Hockey In Search of Excellence. Core Values 18+

📖 For over forty plus years, I have observed the trials and tribulations of youth, aspiring to reach the NHL, with many failing, and few succeeding. I have seen the incredible sacrifices of families; committing countless hours and finance to their son or daughter's dream. I have seen players quit from frustration or emotional pain. They put their skates away in storage for many years before they find the courage to venture back. There have been devastating injuries that have ended careers and left players wondering what could have been. There have been stories of courage where the passion to play has overcome all odds. There are many reasons why players succeed or fail in their quest. Poor skills' habits, parent intervention, improper coaching, freak injuries, and the intangibles, to name but a few. While an elite skill may determine who makes the NHL and who doesn't, that elite skill is the product of something deeper. The acquisition of elite skill requires deep desire and a determined attitude to excel. One could say that they are the underlying belief system that carries us forward each day. They speak of honour, integrity, pride, respect, discipline or just simply, one's attitude. They are not a given in our life. They have to be taught and reinforced along our journey by those that are assigned as our mentors and guides, some through direct contact and others observationally. These could be our parents, coaches, teachers, bosses or even our friends or idol...