Mark James

Hockey for Parents Mark James

A review of hockey parents indicates an increasing number of parents who have not grown up with the game or have not played as children. The goal of this book was to create a simple hockey reference book targeted to these hockey parents, to better inform them of the strategies and basics of playing hockey. Parents offering instructions to their children, with the best of intentions, without a basic understanding of the fundamentals of the game, may be leading our young players astray. Hockey is a game of structure similar to chess. It requires the players to understand the basic systems of the game, and then to read and react to the opponents' moves. Thinking ahead and interpreting the play can only be developed with a strong understanding of the game. As a lot of parents get involved with hockey to volunteer and to be with their children, I decided to write a book to aid this understanding and to act as a handy reference. For the parents who have questions and are uncomfortable asking them, this book will hopefully answer some of the basic questions that come to mind when the whistle blows and the shouting from the stands begins. Parents, I believe, should develop knowledge of the game comparable to that of their child. This, in turn, will promote meaningful conversations which will lead to your child's improvement and success on the ice. Hockey is a game, but mainly it is a life lesson. It is important that we as parents do everything to make it a positive and meaningful experience in an enjoyable and healthy environment.