What others are saying about youth hockey:
“The focus on competitive sports, especially hockey, has overshadowed the real reason we want our kids to play sports. The purpose is simply to teach teamwork, how to respond to adversity, and to push the boundaries of our physical limitations. As the parent of both a recreational- and competitive-level player, I think it is important to value both equally in the household.”
Mark Ryan, Highlands Ranch, hockey dad
“For every one thing they learn on the ice, like a slap shot or wrist shot, they should learn something off the ice as it relates to real life, like discipline and accountability. Realistically, those are more important down the road. And that’s what makes a complete hockey player.”
Graham Johnson, DU youth hockey director
“Our daughter is involved in different activities — rugby in fall and track in the spring; wake boarding and things like that in the summer. So, no question, as parents, we both feel strongly that to have your kids involved in numerous activities is extremely important in their athletic development and personal development.”
George Gwozdecky, DU coach, whose daughter, Adrienne, 14, is a member of the Colorado Select U-14 Double-A team
“Sometimes parents set a goal for their kids, which is fine, but at a young age like that, to think their kids are going to be NHL players, it’s not right. If it’s meant to be, it will be.”
Ian Laperriere, Avalanche forward and father of two boys
– Mike Chambers, The Denver Post
