coaching Archives - The Hockey Mom Fit Life

January 31, 2018January 31, 2018

31 Days

Wow, just like that we are 31 days into 2018. It seems like just yesterday we were ringing in the New Year. The days and weeks have passed as if they were on an unending conveyor belt. Now here we are peering into February, girl scout cookies in hand, battling to keep hold of our new year’s resolutions. Oh, we are fighting the good fight, but those damn Thin Mints are so amazing! Nevertheless, we fight on!

My resolution to hit the gym early has hit a snag with the sinus infection and illness in the house. There are so many people around us that have the flu, so we’re doing everything we can to avoid it. Unfortunately, this means foregoing the morning workout for additional sleep. Once I kick this sinus infection, you can bet that I’ll be back.

As I drove home tonight, my mind was a conveyor belt of thoughts. I know, I know a blonde thinking. You’re probably imaging steam coming out of my ears and you’d be right. I played sports growing up in multiple organizations as did my brothers. I can’t say that our sports careers were perfect or picturesque, but I would say that the leagues and organizations we were part of actually followed the rules.

In contrast, my kids experience is wildly different. In fact, once they’ve aged out, I’ll write a book about it. Of course, I’ll have to label it carefully as non-fiction because people won’t believe the stories and anecdotes I have to share. Here’s my biggest frustration. If you have rules as a league, why aren’t they enforced. More to the point, why are they selectively enforced?

I can’t for the life of me understand how our league works here. Truly, it is diametrically opposed to what I grew up with. Moreover, when we’re back in Minny and we speak to Goalielocks’ coaches or are friends whose kids play hockey, they look at us sideways. They can’t believe the stories we’ve shared. It’s the same sport, but wow what a difference.

I guess it goes back to the sliding scale of accountability, which drives me bat shit crazy. If you have rules, you should equally enforce them across organizations, teams, and players. If you sit one player for being late, you should sit them all. Its no different than how you would/should operate in a corporate environment – everyone is subject to the same rules regardless of who they are or how they perform. I know, I know, common sense or at least I thought.

Anyway, this aggravating conveyor belt of thoughts is driving me to Samoas, so I’m going to cut my losses and go hang around for a bit in my silk. Tonight’s song performed by CNCO ft. Little Mix is “Reggaeton Lento.”

January 21, 2018January 21, 2018

Choking

Well, it was a day full of choking. When I say choking, I don’t mean the kinky 50 Shades stuff, I mean sports teams utterly out performing. Once could say shitty decision leads to shitty outcomes, but that seems a bit obvious. As a hardened Vikings fan, I knew tonight would be disappointing. Consequently, I spent the first half of the game working out. Fortunately, while they gave up touchdown after touchdown, I burned 632 calories. (At least there was some winning today!)

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My kids, however, have not yet accepted what it truly means to be a Minnesota fan. You know, the team will build up your hope only to choke in dramatic and devastating fashion. Come to think about it, I probably should have used disappointment or today’s title, however, that would be redundant. Nevertheless as a consequence of the Vikes’ epic collapse, I have one kid in a full on melt down. Truly, I think he thought the world was truly ending. Like many fans, I would have loved for my team to win, but hey reality is reality. I simply don’t get my hopes up anymore.

Despite their epic loss, I love my Vikings and fellow fans. How many organizations have a fan base that would raise well over $200,000 for an opponents charity? Not many. At least the Vikes are honorable, which is more than I can say about many people. I actually had some tell me today that they have a sliding scale of accountability and were proud of it. Things to keep to yourself.. If you are in charge of anyone and have a sliding scale of accountability, you should probably quit your job.

Unfortunately, the highlight of my day was the awesome chili I enjoyed at Culver’s between games. When the chili was the highlight of the day, you know it was a bad sports day. Additionally, I started reading Sun Tzu’s TheArt of War, which was quite enjoyable. If you lead people, in any capacity or environment, you need to read this book on military strategy. While this book was written with a military audience in mind, its principals are applicable across all industries and all leaders. In fact, I’m pretty sure its the first time in recorded history that a leader referred to a style akin to servant leadership.

Ultimately, win, lose or draw, I love spending time with my family. In that regard, today was a total win. The Vikings’ season may be over, but I still have my Wild and soon the Twinkies will start spring training. In short, soon the other sports teams from Minnesota can break my heart. Lastly, if you’re looking for a good book to read on strategy, pick up a copy of Sun Tzu’s Art of War.

Tonight’s song performed by Minnesota’s own Soul Asylum is “Runaway Train. I know, I know it is a bit melancholy, but after the drubbing my Vikes endured it seems apropos. Of course, it also happens to be a great song and a great video.

November 12, 2017November 12, 2017

Hockey Culture

One of my favorite aspects of hockey culture is the commitment of older players to encouraging and mentor the younger players. It manifest in a number of ways. When Marty St. Louis played for the Lightning, his son played travel hockey here in Florida. There were a number of tournaments we attended that when he was there, he’d offer his encouragement to our boys. As loud as these hockey players are the minute an NHLer walks in the room, you could hear crickets.

You may recall from my blog a couple weeks ago that Goalielocks had skate courtesy of a professional rehabbing here in Florida. Well, today was our boys turn. Goalielocks’ team was offered the opportunity to volunteer at the Panthers’ Learn to Skate program that is being hosted at our rink. Goalielocks equipment was still in the truck, so he helped them set up. Meanwhile, the Mayor was more than happy to go out on the ice and help.

Dressed in their black tracksuits, the Mayor, his friend Justin and a handful of Goalielocks’ teammates took to the ice for learn to play. We watched from the glass fondly recalling how they were all that little once. By comparison to the learn to play kids, even my Mayor looked gargantuan. Our bantams looked like giants next to these little players.

Unquestionably, these boys are tough on the ice. Most of them visit me in the box at least once a game (my Mayor included.) Nonetheless today on the ice, they were gentle giants. It was awesome watching them help the up and coming hockey players throughout the hour. As tough as they can be, they were patient, caring coaches. For my boys, it was a rewarding experience. As we left the rink, they were excited to return next week to help coach.

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Post learn to play, I got my second coffee of the day from Dunkin’ before heading to the pet store. Our first stop was a Tanks A Lot, which sells aquarium and a wide array of marine life. For my boys, it was like a candy shop. This store had everything from sea horses (I want one) to two different shark species. Unquestionably, my boys wanted to take home both of the sharks. Unfortunately, we don’t have an aquarium large enough to house the sharks.

After our trips to the pet store, we headed home for Goalielocks to setup his new aquarium. He got several small fish to cycle the thank. Meanwhile, I was hoping to run, but the weather and my hamstrings were not cooperating. Instead I chose to cuddle on the couch with the Mayor and watch the Office. It was a solid choice. Nonetheless, it also means I’ll have to run more miles tomorrow.

Lastly, we’re seven days out from the Broward Palm Beach Purple Stride and still $3,500 away from our fundraising goal. While it looks doubtful that I’ll be logging a PR at this race, due to poor preparations, I do not want to fall short of my fundraising goal. If you’re in S. Florida, join us at the event. If you’re not local to S. Florida, please consider donating to Team Deb Force Five. You can join the team or donate to the team via this link: Team Deb Force Five.