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What to Say to Your Hockey Player After a Game: 4 Phrases Every Parent Should Use

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What to Say to Your Hockey Player After a Game: 4 Phrases Every Parent Should Use As a hockey parent, what you say after a game can either build your player up — or quietly wear them down. You may mean well. You may want to help. But the wrong comment at the wrong time can leave your child discouraged, frustrated, or feeling like they let you down. The good news? You don’t need to deliver a speech or break down every play. A few simple, intentional phrases can make a massive difference. Here are four powerful things to say to your hockey player after a game, whether it was a win, a loss, or something in between: 1. “I loved watching you play.” This one never gets old — and it means more than you think. It shifts the focus from stats and results to effort and enjoyment . Why it works: It reassures your child that your love and pride aren’t based on performance. 2. “How did it feel out there?” Instead of launching into analysis, ask how they felt. Let them take the le...
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Cartoon of the Week 5/19/25

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Each Sunday we post some comic relief.  Our lives our stressful enough. The Toronto Maple Leafs lost once again in a game 7 and to a team that has turned into an opposing force they cannot overcome, the Florida Panthers. As an aspiring scout I have learned an extremely important element to look for is "compete".  As hockey parents, you know it when you see and don't need to be a scout to understand it. When you give up on pucks, lose the battles in the corners, do not give the extra effort in order to "win" the thousands of mini battles during a game (ok maybe "thousands" was an over reaction). That is called "not showing up".   I saw "compete" before but now when I watch games I see it everywhere and at a higher level.  If you want to separate yourself and stand out, you have to bring your "A" game = compete hard. This entire blog , the many guides I have written and Facebook Page [ Hockey Tips for Parents ] are worthless...
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Hockey Equipment Hacks Every Parent Should Know (Save Time, Money & Your Nose)

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Hockey Equipment Hacks Every Parent Should Know (Save Time, Money & Your Nose) If you’re a hockey parent, you already know the truth: the gear bag doesn’t lie. From the stink to the chaos, managing equipment is a full-time job. This guide shares the best hockey equipment hacks to help you save time, keep gear clean, and avoid those last-minute disasters in the rink parking lot. 1. Pack a Folding Camping Bench   Keeps gear off dirty locker room floors Doubles as a seat when there’s nowhere to sit Perfect for the hotel room to lay out equipment to dry Great for hotel hallways and parking lot pre-game chaos Folds down small and fits in the trunk   2. Use Box Fans to Dry Equipment Fast Set up two basic box fans facing opposite directions for airflow Hang gear on a drying rack or chairs with towels Aim fans at gloves, shin pads, and skates — the stinkiest items Don’t pile gear in the bag post-practice; open it up and air it out 3. Sterilize with Equipme...
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Hockey Tips for Parents Cartoons: We can all relate with!

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Hockey Tips for Parents (HTFP) funny hockey cartoons! Every Sunday on our Facebook Page:  AAA & Junior Hockey Tips for Parents  - I post some comic relief to end the week.  I will update this blog post each week with the latest post.  Check back often for a laugh or smile.  Let me know in the comments below if these ever happened to you! More Trusted Resources for Players & Parents 📬 Subscribe for Daily Hockey Tips by Email! 👍 Follow us on Facebook for more daily insights! 📖 Explore More: AAA Hockey ...
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From AAA to Juniors: What Hockey Parents Need to Know About the Big Jump

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Moving up to Juniors: Here is what to expect: The shift from youth AAA hockey to Junior-level play is one of the biggest—and most misunderstood—jumps in a young hockey player’s career. While AAA demands commitment, Juniors takes that intensity to a whole new level. For families navigating this next chapter, it’s critical to understand how expectations, culture, and priorities change—on and off the ice. 1. It’s No Longer Just Development—It’s a Business At the Junior level, everything starts to feel more professional—and more transactional. Coaches are no longer volunteers or part-time instructors; they’re paid to win. That means development takes a back seat to performance. Your player becomes one of many “assets” on a roster built to compete. Ice time, roles, and even team placement may shift without much explanation. Key reality: Coaches at this level are often aspiring to move up themselves. Every win matters—for their reputation and their next opportunity. 2. Coaching Sty...
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How to Become a Billet Family for Hockey: What to Expect and Why It Matters

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What Is a Billet Family in Hockey? If you've spent time around junior or AAA hockey, you've probably heard the term billet family . But what does it really mean? A billet family provides a "home away from home" for a young hockey player, typically between the ages of 16 and 20, who moves away from their hometown to pursue their athletic goals. These players join local teams that may be hours—or even countries—away from where they live. That’s where you come in. Becoming a billet family means more than just housing a player. It means providing support, structure, and stability during a critical time in their development—both on and off the ice. Why Do Hockey Players Need Billet Families? Many junior hockey leagues (like the USHL, NAHL, GOJHL, OJHL, and WHL) require players to relocate for the season. These leagues are stepping stones to NCAA scholarships or pro-level careers. Because most players are still in high school or early adulthood, they can't li...
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