Where Is the Game Going?

Where Is The Game Going?

When I first joined FDS and created the #InFocus platform, I wanted to go deeper, I wanted to discuss and bring light to subjects within the game of hockey that might not necessarily be always talked about. I didn’t mind being a small voice for potential change within the game. I’ve tried to stay true to that every time I share a story. I’m so grateful for so many interactions I have had over the years when it comes to the game of hockey and the friendships that have been cultivated over that time. I have made a concerted effort to be better every time out when it comes to each and every article.

Here are some of my “Observations From the Rink” from over the years and other thoughts and opinions. I don’t know where the game is going, I just hope everyone leaves it in a better place than where they found it.

“The best up and coming hockey coaches are tired of the bull shit, they’re tired of dealing with entitled hockey crazed parents, the really good ones are leaving, and who could blame them.”

“Great coaching is all about balance, balancing emotions, balancing between development vs wins, Finding balance when it comes to personalities, team roles, support, accountability and discipline, Great coaches make it look easy, Well balanced team = Well balanced Coach = Success!”

“It’s obvious to see which players are chasing pts, they’re so selfish, never pass, take ill-advised shots and always expect to get the puck, but never work for it, the worst thing has to be seeing players going to the ref to try add an assist on a goal.”

“One dimensional players standout but as they progress and go to the next level they will standout for the wrong reasons, Some aspects can be fixed, but does the player really want to change based on their “supposed” success they have had all the way up?”

“One can only imagine how a solid honest player with offensive upside must feel playing with entitled linemates that constantly demand the puck, never work for it and never pass, clearly the honest player is on a better trajectory than their linemates”

“There’s a future College, Major Junior and Pro hockey player playing on a AAA Minor, AA or A team right now. All they might need is someone to believe in them and give them a chance that they deserve. When that opportunity arises it will completely alter and transform their trajectory in the game, it shouldn’t be all about the “extra A”, it’s all about who the player and person is and how they grow and develop” #Potential #Opportunity

“There are some great coaches out there, that really care about player dev. and getting kids prepared for the next level, look past the wins/losses they’re putting in the work to make every player better, their players will never forget their impact and influence”  #MakingADifference

“Everyone realizes specialization is wrong, yet spring and summer sessions are probably full already, Players and parents are so afraid that they won’t be considered next year or that the perception is that they don’t “want it” if they don’t participate which is awful and unfair”

“Everyone talks about player development, yet young players are the first to experience ghost benching, limited TOI and a lack of situational play, The resiliency and character of young athletes that have dealt with these aspects should never be overlooked”

“Every team needs it, you can’t win without it and only certain players possess it, Character and grit, A team built on skill alone won’t win the games that matter most, it’s hard to understand why some skilled teams continue to undervalue those intangibles” #Character #Grit

“Coaches send messages all of the time, some are subtle, some aren’t A coaches body language reveals a lot about how they react, treat and trust certain players rather than others, If we can see that, there’s no question the players can feel it”

“Everyone is for holding players accountable, but players shouldn’t be terrified to go back to the bench after a mistake. They shouldn’t dread going to the rink for practice or games while going through a tough stretch, Fear isn’t a source of development”

“Players need to know their coach is always behind them, no matter what, they need to know their coach cares about them, they need to know that their coach is in it for the right reasons, just knowing that can inspire any group to new heights of success”

“There comes a time in the entire process in Major Junior hockey where you have to take a step back and assess the players and the system”

“It’s hard to fathom that in this day and age some coaches still insist on tearing players down eradicating any sense of self confidence in efforts to “build” them up into what they believe to be “ideal” players within their system or team structure.”

“In some cases, parents feel obligated to promote their kid for others to take notice, It’s a crazy dynamic, but their talents will be showcased and promoted because of who they are and what they do, not because of word of mouth”

“Drafted U18 players should be working on every aspect of their game in order to make the jump next year, Focus on the little things and do them right, Poor habits and compete level away from the puck lead to entitlement and regression” #NotPrepared

“Everyone is surprised or shocked to see players grow, develop and become a “different” player. They’re the same player, they were finally given a “different” opportunity and excel within that new role, Same player, different opportunity”  #NewRole

“Watched a period of a U13 AAA game tonight and didn’t hear one parent yelling, it was quite refreshing, but like one of my friends and former teammates said “just wait, it’s still early.”

