lot easier on TV

 

[Macman]

Keep your head up.

Ditto. Learning to handle the puck with your head up is key.

 

[Patmac40]

Give nothing less than your best. And maybe how to be a really good playmaker.

 

[Frankie Spankie]

Definitely keep your head up, not that pro hockey players seem to do it anymore. Can't stand how many arguments I get into over players being concussed because people never blame the hittee for putting themselves in such a situation, just the hitter for not letting up, as if that's how you play defense.

If I could only teach one thing, it would probably be to never give up on a play. Back check that guy on the breakaway even if you know you're not going to catch him because you can collect a rebound if it happens instead of giving them a second chance. Especially when it comes to kids leagues or beer leagues, people make mistakes. Assume they're going to make a mistake and back check so you can be there when they miss the puck. If you're a winger in your zone and the other team has the puck behind your goal line, pay attention to the point man you're covering instead of just floating around, they'll sneak in. I've only played beer league because my parents couldn't afford hockey for me as a kid and it drives me nuts how lazy players can be. It's not surprising when I'm the only forward on my team that actually backchecks.

 

[Kulluminati]

Practice makes perfect.

Also, keep your head up.

 

[aurturia]

Have fun. Try your best.

Same thing I'd say. Have fun, and work hard at everything you do.

 

[Maccas]

Train Hard, Play Hard, Celly Hard!

 

[IAMCANADIAN]

You get out, what you put in!

I use this one with both of my kids...with school, work, and life in general!

 

[noobman]

1) Be aware of everyone on the ice at all times
2) Pass the puck with speed and precision
3) It's more important to create/eliminate time and space on offense/defense than it is about skating as fast as you can and hitting everyone

 

[KarlssonsGroin]

everything you do is for the boys

 

[KarlssonsGroin]

dangle snipe then celly

 

[Danglous]

Play with people better than you

 

[SauceHockey]

Don't suck

 

[Marotte Marauder]

Keep your head up, give a pass-get a pass, and move your feet!!!

 

[Thesensation19*]

Do your job, play your role, be in the right positions on and off the puck and dont worry about scoring. You play hard and play smart and the points will follow...

Wayne Gretzky said something to his children that I follow as well,
dont go where the puck is, but rather go where it is going

 

[keysersoze98]

Wayne Gretzky said something to his children that I follow as well,
dont go where the puck is, but rather go where it is going

About 10 years ago, I coached some roller hockey with Walter (Wayne dad for those if you that don't know.) and a lot with Walter's best friend for something like 50 years. He was telling me that when Wayne was 3-4 years old, he would watch a hockey game with a pad of paper and a pen. He would draw the rink on the paper draw the path of the puck on the paper as it happened. At each commercial, he would study the route that the puck took and talk to his dad about it. Crazy at that age.

 

[Jarick]

I'm just amazed at what my three year old figured out how to do on his own. I got him a little 7 iron and in a week he was chipping the ball 30 yards through the air (gripping it like a hockey stick, haha). He was taking slappers and one timers (not on skates) by age two. Started hitting pitches at two. Could throw a spiral before three. Learned to cast a fishing pole almost 50 feet in a few hours.

I don't ever teach or tell him anything (other than no throwing in the house and keep your stick down). For little kids it seems best to just get out of the way and let them have some fun.

 

[member 30781]

Always remember, if you're not a winner, you're a loser.

 

[CanucksSayEh]

Don't be a blackhawks fan.

 

[Horvat2Deadweight]

Don't be a puss.

 

[Gavy]

ALWAYS stick up for your team mates.
There is nothing you can teach your kid to make him become an NHLer

 

[Beville]

Be a real team player - Go down for the shots, stand up for the guys... Y'know, team-y stuff...

 

[TieClark]

Love the game

 

[SCBruCrew4]

Have fun. I have a 5 y/o in hockey class nwo and I'm an Asst. Coach. Although I want him to try hard and never quit on anything I know the most important thing to teach is making it fun. I have had many coaches and teamates in a variety of sports take the game too serious and for the most part it can bring down the level of fun. So for my son, it's just have fun and try hard. Can't ask for more than that. Especially if he leaves the ice with a smile on his face.

 

[Stickmata]

Don't ever forget to put your cup in your hockey bag.