A LITTLE MORE BACKGROUND
Chances are you are here because you think that your son or daughter can benefit from a different approach to hockey and sport development.
I feel the same way. That’s why, based on the work of Rick Ferroni and the support of several local hockey leaders, I’ve launched this program. I am a former DI (Quinnipiac) and Junior hockey coach. I’ve scouted at the NHL level. I played Canadian University and Junior A hockey and did a phenomenal job keeping the bench warm.
In my 9 to 5 job, I work with major professional sports organizations and athletes, including a lot of NHL players, as an ‘athlete development specialist’. You can learn more about that here and here.
As a result of my work experiences, I have been exposed to great deal of information and research from some of the biggest entities in sport about the impact of a well delivered youth sport initiative and the long-term impact it can have on kids (both positive and negative). Plus, I’ve heard first hand from some of the best athletes on the planet what it takes to be a great athlete and much of what we are doing is the exact opposite of what it takes to reach the pinnacle of sport. And it must be asked, at what cost?
In short, I believe the youth hockey experience can be improved and this initiative is being designed to prove that out.
Many of the NHL hockey players I speak with feel the system is broken and isn’t designed to make the game fun and sustainable for kids.
The Connecticut GC is an attempt to change the narrative for kids and parents who want to fully benefit from their hockey experiences. The overarching concepts are simple:
Minimize meaningless games and the associated travel
Set practice times for longer periods
Work ethic and character over talent
No dickheads (this includes parents and kids)
Measurable development over time
We are building better people and better athletes, NOT future NHL players
I have kids that play. I want them to have fun, become great people and be good hockey players at 18 not 8. I also want to maintain a balance for my family and use sport as a development platform.
At the end of the day, we will make your son or daughter a better hockey player month over month and year over year. However, more importantly they will become better people.
Yours in hockey,
