Some final thoughts on the season after decompressing after the weekend...
With the focus on winning when you get in a tournament like we
were last weekend we often miss the more important messages and achievements. Success comes in many forms – from a hockey
perspective, we can look to what we achieved on the ice – in the end only two
teams ended up ahead of us, one we tied, one we lost to in double overtime –
both, we arguably outplayed. If you are
going to lose, take solace that the two teams ahead of us were well coached,
hardworking, disciplined and respectful – which leads to one of the first
messages we had this year – it takes no talent or more importantly, effort to
be mediocre.
No team can begin to achieve their full potential without
help and dedication off the ice – and in East Lambton it starts at the top with
the executive. While I have tried to
explain numerous times in the dressing room, players in this organization don’t
know how truly fortunate they are – this message comes from experience – I have
seen mediocre and bad – this is not just good, but excellent. While you need talent and coaching to achieve
results on the ice, you can’t consistently succeed without strong
executive support and leadership.
Recently I read an article about an organization that was
amalgamating with another due to not having enough volunteers, compare that to
seeing our Eagle’s moms and dads out helping with Silver Stick early in the
morning along with the countless jobs throughout the year - not just required, but to make the organization better. Most
of these people get no thanks or the recognition of winning a big game – in fact,
from the outside perspective it would appear that it is required or expected,
part of registration. But, it isn’t
required if that person chooses not to have their child participate – if you aren’t playing hockey
then there is no requirement to ‘volunteer’ – and there are far too many kids
not able to play hockey. Count yourself
fortunate.
Many thanks to those that helped with hotel arrangements,
time clock arrangements, working the time clock, game music (Tom!), money
collection, trainer, water bottle filling, and coaching help – essential for
team success, but more importantly, an example of what it takes to succeed. For those of you moving on from hockey, take
a minute to appreciate the very many that have contributed to your time as an
Eagle. As you move on to the next phase
of your life consider volunteering, while you may initially think it is to help
others, and give back (and it is), you will find out it is also for you. It is very easy to find a reason not to help,
(in fact it takes no effort), much harder to find a reason why you want to
help. You have more to give than you
know – help make it even better.
One of the most rewarding parts of being involved with a
team is seeing the family support – not just parents, but siblings, grandparents,
aunts, uncles and friends. I believe family
and extended family support gives us an advantage on the ice. I’ve know many players over the years without
that support. Appreciate it now – don’t
wait until you can’t.
Time passes quicker than you will ever imagine – looking at
the Facebook pictures of some of the boys when they first put on skates probably
seems like a long time ago to each of the players – to your parents, I assure
you it was a snap of finger. As you start
your post hockey career, carry the same lessons you learned from hockey, both
good and bad to chart your way. While it
is often difficult to state what your goals are, (because if we miss the goals,
it will seem like we failed) Exceed your expectations, remember
who has your back, give back and don’t wait.
If you fall short, get up and try again.
Good today is better than perfect tomorrow.
Below is a link to a speech from an Admiral
in the US army that summarizes many of the lessons it has taken a long time for
most of us to learn – take the 20 minutes to watch it – keep it around for the
future when you might need some inspiration or a pick me up.
University of Texas at Austin 2014 Commencement Address -
Admiral William H. McRaven - YouTube
Finally, back in Bantam, I told the team after a tough loss
that not all victories are on the ice.
Success and achievement are incremental and earned – it takes time and effort. By any measure they players have exceeded my
hockey expectations, and most of all I admire them off ice – balancing school,
jobs, family and hockey.
Appreciate the small victories not the just the big ones…
Sometimes showing up to the arena with all your equipment (and
skates) is that victory.