Lame Duck Period of the Hockey Season

So we're midway through February and the season is coming to a close.

As hockey parents, at this point of the season...we're pretty much done.

Kids are mostly spent too.

I mean, you have those two or three families all buzzing for playoffs still but the majority know it's just a final weekend of mostly meaningless games at horrible hours...just before tryouts start and then the long awaited break from hockey.

For maybe a week.

You know, until the Spring League stuff you're currently kicking yourself for having already committed to.

In our house, we're in that awkward lame duck period where it's not a 100% that we'll be returning next season so, it's like, we're just coasting.

You know, politely smiling and giving the impression that everything is just going to remain a constant.

It's like those memes of ducks where the water is calm on the surface...but their feet are fluttering away just underneath.

I shouldn't say that.

Truth is, I'm a clear pane of glass...totally transparent.

One kid is switching programs for next season because he's aging out of the one he's in.

One kid is switching programs because he doesn't have the passion for the game to justify the grossly inflated Black Bear tuitions we've been paying.

And one kid is weighing various options because the current program failed from an exposure perspective when compared to other programs and the future outlook isn't super appealing.

I'm not that stressed out about any of it, though.

I think that comes from experience -- in the past, I'm certain I would've been staring at the ceiling at 2am pondering how next season wasn't going to shape up.

Now, though?

Not really.

And that's the thing I wish I could convey to all of the hockey parents I see each night at the rink FREAKING OUT about who's leaving, who's staying, who the coach will be, who's going to get cut, etc...

Bottom line...programs just want your money.

No matter what happens, your kid will have a team to play for.

Don't stress about being left out in the cold.

Agree? Disagree? Let me know -- I love the feedback from all angles!

Chris Rutsch

Hockey Dad

Year round, I spend a significant amount of time and money transporting my three boys to and from freezing cold ice rinks. Not because I expect them to make it to the NHL but because I know the rigorous youth hockey experience will serve them well in the future.