It’s Time to Say Goodbye.

Parents and players have been waiting for this moment since the QMJHL Draft, perhaps they have been waiting for this for their entire lives.

It started with a dream and an opportunity to go and play, to reach the highest levels, to see how far they could go to try to make it all the way.

It’s almost time to say goodbye, but that doesn’t make it any easier.

It’s time for parents of QMJHL players to let go, it’s time for them all to say goodbye and head out on the road.

Everything for hockey parents seems to be out of their control right now, decisions have to be made.

It’s time for their child to live out their dream of playing in the Q. Nevertheless, that dream is commonly shared.

All of the sacrifices made throughout the journey seem like they have all come down to this.

Hockey parents from all over Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, United States and Europe can finally prepare to say goodbye which is always extra special this time of year. At the CHL level or any level of junior hockey for that matter there is no off season or downtime.

Family time is at a premium, so when it happens its incredibly difficult to let that go for the player and parent.

There’s a lot of things going through the minds of the players and their parents right now. The uncertainty of the experience causes a lot of sleepless nights. The certainty of the experience also can cause its fair share of sleepless nights. Veterans of the league know all to well that this might be it, that the end might be near. The uncertainty is the root cause for so much anxiety.

From every waking moment, from all the drives to the rink, to watching their games and cheering them on, will take on a new complexion. The routines will change, everything will change, but that’s part of the process, part of game, part of the new experience.

Every goodbye is different. Whether it’s their last season or their first, players all across the QMJHL will ultimately feel the pressure to perform and fit in.

One would assume the feelings of anxiousness are common place. That’s where the culture of the organization and it’s leadership group will take over.

Every parent can take a deep breath because the league and every single organization will treat their kid’s like gold. Nevertheless, there will be a few organizations that will go above and beyond. Those organizations care about the person first and the player second. Those organizations are usually the most successful both on and off the ice.

Tears have been shed and will be shed, as the dream is about to begin or come to an end.

The next few weeks and month ahead will be extremely difficult for every hockey mom and dad.

It’s time to say goodbye, it’s time to meet their new family, their billets and their teammates.

Decisions regarding eligibility and alternative options have been discussed time and time again.

It’s time to say goodbye, but it’s time to trust the process.

It’s time for all the players to live up to their full potential, play to their identities and make an impact and get better everyday.

It’s time for the billet families to take over, and embrace the vital role they all play.

It’s time to say goodbye, but it’s time to live out the dream, it’s time to leave it all on the ice, it’s time to go to work, it’s time to go play.

The personal or human side of the game often gets pushed aside, those sacrifices and aspects of the game are the hardest of all. It’s that time of year again, it’s time to say goodbye.

Best of luck to all of the QMJHL fraternity as they start heading off to camps, See you at the ein