What would you like to say to parents who want to help their child achieve more in hockey?

Answered by HockeyStaff Head Coach Anton Tsipan:

• Individual Path, Patience, and Avoiding Burnout
  I would like to say that every child’s path in hockey is individual. You need to be patient. Even if a child starts to shine early, around 7 years old, it is important to support and develop this without over-pressuring them. Hockey should remain at the rink; there should be less of it at home. The main thing is not to constantly pick at the child so they don’t burn out. Remember that everyone has their own pace of development.
• Support, Not Pressure
  It is important to be a hockey support system for the child, not a hockey warden — to be a friend in this matter, to feel their needs, and to help. It is especially important not to confuse sensing where help is needed with putting on pressure. Pressure is not always good in the long run.
• The Parent as the Ultimate Support System
  Sometimes it is important for parents to learn to feel their child’s emotional state and perhaps even consult a psychologist if needed. Everyone needs support, and the parent is the one who should provide it.