I was a hockey coach before I became a parent. I was a coach while I raised my two daughters, both athletes (including one hockey player). And I continue to coach, even though my kids have completed their varsity careers.
So I understand the pressures and frustrations that come with being the parent of an athlete. It’s a really tricky position, rife with emotions. After all, it’s your child. I get it.
I was introduced to this phenomenon early, during my own high school career. My family moved to New Hampshire before my junior year, so I was the “new kid” coming into an established but sharply divided team. My chief competition in net was a sophomore named Gilles Ouimette, who had won the starting spot the year before as a freshman. Gilles was a great kid, and a great goalie. We got along famously.
