Healthy Relationship with the Game

Building a healthy relationship with hockey is essential for the long-term development of young players. Parents play an irreplaceable role in shaping how their child views the sport and the type of relationship they form with it. A thoughtful, balanced approach fosters a lifelong love for hockey and encourages growth both on and off the ice.

The Basics of a Healthy Approach to Sport

A healthy approach to hockey begins with the understanding that the sport is a tool for personal growth, not just competition. Help your child view hockey as an opportunity to learn, build character, and enjoy meaningful experiences. Emphasize values like fair play, teamwork, and continuous self-improvement.

Avoid placing too much emphasis on performance or results. Focus instead on effort, progress, and perseverance. Praise your child for trying their best and growing their skills—regardless of the outcome. This approach helps nurture self-confidence and a lasting connection with the sport.

Balance Between Sport and Personal Life

Support your child in maintaining a healthy balance between hockey and other aspects of life. The sport should not dominate their free time—encourage schoolwork, friendships, family activities, and other hobbies. Help create a schedule that allows time for all essential areas, including rest and recovery.

Teach time management and prioritization. Talk about how to align hockey goals with academic responsibilities and personal needs. Reinforce the idea that success in sports should not come at the cost of well-being or important life experiences.

Developing Intrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivation is key to long-term engagement in sports. Rather than relying on rewards or punishments, help your child develop a personal love for hockey. Talk to them about what they enjoy, what excites them, and what goals they want to pursue.

Support goal-setting that reflects your child’s own values and interests. Respect their pace of development and autonomy in making choices about their hockey journey. Internally motivated players are more likely to stay committed, bounce back from challenges, and find joy in the process.

Supporting the Joy of Playing

Enjoyment is the foundation of sustained participation in sports. Create an atmosphere where your child can focus on having fun, learning, and expressing themselves—without fear of mistakes or judgment. Encourage creativity, spontaneity, and a playful mindset within team guidelines.

Recognize the importance of informal hockey—whether it’s pick-up games, playing with friends, or practicing skills outside of structured training. These moments often spark joy and help deepen your child’s love for the sport.

Creating a Long-Term Sporting Perspective

Help your child see hockey not just as a season or two, but as part of a broader journey. Talk about the various paths available in sports—from casual recreation to competitive or professional levels—and highlight that each has value.

Reinforce the lifelong skills developed through hockey, such as teamwork, discipline, time management, and resilience. These attributes are meaningful far beyond the rink and will support your child in all aspects of life, regardless of where their hockey path leads.