On the Level

On the Level

A lot of people have been commenting and wondering what level of hockey I’m referring to when I post about the game.

I would say the vast majority of my observations do revolve around minor hockey, however, a lot of the topics are relatable and do apply to various levels of the game which sometimes really makes you wonder.

Everyone assumes as you move up the competitive ladder things are supposed to get better, but sometimes that’s just not the case.

The game has the innate ability to connect, but in the same light divide.

In all honesty, I’m blown away by the comments and responses to the posts and all of the messages that people send. Obviously, the game’s landscape is ever changing, but what a kid is experiencing in one province, state or country is perhaps the same thing another is experiencing in their neck of the woods.

You see that’s what makes our great game so amazing and in some cases so awful. The negative issues that sometimes plague are game are relatable and similar every where at every level where the game is played.

On the level, I don’t want to be a beacon for negativity, but some stories, observations and experiences need to be shared so people don’t feel alone, so they can potentially question things, seek answers, but more importantly so people can pause and reflect on their own experiences in the game.

I owe the game of hockey a lot. One of my lifelong role models asked me the other day, “what’s the purpose, why do you post the things you do online”?

Ironically, I try to convey that to my students when we discuss careers in Personal Wellness 9. What’s your passion, what’s your purpose? I’m incredibly passionate about the game of hockey.

I loved playing the game. I loved coaching the game. I love to write about the game. I love to broadcast the game. I love to scout the game. I love to comment on the game.I love to talk about the game.

The purpose, well that’s a more complicated answer. 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. At the time I didn’t mind being a small voice for potential change within the game I love.

I was always taught to respect the game and try to leave it in a better place and that’s exactly what I’ve been trying to do. Nevertheless, I find it fascinating that complete strangers have reached out thanking me for bringing some issues and observations to the forefront.

Over the years some people have confessed to being scared to talk, scared to comment, retweet and share. The game connects, but it also can divide.

Everyone sees it differently and that’s perfectly ok, that’s what makes it so intriguing, but I sure as hell don’t have all the answers and have certainly never proclaimed to. Some of the observations connect or resonate more than others.

Every time I walk into a rink or watch a game, I’m trying to learn something new or gain a new level of understanding or gain a different perspective while always remembering and acknowledging my experiences within the game.