Holiday Message
Happy Holidays to you and your family from our Minnesota Hockey Camps family. All the best during the time of the year we have a lot to be thankful for. Sports are a true test of a person's intangibles. Lifetime relationships are developed over a short period of time because of the dynamics of the sport, demands of the job and the people we have the opportunity to meet through our work and travels.
Develop and cultivate as many relationships as possible. Take all the good out of each of them and put them in a memory bank.
If you send your child to camp, and they return home a better player, you will be happy. If they return home a harder worker, better person, with a better understanding of life and what it takes to play the game, you will be happier. We do all that and more. Minnesota Hockey Camps has a way of creating awareness of assets and liabilities. We teach young people the value of hard work that is fun while eliminating blind spots that shorten and stifle careers.
If you had your choice of one improvement, you will want them returning home a better person. This is something that happens just by being @ the camp and rubbing elbows with people who have a passion for life, people and the game.
The game of hockey has people in all capacities who know the value of validating and anointing themselves beyond other's beliefs, words, feelings and evaluations. We learn early on that we control our own destiny and in no way do others validate our worth and success.
We all recognize the need for support systems in every person's life, but it still comes down to each of us just “getting it done”. Keep supporting each other and the results will be dynamic. We are all part of something much bigger than all of us combined; namely each person's life and career. Our wish for this Holiday Season is something thought provoking that enhances our chances of maximizing our unique skills. This costs nothing and ends up being priceless.
It’s easy to judge a person but it takes a special skill and caring person to do something to help others solve an intimidating problem or task.
All of us would like our children to improve so they can move on through the levels. Seeking greatness in your assets is our Holiday Message to you and your family. Along with that, is you raising your level of Curiosity which enhances your chances. Keep asking questions wherever you go; whoever you meet. One of the most important traits of great leaders is Curiosity. This will blend in well with your aspirations. Every year players like Scott Hartnell, T J Oshie, Ryan Malone, Matt Greene, Derek Stepan, Clarke MacArthur, Chris and Tony Stewart came to camp; they would say something like, “You’ve seen me play this year. I don’t want to hear what I did well. I want to know what I didn’t do well and anything I can do to improve.”
Carl Sneep has always sought advice on improving and is now learning how to adjust to pro as the only rookie on the WBS Penguins team. He is fortunate to have mentors who care and know the value of instilling boldness and courage @ the pro level.
Our camp has an attitude. Countries have attitudes (Canada’s hockey attitude), States (Provinces), Communities, Organizations, Teams, Lines, Defensive pairs and Individuals have attitudes. The top one fuels the one underneath and on down. Infectious play of individuals fuels the level above and on up to the top. The USA Miracle on Ice team started out as a collection of good college players and ended up impacting the entire world. They, along with the players we coached @ camps and in high school, are the underlying reason why we enjoy an NHL career.
Winning a game, or a spot on the team, is an attitude. Everything is an attitude. We know communities where young people grow up knowing how to win. There are organizations and teams that go in to each game or a play-off setting knowing how to win. There are individuals who have the “IT Factor” that translates in to performing in critical moments and finding a way to win. Lines and tandem pairs get on a roll and earn nicknames. Goaltenders show a caring level toward their teammates that makes their teammates want to play hard for them.
Our goal is to separate ourselves fm the pack with our unique assets and still find a way to blend in to a team setting by respecting each other’s individual skills. Over-achieving in our unique assets causes those around us to emulate what we do well. This is a team that grows as a team. This is how teams, staffs and departments within a company grow.
“Try to do something out of the ordinary every shift or training session. This builds in to magical and revered memories that ultimately become defining moments in our career and lives.”
Al Neuharth, USA Today Founder wrote, "After 65 you should retire, relax, help others and enjoy it." He says, "Too old and crotchety are risky, but so is young and cocksure."
We say ask questions, sort out all the responses and make a decision. Retirement is nice but maintaining your curiosity level is more important. We want to reduce retirement to recalculating.
Recent observations and circumstances carry more weight, because what you see is what you get. We say and write a lot. We are hoping you have the willingness and wisdom to sort out the good from the bad. This is the way to survive in this world. We only do it to create awareness before problems happen and expose problems when they happen. We have to solve them, because they never just go away. Let’s refer to this as the “Crisis Control and Authenticity Tests” of a human being.
Al says, under 35 - We should listen and learn.
We say listen, learn, chip in with comments and show up on time for work regardless of age. Listening is an ongoing process. Listening is a lost art and a difference maker in winning and losing. Chipping in improves the company culture and performance. Promptness costs the world billions, people their jobs and determines company success.
Al says, 35 - 65 Help run things and look for opportunities to run them yourself.
We say be a detail person, and care about others, before any personal gains. Compete to win. Do this and opportunities fall in your lap. Good people take care of good people, regardless of the situation. Our feeling is there are a lot of good things that will fall in your lap when you work hard with pure intentions.
Personal gains come from respecting unique assets of others and sharing, even if it's a puck. Sidney Crosby and Evgeny Malkin are standard bearers and raise the bar. Sharing stops and losing starts when greed enters in to the equation. We have to guard against it. The way to guard against it is by creating awareness this can happen, exposing problems and solving them. We can’t confuse greed with good greed.
