top of page
Premium Content
Content reserved for subscribers.


Dealing with the Realities of Some Players Being More Skilled and Talented Than Others in Junior Hockey
Hockey is a game of speed, skill, and strategy, but it's also a game of opportunity. For junior hockey players, coaches, and parents, one...

Edward Garinger
5 min read


The Dangers of Early Specialization in Hockey: How to Ruin a Kid’s Health, Development, and Love of the Game—Even If They "Want To"
In youth sports today, the pressure to specialize early is higher than ever. Many young hockey players are urged—sometimes by their...

Edward Garinger
6 min read


How Does Mentorship Impact the Next Generation of Hockey Leaders?
Hockey is more than just the excitement of a game or the rush of victory. It is a rich tapestry of community, values, and personal...

Arthur Irie
4 min read


Behind the Whistle: Uncovering the Hidden World of Youth Hockey Referees
Youth hockey is not just about high-energy games or budding athletes; it is also about the referees who ensure fair play on the ice....

Arthur Irie
4 min read


How to Successfully Navigate the Transition from Player to Coach in Youth Hockey
Making the leap from being a player to a coach in youth hockey can be exciting yet overwhelming. It offers a chance to give back to the...

Arthur Irie
5 min read


Demystifying the Path to Junior Hockey Team Selection: A Guide for Aspiring Players
Navigating the junior hockey team selection process can feel overwhelming for young athletes and their families. With tryouts, skills...

Arthur Irie
4 min read


The Time I Scored Four Goals Against My Old Team (After Getting Cut from the Team the Year Before)
When I look back on my minor hockey days, a few moments stand out vividly—but one above all: the night I scored four goals against my...

Edward Garinger
5 min read


The Time My Junior Coach Told Me I Was Probably the Least Skilled Player in the League
There are moments in life that never leave you. Not because they’re glorious or triumphant—but because they hit you like a punch to the...

Edward Garinger
6 min read


Coaching Influences: Learning from the Good and the Bad
Like anyone who has played sports, my coaching philosophy has been shaped by a mix of positive and negative influences. I've learned from...

Edward Garinger
4 min read


What Makes a Junior Hockey Team Reputable?
Disclosure: I wrote this article in February 2025, when I as a 'free agent', and before I joined a team as General Manager.

Edward Garinger
3 min read


The Impact of Youth Hockey Coaches: Fostering Character Development Beyond the Game
Youth hockey is not just a pastime; it's a vital platform for developing essential life skills. Coaches play a crucial role in shaping...

Arthur Irie
4 min read


What Letterkenny Gets Right About Hockey
Since its debut in 2016, Letterkenny  has become a cult favorite among hockey players and fans alike. What started as a small Canadian...

Edward Garinger
6 min read


The Right Way to Ask for a Trade to a New Hockey Team: A Guide for Players and Parents
In the world of hockey, there comes a time when a player or their family may feel a change of scenery is necessary. Whether it's due to...

Edward Garinger
5 min read


How to Disagree with Your Boss’s Boss (Without Losing Your Job)
In hockey coaching, philosophical differences are inevitable. As a coach, you might have a vision for player development, team structure,...

Edward Garinger
5 min read


The Right Way to Tell a Player They Have Been Traded to a New Team
In junior and professional hockey, trades are an inevitable part of the game. Whether it's about improving team chemistry, filling a...

Edward Garinger
5 min read


The Way to Communicate Philosophical Differences with Your Boss (Without Losing Your Job)
In the fast-paced, high-pressure world of hockey coaching, disagreements are inevitable. Whether you're an assistant coach questioning...

Edward Garinger
5 min read


The Right Way to Tell a Player They Didn’t Make the Team
One of the hardest parts of being a hockey coach is delivering bad news—especially to a player who has put in the effort, showed up with...

Edward Garinger
6 min read


Agreeing to Become a General Manager: My ‘Wanna-Be-Jerry-Maguire’ Moment
For hockey players, coaches, and parents, the world of Junior hockey can often feel like an ever-evolving puzzle, with multiple moving...

Edward Garinger
8 min read


Landing the Job: How Preparation Can Set You Apart in a Coaching Interview
Preparation Meets Opportunity: My 2020 Coaching Interview Experience

Edward Garinger
5 min read


Contacting Other Coaches: How to Ask About What You Saw in Their Game or Practice
In hockey, coaching is as much about learning as it is about teaching. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting, there will...

Edward Garinger
6 min read
bottom of page