“Coaches need to check for understanding, they need to go deep and actually ask players why they made certain decisions that led to mistakes or breakdowns in practice and in games” #YouKnowWhatYouKnow #Tendencies

“Who’s checking in on the highflyers? We always assume that the “star players” can handle all of the pressure and attention, but in reality, very few people take the time to talk to them about what they see or experience, if kids are using “default” answers when “check ins” occur more than likely they are struggling and need some help”

“If you bank on the stat line at the lower level as the ultimate measuring stick to future performance at the next level you might be in for a rude awakening”

“Systems are Creating Hockey Playing Robots” #NoCreativity #Systems

“In minor hockey it’s all about the extra “A” which is bull shit”

“You don’t have to wear a letter to be a leader, but It’s easy to see when the right players are in leadership roles on teams, it’s definitely noticeable on and off the ice, leadership matters and it can impact the entire trajectory of the team’s culture”

“The game is fast, processing is critical if you want to get to the next level, So many young players rely on Option 1 and if that’s not there, they panic and turn pucks over, Players that look for Option 2 and 3 at top speed jump off the page” #ThinkTheGame

“With all the focus on individual skill and puck skills young defencemen still aren’t efficient or effective at getting shots through and on net, foot work and processing is the key, it doesn’t have to be flashy”

“Character, work ethic and “give a shit factor” are always within a player’s control. Good game or bad. Those three aspects should never vary especially if they have aspirations of making it to the next level” #Intangibles

“Young players are so eager to impress and please, they shouldn’t have to play scared or see their TOI take a hit for making a mistake, that environment will crush anyone’s creativity and confidence, How can players develop under those conditions?”

“It’s not hard to see how some players are given different opportunities, follow different rules and standards, in some cases they even make up their own as they go along. Accountability, ownership and responsibility are overlooked by many coaches”

“Do highly skilled and touted players feel entitled because they feel “inherently deserving” of a larger role on the team? Have they been told they are better than everyone else their entire life or can they identify that themselves and just expect preferential treatment just because of who they are” #Entilted

“This time of year is incredibly difficult on draft eligible players, draft lists are floating around which only add to stress, pressure and anxiety, People don’t know realize what these kids and their families are going through, it’s still so early on in the process”

“Some are on it, some aren’t. Every young player and their family want to know where they are on the first draft list of the year. #DraftYearPressure

“One bad game doesn’t matter, the way you handle it sure as hell does.”

“The kid that isn’t flashy but plays a gritty in your face style of game is no doubt better prepared for the next level than the one-dimensional offensive kid who tries to toe drag around the entire team”

“It’s easy to see which players are “perimeter or engaged” having a willingness to fight for the puck and not back down from anything in all three zones really jumps off the page these days” #CompletePlayer

“It’s easy to tell who the unsung leaders are on a hockey club, they don’t need attention or need to wear a letter, they lead by example, always play hard, and are always there for their teammates” #Leadership

“Players that make all of the correct and subtle plays in traffic and under pressure are always the ones that get there 1st and take great routes to pucks, Hockey IQ and processing the game at a high level isn’t always about offence” #HonestPlayer

“A lot of young players in the game feel alienated, they have no idea where they stand because some coaches don’t know how to communicate or constantly flip flop, these players are stuck playing a guessing game.” #GuessingGame

“Young players that play in every situation on teams that struggle develop more intangibles and resiliency than their counterparts on high flying teams, Adversity galvanizes some players will to compete which jumps off the page”

“Extra ice time and an expanded role on a team should never be promised, it should always be earned. There’s no sense of entitlement when things are earned! Entitlement ruins team dynamics #EarnIt #TeamGame

“Some players regress because they haven’t necessarily worked on or improved their weaknesses. While others haven’t bought in, they might not be receptive or coachable”

“Can they skate? Can they think the game? Can they defend? Can they pass the puck? “Playing defence shouldn’t be a lost art, but in many cases, it appears to be”

“Read, react, and relate, that’s what makes the game and all of our experiences within it so valuable especially when those experiences are shared or discussed and that’s hopefully where change can happen”

“Stops and starts define a player’s resiliency, compete level and character. It’s such an easy concept, but it’s just not happening.”

