MIKE'S ICE ADVICE

Years ago when my kids were just starting to play in the GTHL, and the NYHL select system I was considered to be a ” CRAZY PARENT”. Having been a very competitive athlete in both BASEBALL and HOCKEY, I played with and against PROS in both sports.

One Sunday afternoon I was perched in my “spot” at the then North York Centennial now Herb Carnegie while my oldest son Christopher was playing for the North York Canadians. Every shift he got out there I was using my loud voice to try and tell him everything he should be doing. Well, I can tell you I have a carrying voice, so if someone didn’t know me they would think I was a CRAZY PARENT”. This also happened with my other 2 sons Brandon and Kyle. Wanting them to be successful and with my earlier athletic achievements, I didn’t realize I was loud and to some a “YELLER”.

After Christopher’s game was over a father on the team called me down to introduce me to Rick Cornacchia. Head Coach of teams like the OSHAWA GENERALS , and TEAM CANADA WORLD JUNIORS where he coached ERIC LINDROS. What he said to me woke me up, and changed my in game compulsion of giving my kids instructions. He told me to ” go find a place at the end of the arena , take your bottle of Diet Pepsi and Mars bar and stand by yourself , keep your mouth shut, and enjoy watching your kids” Do not talk, stand or be a group parent during the game!!

Moral of all the talk was to keep enjoying your kids play, and do not talk to anyone, and try not to have the title of the “CRAZY PARENT” , and let their abilities guide them . As they get older where it really matters, some team might refrain looking at them because of YOU!!

Mike Tanev

mtanev24@gmail.com