A successful team, at any level, starts with the coach or coaches and the leadership group.
This especially resonates for youth hockey leagues where every NHL superstar got their start. Watch any interview of Sidney Crosby or Connor McDavid, and you will likely hear them talking fondly about their parents and their coaches. Many underestimate just how important coaches are to creating a passion for the game in young players.
So how can we show our gratitude? There are plenty of ways! Let’s take a look at some little things you can do as a player to make things a little easier for your coach!
Show Up on Time!
It is the little things that make the most difference. Always remember that at the youth hockey level, your coaches are volunteering their own time to help run the team. A good coach will always show up early to practices and games to maximize the time on the ice. How can you help your coach out in this situation? Show up on time!
Being present, prepared and ready to go is the ultimate sign of respect for your coach. As you get older, some coaches will discipline their players for showing up late to a practice or game. If you expect you will be playing hockey for the long term, get in the habit of showing up on time early. Factor in things like traffic and getting all of your equipment on in a timely manner as well!
Listen and Be Attentive During Practice
This might go without saying, but showing your coach that you are listening to instructions at practice is another sign of respect that you can show. We get it, hockey practices can be fun! It’s getting on the ice with all of your friends and playing the game you love. But try to remember your coach woke up early or is sacrificing their weekend to run the team. The least you can do is listen and follow instructions when your coach is trying to teach you new skills.
How can you listen and be attentive? When the coach is explaining a drill or activity, don’t chat with your teammates. Always drop to one knee and show them your attention by providing eye contact and facing them on the ice. It might not seem like much to you but this body language shows the coach you are interested in developing your hockey skills.
Use The Skills They Teach You
There is no greater sign that you listen to your coach than when you use the skills they teach you in a real game. Not only does this show that you listened to what they said during practices, but it also shows your coach that you value what they are teaching you. One of the most important forms of transition is taking what you learn in practice and applying it to your games! It is the ultimate compliment and further strengthens the player and coach relationship on the ice!
Play Hard, No Matter What the Score is
Nobody likes losing, we all know that. It is never easy to keep playing when your team is down in a game. But you also owe it to your teammates and your coach to keep playing hard until the final buzzer. This is a sign of respect and appreciation for your coach. Trust us, when the team loses it is just as hard on the coach. Show them that you are committed to their leadership, by playing hard every time you are on the ice.
Celebrate your Coach at the End of the Season (and during)
It’s a nice gesture for the team to celebrate the coach at the end of the season. This might require some help from your parents though! How exactly can you celebrate your coach? A wrap-up party at the end of the year is always a fun idea for the team. It is common for the parents to chip in for a little thank-you gift for the coach who dedicated months of his time to help the team function.
Another popular way to appreciate your coach is to nominate them for a local award. Most cities or towns will have local recognition awards for coaches in youth sports. This is always a great way to show how appreciative you are, even if they do not end up winning. Finally, you can do something like a video montage of each player thanking the coach personally. All of these take minimal time and effort to do, but we can guarantee it will mean the world to the team’s coach!
The Bottom Line: Always Show Gratitude to Your Coach
Remember, a youth hockey coach is not the same as an NHL coach. They are not getting paid millions of dollars to be behind the bench. In fact, they are spending their own time and money to be there for the team several times every week. This includes early mornings, evenings, and even weekends.
So how can you show them you are grateful and appreciative? Always listen and give them your undivided attention during practice. Use the skills they teach you and always play hard no matter what the score is. At the end of the season, have a party to celebrate the year and to show your coach how much their leadership meant. You might not realize it yet, but these youth coaches are paving the way for your future career in the game of hockey.