“When ghost benching happens it tears apart young players psyche and confidence.” #TwoShiftsAPeriod

“Witnessing coaches providing “in game” feedback and instruction and seeing players being receptive to that message certainly didn’t go unnoticed”

“Everyone will draw their own conclusions, evaluations and projections that’s what makes showcase tournaments like Monctonian Challenge so exciting. We all see it differently”

“Nothing will divide a team and create entitlement quicker than a coach who blatantly plays favourites, offers up preferential treatment and poor communication.”

“Sometimes the smallest human interactions are the most meaningful.”

“Timid is timid, scared is scared, that’s what it’s like when you hear footsteps out there.”

“How someone was coached when they played drastically effects their own perspectives and outlook of what “great coaching” is? Who was your favourite coach and why?”

“Players should never be hesitant or fearful to ask their coach for help, clarification or feedback, an open and honest dialogue between players and coaches is essential for growth and development both as a player and person” #CommunicationMatters

“It’s incredible how different some teams and their coaching staffs provide “in game” energy and feedback, win or lose it’s easy to tell what teams are having fun, learning, getting better and buying in” #PositiveEnergy

“The true indicator of a big problem is in the details, it’s in the character, it’s in the heart and soul of the team. When coaches can’t see or understand that, you have a big problem”

“The team is picked, the dust has settled, some games have already been played and it’s really early, but it’s never too early to ask how’s it going.”

“Getting Cut Sucks, Not Knowing Why, Sucks Even More”

“There’s more questions than answers right now with regards to what the hockey world want to see in a defenceman”

“Criticized, highly scrutinized and over analyzed, that’s life in the crease, but Was That a Bad Goal?”

“When, How and Why Did They Lose Their Confidence?”

“Hopefully The Game is Still Fun?”

“You can learn a lot about certain coaches by who they choose to come back with in key moments of the game. The pressure and intensity of the playoffs can take a toll on players and coaches Who would you come back with?”

“A perceived “bad year” doesn’t mean the end”

“Over the season, especially the last few weeks there have been a lot of players that have really stepped up their game, which is great to see, their “quiet talent” was always there, they just needed an opportunity to show what they could do!”

“Defencemen with “ice in their veins” usually had or have a coach that allowed them to learn from their mistakes knowing that they will be there when it matters most.”

“While fans, hockey parents, coaches and players are all yelling and blasting seemingly all of the officials on the ice, there’s usually one person strategically placed, clandestinely running overwatch from a far”
“It shouldn’t come as a surprise when an AP shines in their debut at the next level. All of their hard work has been done behind the scenes well before they skated under the bright lights of the next level” #TheCallUp

“It’s one thing that the player knows and is aware of how to play away from the puck, it’s another that they aren’t willing to do it.”
#AwayFromthePuck

“The smallest, unexpected acts of appreciation and support have the largest impact, Everyone deserves a tap on the pads from time to time, in hockey and in life”

“Is it Processing or Confidence? Why are so many young players caught “in between”?”

“I think we can all agree the pendulum will continue to swing, how far and in what direction depends on the era. What was your drive home from the rink like?”

“You can watch all the video you want, but if you don’t know what you’re doing wrong and if there’s no feedback than what’s the point” #HockeyDisconnect

“It’s hard to imagine how some coaches would bury a young player that is having success in their first foray in the QMJHL”
“There’s always two sides to the story, but the optics don’t look good. It’s crazy to see how some coaches choose to communicate”

“More Skill, Less Creativity? Who’s To Blame?…….The System?”

“You would think in this day and age, especially at the higher levels of the game that coaches would provide more feedback, that’s not the case”

“It’s a cringe worthy moment. It’s like the entire rink can see it happening in slow motion, just shut the damn door goes through everyone’s mind.”

“Confidence is any athletes greatest ally or worst enemy. The game within the game, the search for confidence”

“Here’s to all the quiet talented players out there working incredibly hard, maximizing their time to grow, develop and improve. Your efforts won’t go unnoticed”

“There’s this perceived notion out there that the quiet ones don’t care, that they are withdrawn or not intense enough and that they don’t want it or know what it takes. From my experience, the quiet ones probably want it even more, they want to prove to the team and most importantly themselves that they belong and that they can play and contribute”
“Life can be difficult for the quiet kid especially when it comes to the game of hockey”

“The hockey world never sees the battle within. We never see what happens behind the scenes. We never see the struggle, the mind games, or the day-to-day anxiety and adversity players go through”

“Can they skate? Can they think the game? Can they defend? Can they pass the puck?”

