Motivation, Part 2 ...

The hockey community is a small one. That goes double for goalie coaches. We're a tight-knit group that epitomizes the classic quote from Frank "Ulcers" McCool: "The only friend a goalie has is the other goalie across the ice. He's the only one who understands."

The lot of the goalie isn't as bad as it was back in McCool's day (the mid-1940s), but it's a given that goalies are a different breed. Same for goalie coaches. If you were to eavesdrop on a bunch of goalie coaches discussing the position, in the most excruciating detail, you'd probably think you'd just stumbled into a geek convention. But that's what the post-practice gab sessions were like at the Prospects Camp I worked at this past summer (attended by such promising young netminders as Cody Reichard of Miami university, shown in the accompanying photo). Run by Brian Daccord of Stop It Goaltending, the camp is a remarkable collection of talented young goaltenders, and talented coaches, from throughout North America and even Europe.

The common denominator is that we care. We care about the game, the position, and the kids who choose to play the position. Provided they care as well. That's all we ask. As an example, here's a cyber-chat I had with my friend Magnus Olsson, a certified goalie instructor from Sweden (there is some debate about the validity of Magnus's "certification," but that's a subject for another post). It gets back to the topic of motivation, and what our role is as coaches. I think it serves as a good illustration of how we don't leave our jobs "at the rink."

MAGNUS: I have a bit of a problem. I tend to see many young goalies (ages 10-12) not being very passionate in practice. They seem to like being on the ice but they don't try very hard. They don't fight for the rebound, go for desperation saves and things like that. SOME of them do, but these guys are rare. I do try to put in some parts of fun stuff and also competition to get the drive and intensity. Still I just find many youngsters not trying hard enough?!

I'm well aware that it's about having fun at this age and that's what we try to do, but at the same time you need to put in some technical parts and serious training ... What are your thoughts on this? Have you seen the same problems where you coach?

BRION: Hey Magnus, This is a great question, because I think at this age, you quickly find out who REALLY wants to play goal, and who is just pretending. Too many young kids like the gear and the look of being a goalie, but when they find out how difficult it is (and how hard the puck is!), they quickly lose their enthusiasm. And that tells me their enthusiasm was misplaced to begin with.

The first question I'd ask is, how often are they playing? If they're on the ice year-round, you might be seeing early signs of burn-out. But if it's in-season, and they're only skating two-three times a week, then they're just not hungry enough. For these kids, I take the "tough love" approach. I always try to keep it fun for kids in this age group, but I really reward effort, and mildly scold them when they mail it in. This works really well in a group dynamic, when I can point out other kids who always give their best. "Those are the kids who will get the ice time," I tell them.

I've had some kids, now 12 and 13, who have never given their best effort, and never gotten close to their potential, even after three years. Eventually, I just let them do what they want, and tell "good luck," because they're not going anywhere. I'm not a parent to these kids ... and I honestly believe that their lack of effort is a reflection of the expectations that their parents have at home.

I find I have limited energy (especially at my age!), and I prefer to give that energy to the kids who really try. That bothered me at first, but I've come to accept it, after more than 15 years of coaching. When a parent asks, I tell them as politely and as straightforward as possible: "Your child doesn't work hard enough. And that starts at home. He doesn't come prepared, or ready to work."

Anyway, Magnus, it's clearly a topic that hits a nerve for me. I think too many kids are too soft today (remember Reggie Lemelin talking about "competing" for a starting spot? Too many kids today don't know what it means to REALLY compete. They just expect to play, because Mommy and Daddy paid for their ice time). Would be happy to discuss further.

MAGNUS: I agree with you, Brion. We share similar stories. I have a few kids from a few years back but it feels like I'm wasting my time with them. I have been trying and trying to make them practice hard and change them. But now I've had enough. I was very relieved when I read about you letting them practice and that but you put your energy to the hard working guys.
Earlier I felt bad for not staying with a "soft" kid but now I realize I kind of have to let them go a little bit. Thanks again for your comments.

BRION: The key, I think, is to cut off your emotional commitment before you get angry with the kid. I love the game, and the position, so much, and had so little formal training when I was young, that I can't stand to see kids who take it for granted. I would have given up my pinky fingers to attend a Prospects Camp, and I played every time there was ice available. And I love the kids who reflect that same passion. But not everyone has it, Magnus. So I allow myself to gravitate to the kids who really want it.

And if other kids are going to just go through the motions, I won't invest my time and emotional capital. Like I said earlier, I just don't have enough of either to waste them on kids who don't care. I know that sounds harsh, but I think kids have to earn your commitment (even though you're getting paid). If they don't, I need to let them slide (for sanity's sake!) ... ;-)

Best,
-Brion