Hockey Tips for Parents

Feeling Lost in the Hockey World? You're Not Alone Tryouts. Team fees. Travel stress. Coaching drama. And somehow, you're expected to just “figure it all out.”  If you feel overwhelmed by youth or AAA hockey, trust me — you’re not the only one. When I first started this journey, I made every mistake you can imagine: Chose teams that weren’t the right fit Paid more than I needed to Got caught up in the pressure Had no idea what to ask, expect, or plan for That’s why I created Hockey Tips for Parents — to give families like yours the clarity and confidence I wish I had. 🎯 5 Things Every Hockey Parent Needs to Know ✅ Tryouts Are About More Than Talent Most teams already know who they’re picking. Look for transparency, development focus, and fair evaluation. ✅ The Most Expensive Team Isn’t Always Better High price ≠ high value. Ask for a breakdown of exactly where your money goes. ✅ Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Away If the coach or organization...

Summer hockey camps can be an incredible tool for development — or a frustrating waste of time and money. The key? Choosing the right camp for your player’s stage, goals, and mindset . Every year, parents are flooded with glossy flyers, big-name instructors, and promises of “exposure.” But here’s the truth: not every camp delivers the development your player needs. This post gives you a quick checklist to make smarter decisions — and keep your summer plan aligned with your long-term goals. ✅ 1. Research Which Camp Is the Best Fit Don’t choose a camp because it’s nearby or because friends are going. Consider: Skill Level : Is it age-based or skill-based grouping? Focus Area : Skating, shooting, conditioning, or full gameplay? Coach-to-Player Ratio : Smaller groups often mean better feedback. Camp Culture : High-pressure, high-rep or supportive skill-building? Ask for the daily schedule and coach bios. If they can’t provide it — move on. ✅ 2. Reserve Your Spot Early...

Let’s be honest: being a hockey parent isn’t just a commitment — it’s a lifestyle. Early-morning practices, weekend tournaments, driving across state lines, non-stop group chats, and of course… the emotional rollercoaster of watching your child try to survive and thrive in a cutthroat sport. And while your player is chasing development, ice time, and opportunity — you're juggling work, finances, logistics, and the emotional toll of supporting them. Chapter 8 of the Junior & AAA Hockey Parent Survival Guide is about you — the parent behind the player — and how to keep your sanity, energy, and perspective through it all. 1. Recognize That Burnout Isn’t Just for Players Parents can (and often do) experience hockey burnout. The symptoms? Feeling anxious or resentful before games Overthinking tryouts or coach decisions Comparing your player to others Worrying constantly about whether you're “doing enough” In the guide , we walk you through how to name it, ...

There’s more to raising a successful hockey player than rides to practice and new skates. The true difference-makers? Consistency. Mindset. Resilience. Balance. Whether your child is chasing a Junior roster or playing AAA at 14, their development depends as much on what happens off the ice as on it. And that’s where parents make a lasting impact. Chapter 7 of the Junior & AAA Hockey Parent Survival Guide is a roadmap for supporting your athlete’s total growth — physically, emotionally, and mentally — without adding pressure or burnout. 1. Growth Isn’t Linear — and That’s Okay One month your player feels unstoppable. The next, they’re questioning everything. Welcome to the grind of competitive hockey. In this chapter, we help parents: Recognize the natural ups and downs in skill and confidence Avoid overreacting to short-term slumps Stay focused on long-term development over short-term results True support means knowing when to push and when to back off. 2. ...

When Do Hockey Scouts Start Watching Players? There’s a moment in every competitive hockey family’s journey when the question shifts from “Is my kid good enough?” to: “When will scouts start paying attention?” It’s a big turning point — but also a source of confusion, misinformation, and false urgency. Many parents panic and push too early, while others miss critical windows of visibility. Chapter 6 of the Junior & AAA Hockey Parent Survival Guide explains when scouts actually start watching and how your player can stand out at the right time, in the right way. 1. Exposure Happens Earlier Than You Think — and Later Than You Fear For top-tier players, scouting can begin as early as age 14 or 15 , especially in elite showcases and tournaments. But for most, attention ramps up in: ✅ U15–U16 AAA seasons ✅ Junior hockey camps ✅ NCAA summer showcases (U16–U18) ✅ Prep school or academy programs Scouting is a process , not a moment. Focus on development and...

It’s the uncomfortable truth behind many hockey stories: politics . Even the most talented players can be affected by favoritism, coach relationships, team dynamics, and off-ice influence. And while it’s easy to say “just let the kids play,” experienced parents know that navigating the politics of youth hockey is a skill of its own . Chapter 5 of the Junior & AAA Hockey Parent Survival Guide tackles this head-on — giving parents a way to protect their player’s development and sanity in a system that isn’t always fair. 1. Yes, Politics Exist — But They're Not Always What You Think Many parents assume that politics always means backdoor deals or nepotism. While that does happen, the more common reality is subtler: Coaches playing “safe” players they trust Local kids given preference for logistical reasons Politics of team finances (top payers or fundraisers getting more leeway) Returners getting the benefit of the doubt over new players The guide helps you i...

If your child is chasing a spot on a AAA or Junior hockey team, you’ve likely heard the whispers: “It’s expensive.” But what does that actually mean? And how can you manage the cost without sacrificing opportunity — or your sanity? Chapter 4 of the Junior & AAA Hockey Parent Survival Guide breaks down the full financial picture of competitive hockey, including what most families overlook, what you can do to prepare, and how to avoid common money mistakes. 1. Hockey Isn’t Just a Sport — It’s a Financial Commitment From travel fees and gear to billet housing and private skills sessions, the costs of AAA and Junior hockey can quickly add up. And too many families are caught off guard.  It's easy to get caught up in all the top of line gear, tournaments, and showcases.  I know, I've done it!  There is a return on investment in everything we do and hopefully the information I provide maximizes your return. The guide outlines typical yearly expenses...