“Playing defence shouldn’t be a lost art, but in many cases, it appears to be”

“There’s always a reason, we just need to ask the right questions at the right times and go deeper”

“Could You Imagine? Could you imagine telling a young aspiring player that they shouldn’t bother trying out for a team because they won’t make it? Could you imagine telling a young player they aren’t good enough to make it months before the selection process?”

“It’s not hard to see some players are given different opportunities, follow different rules and standards, and in some cases make up their own as they go along” #Entitled

“Some of them have flown under the radar for years, you see it’s the quiet talent that people often miss”

“Showcase Tournaments are intriguing especially when you see best on best, but there’s always some players that come “out of nowhere” to finally garner the attention they deserve and have worked so hard for”

“Coaches should never forget the day to day impact that they have on their players, it might not seem like the players are buying in or care, but deep down they do and a lot of young players don’t know how to express that or are intimidated to say anything because of past experiences”

“Scouts talk about character and intangibles all of the time, but some players that possess those elements often get passed over in favour of players that have “all of the tools” but lack the one aspect teams and organizations claim to always be targeting which is character”

“Right now there’s a young player being scouted, evaluated and criticized for being too small, Talent translates, size shouldn’t be the deciding factor on a player’s trajectory”

“It’s ironic to see how “entitled players” or “puck hogs” react when no one passes them the puck or they don’t get it at the right times especially on the power play, Getting a taste of their own medicine might send the best message and hopefully it will also knock them down a peg”

“Subtle selfishness” rears its ugly head on the power play, that’s where players chase points and it’s a trend that can destroy team chemistry”

“Value is value, a player is a player, it shouldn’t matter what size they are, beware of hockey’s double standards and those that still believe in them.”

“Everyone talks about transitional hockey, early exits, stretching out, quick ups and playing fast, but very few ever discuss routes to pucks and puck retrieval, Disjointed play, a lack of continuity or lack of details in a teams play directly stems from a lack of transition”
“An unwillingness to engage or take a hit to make a play and a lack of puck support is another indication of a poor transitional team, this isn’t always on the “D”, it’s on the forwards as well, that element is usually lost in translation though or in this case transition”

“The draft year spotlight shines bright, but it can also expose the slightest of imperfections and tendencies” #PlayerTendencies

“Everyone raves about the “natural progression” of players in the Jr ranks when it comes to increasing their point totals That has nothing to do with it, very few see the amount of work these players put in during the off season or in practice to develop that side of their game”

“Taking ill-advised risks, flying the zone, skating into trouble, making poor reads and decisions isn’t “offensive instinct” it’s cheating”

“It All Starts In Your Own Zone”

“Multiple viewings are critical when zeroing in on young talented players, Their compete level away from the puck reveals a lot about their character It’s one thing to know and be aware of how to play away from the puck, it’s another to be unwilling to do it at all” #OneDimensional

“Goaltenders and their parents continue to deal with astronomical amounts of pressure, unattainable expectations and unfair criticism from others that have no idea about the position, financial and personal cost or the toll it takes”

“Do players these days really know how to practice? Obviously, practice has to be fun, but every minor hockey coach has an obligation to make sure young players learn the value and importance of practice and how that will help their development moving forward” #PracticeWithPurpose

“When people ask the right questions, they find out the real story, It’s easy to jump to conclusions, judge and speculate, Those that take the time to get to know the person first gain insight, build connections and trust Show me a great coach and I’ll show you a great connector”

“You know a team is in turmoil or in big trouble when their heart and soul two-way players aren’t given an opportunity to shine in key situations and feel unappreciated, undervalued and underused”

“There’s a big difference between setting a high standard and being a complete asshole. Players instantly know the difference and they know the coaches that are genuine, consistent and are going to hold everyone accountable and to the same standard” #SetTheTone

“Every player has a story, their experiences in the game have shaped them more than people think, The coaching and messaging they have received in the past impacts their identity as a player, person and teammate, Bad experiences might build resiliency, but it also creates trauma,”

“That player has all of the tools, why aren’t they playing at the next level? What’s missing?”

“There’s nothing better than seeing a player rediscover their passion and love for the game after a brutal experience with a coach and toxic hockey culture #TrueCharacter #Resiliency

“Playing a player out of position and giving them no support or guidance is setting them up for failure and arguably one of the biggest disservices you can do as a coach” #OutofPosition

“The real story behind successful teams happens off of the ice, A change of voice, perspective and culture impacts everything, Teams with championship aspirations try to add talent to make a run, but their foundation should always be built on team culture and leadership”

“Poor body language is toxic, it spreads like crazy if not addressed. Every young player wants to get noticed, just don’t let your body language be the main reason why”

“It’s early, but I hope every kid is playing for their favourite coach this season, those daily interactions matter and has the potential to impact the rest of their journey in the game and life

The team is picked, games have been played, but how are the players? How do they feel? How are the 1st year players adjusting? What’s the dressing room culture like? What’s the leadership group like? Coaches should be checking in with their players more often” #MakeTheConnection

“The flash and dash players are easy to spot, but the players that do all the “little things” the right way are always out there when it matters most, “little things” lead to big things at the next level and that’s one intangible that is often overlooked and under appreciated”

“So many young draft eligible defencemen are concerned about accumulating points, Take care of your own zone first, compete like hell below the dots, move pucks, Being tough to play against and playing the right way will get you noticed more than trying to cheat offensively”

“Students & players are constantly trying to impress their new teacher or coach, Providing early feedback is critical in building trust, poor communication at the early stages can ruin their confidence & creativity which stifles their development” #CommunicationMatters

“The best coaches are great communicators & connectors they set the tone and build relationships simultaneously, they inspire & empower, they promote and model ownership and accountability, but more importantly they respect their players, and their players respect them” #Leadership

“You can have all of the veteran presence, experience and talent you want in junior hockey, if the coaching staff fail to identify specific roles and fail to get the group to play as a team they’re destined to underachieve”

“Life is hard as a fringe player in Jr hockey What’s best for the player or team? Some coaches at the Jr level sell dev. and playing opportunities like crazy, often those promises get broken there’s a difference between asset management and dealing with people” #HealthyScratch

“You would think that teams would select the best players available during tryouts, Advanced signings and early promises complicate things when “unexpected” players clearly outperform others, I guess the meaning of “deserving” has drastically changed over the years”

“A player’s resume should never dictate or determine the evaluation or tryout process, but in the era of advanced signings and predetermined team rosters “training camps” or “tryouts” are becoming a money maker rather than a legitimate and valid evaluator” #MinorHockeyProblems

“Hockey lies need to stop, but that seems like the busiest two-lane highway in the sporting world”

“Whatever You Do, It Will Be Wrong” Imagine a young player with a mindset like that, but what if it were true from a parenting and coaching perspective”

“There is no off season nowadays. Going “all in” can take a toll physically, mentally and emotionally. That alone can burn a person out, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want it, that just means they need time.”

“A lot can happen in the summer months when it comes to the hockey world, but there’s no magical formula, the only common dominator during the summer is hard work and let me tell you, you can’t fake that shit”

“Unwavering passion is rare, that’s why some people feel threatened or scared by it, They don’t fully understand or know how to handle it, that’s why some elect to stifle it, rather than embrace and celebrate it” #Driven

“Everyone loves to hear stories about unconventional paths in the game, but very few people are willing to give young players full of potential time or an opportunity”

“Priorities are different for every player and their family Why Do Players Leave? Opportunity, Exposure, Better Coaching, Better Development Opportunities Why Do Players Stay? Know the Coach, Believe in the system, Have a roster spot promised, Opportunity, Exposure”

“The hockey world continually wants and expects players to “take a step” in their development, those are just words, what steps are the players and coaches taking to collectively facilitate growth and progression” #CommunicationMatters

“Everyone has potential, some tap into it instantly, others need to be reminded and supported before they can understand who they are and who they can become, Let’s hope every student and athlete have someone in their lives that believes in them and supports them” #FullPotential

“Experience is experience, but those that can learn and grow from it the most will always make the biggest impact”

There’s a big difference between capable and willing, Everyone talks about going to the dirty areas of the ice or creating a net front presence Young players these days are more than capable of getting there, but many aren’t willing”

“The game of hockey wouldn’t be the same without amazing volunteers To all the volunteers involved in the game, we say thank you, your effort and impact doesn’t go unnoticed”

“Skill, skill skill, that’s all we hear and rightfully so, but the great separator for athletes today, is character, compete level and buy in, Those are the skills and intangibles that are truly invaluable every step of the way

Team dynamics are complex, especially at the Major Jr level, When you have special players and people at the helm of a leadership group that complexity fades away instantly, Every kid in that room knows who they can trust, confine in and who will have their back no matter what”

“We can only hope that the people that went through tough times or experienced awful hockey culture, conditions and environments this year will have a great experience next season, and that they can rediscover their passion for the game that was tested during their “hell year”

“When a player arrives and excels at the next level, people often forget where they played or their path to get there, These players showed promise all along, they just needed time and an opportunity The door of opportunity usually slams shut on young players due to resume or the extra “A” vs sheer talent and intangibles they bring, Players that are deserving of a chance get labeled by their past instead of what they can bring in the present and future”

“Everyone is in a hurry, it’s warp speed or nothing. If things don’t happen when some people want it or assume it has to happen, they start searching for answers or alternatives, it’s navigational nightmare season”

“Everyone in the rink can see….1 Bad body language 2 Selfish players 3 Players with Bad attitudes4 One Dimensional Players 5 Players that don’t compete”

“Everyone in the rink can see…1) Players that care 2) Players that pass the puck 3) Players that compete to the very end 4) Players that have character 5) Players that possess the intangibles it takes to win”

“What Did You Learn this Year? What Do You Need to Do to Get Better?”

“If you’re going to chirp and run your mouth you might be prepared to back it up, but you just put a mark on the rest of your teammates, Knowing how to back it up is one thing, knowing when to chirp is another, Sometimes it’s best just to stay quiet and play,” #TrashTalk

“There’s no quicker way to create entitlement within the team dynamic than creating a rift when it comes to accountability”
“Not sure what’s worse, A coach who constantly ghost benches players and sets their players up to fail, or The coach that doesn’t use or trust their Asst. Coaches? It’s not difficult to see which coaches are insecure or in over their head”

“The undercurrent of resentment in the game portrayed by many of its “leaders” is truly deplorable. Hockey’s code or shroud of secrecy is still in full effect, it’s gone to a new level”
“What’s more valuable, experience or being receptive to advice? Are you coachable? Are you open and willing to be receptive and then apply what you have learned or need to learn to apply it to help yourself and others? Why is the “I’ve got this” mentality starting to take on a very closed off or entitled connotation?”

“The “Spring Hockey” program parents and players decide to choose or not choose is completely up to them and that should never interfere in the upward mobility or ascension in the game for the following season”

“Everyone wants to take credit for the growth and development of young players, only the player knows the people that have helped them the most along the way, We should never lose sight of the effort and commitment by the player, that’s what matters most”

“With the hockey season coming to an end for many minor hockey players, I wonder how they would answer these questions Did you have fun this season? Am I a good teammate? What do I bring to help the team be successful?
Did I get better this year?

“Not much wonder why some elite level players are labeled “damaged goods” or “have issues” given all of the crap and pressure they have had to endure in the game and outside of it, Always two sides to the story, but one can only imagine how hard that must be for a kid to navigate’

“Tons of admiration for players that continue to find a way to produce and put up solid numbers while being buried in a lineup, Contribution takes on entirely new meaning for these players, Simply put, they play the right way and should play more, their time will come” #Resiliency

“The most difficult part about playing elite level hockey with ADHD is how isolating it feels. No one understands how to best support me because even I struggle with how to support myself. It is emotionally exhausting to continue to show up and prove your worth when fear of rejection is an ADHD trait.” Anonymous player

“Great coaches motivate, communicate and connect with their players, They have the innate ability to hold every player accountable while making them all feel valued and part of the process, that’s how you build a winning culture”

“Some players think they can hide by throwing big hits or taking runs, those same players are soft on pucks, hear footsteps and turn pucks over all of the time, throwing big hits is one thing, taking a hit to make a play is another” #NotSoTough

“No one should ever feel alone, Bringing attention to issues that aren’t always talked about in the game that players deal with on a daily basis hopefully will help them and coaches understand what they’re going through and experiencing”

“Often times the veterans and role players don’t get the credit they deserve for their leadership and all of the stuff they do behind the scenes There’s a lot more to it than just putting up “good numbers” These mentors impact the atmosphere & complexion of the group every day”

“There’s nothing like seeing a kids face light up when a teacher or coach tells them how proud they are of them. The smallest words, actions and positive reinforcement can have the largest impact”