Pass smartly when you should pass, shoot smartly to bury it when you should shoot (good greed is a must if you are going to score with regularity) and carry it smartly only if you have to. The good ones think about who they are going to give it to before they get it. Handling the puck is a given. Adding the word “smart or smartly” to every fundamental and expression of skill will raise the level of performance.
Bottom line, age and experience don’t give you answers. Passion for life, work, people and play does. When we are around people with a passion for life, work and play, we are on a high. It’s fun to be around people who live what they do. They have the will to win and excel and cherish the opportunity to bring others in to their lives.
The Holidays are a time to rehash memories. Life is all about creating memories; magical and revered that all add up to define your life. When it is all said and done, each memory is a special moment. In Astronaut John Glenn’s words, “A final haunting valediction of a person who made the supreme sacrifice and/or those who sacrificed so others could feel comfortable and enjoy a better life.”
This is our camp and life; all about developing people and creating memories while instilling boldness, courage, will to win/excel, skill to get out of yourself and bring others in to your life, the skill to express your skill and the skill to achieve greatness in some asset category. Greatness isn’t about being the greatest. It’s all about doing something great that becomes a memory that lasts forever.
With our economy struggling, we hope we found a way to give you something that didn’t cost all of us anything but time; time to write, read and digest.
We wish you all the best the Holidays have to offer. Take time to give thanks.
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325
Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Crisis Control
Crisis Control;
managing, mentoring, parenting, playing
Hockey is an impossible game to play afraid. It’s a violent sport and things happen out there. You can’t be tentative. If you are, you are going to get hit, and inevitably, hurt. Going hard gives you a chance to initiate versus retaliate. Playing afraid falls in to other categories like: Afraid to lose, afraid to perform and afraid to win. Just play your game, relax, be aggressive, go with your instincts and do what you do best. Panicking in any situation has never served anyone or anything well. Solve all the little problems and you are less likely to experience big problems; probably the best crisis control there is.
Crisis control, in all situations, is paramount. It comes in to play when attempting to make a team, being a part of the final roster, consistently performing day in and day out, coming off a bad performance or benching, coming out of losing streaks and in the play offs under stress. It all comes down to relaxing, doing what you do well and going with your instincts. Confidence in yourself and your team is all part of the equation. Having a trust in those you work for, and play with, is an important part of the equation. Trusting your instincts and your game is part of the equation. It starts with you doing very well without the puck and moves to doing what you can with a puck.
Crisis control starts with leadership; how they handle themselves in tough situations. Five men that come to mind for me are George Gund, eMario Lemieux, Craig Patrick, Fred Shero and Ray Shero; totally different personalities but a similar approach when it comes to crisis control. They believe that winners win and winners express themselves with no panic; and no one hands anything to them. "Just play; just work."
The game is an aspect of life. The people who play it have sons and daughter, fathers and mothers, relatives and friends. What happens out there can be bigger than the game; whether getting hurt or accepting the challenge when opportunity is there. The challenge may be the challenge of making a team, staying on the team, playing consistently well to avoid riding the pine, and going through ups and downs while winning championships. Every community, every organization, every team, every player, every situation, has a different meaning and different expectation. Expectations are in line with bringing others in to your life, talent levels and ability to express your talent individually as well as in a team setting.
The game is easier to play when you are both relaxed and angry. The thought of annihilating your opponent is a good thought and will go a long ways towards helping you survive in the game. Do everything in your power to make them fail. There is no room for gloating @ any time. There is plenty of time to reminisce when a successful career is over and you’ve embraced every challenged you faced.
Crisis control is all about defining the moments faced before they define you. Knowing that some form of crisis is in the future, prepare yourself to relax, go with your instincts and what you do well. Parents fall in to the same category as leaders. Do you pass the crisis control test, parents? We’ve asked all in the past if you pass the authenticity test. Now we are asking the same of crisis control.
Do you pass the crisis control test? You will need it to survive the slippery slope of managing, mentoring, parenting and playing. Childrens' and players’ problems need to be solved before they become a crisis. All problems need to be solved before there is a tragic ending. Taking care of the little problems as they happen averts tragedy and crisis. It all starts by being a detail person with a strict routine; one who cares about others before any personal gains.
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325
Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
managing, mentoring, parenting, playing
Hockey is an impossible game to play afraid. It’s a violent sport and things happen out there. You can’t be tentative. If you are, you are going to get hit, and inevitably, hurt. Going hard gives you a chance to initiate versus retaliate. Playing afraid falls in to other categories like: Afraid to lose, afraid to perform and afraid to win. Just play your game, relax, be aggressive, go with your instincts and do what you do best. Panicking in any situation has never served anyone or anything well. Solve all the little problems and you are less likely to experience big problems; probably the best crisis control there is.
Crisis control, in all situations, is paramount. It comes in to play when attempting to make a team, being a part of the final roster, consistently performing day in and day out, coming off a bad performance or benching, coming out of losing streaks and in the play offs under stress. It all comes down to relaxing, doing what you do well and going with your instincts. Confidence in yourself and your team is all part of the equation. Having a trust in those you work for, and play with, is an important part of the equation. Trusting your instincts and your game is part of the equation. It starts with you doing very well without the puck and moves to doing what you can with a puck.
Crisis control starts with leadership; how they handle themselves in tough situations. Five men that come to mind for me are George Gund, eMario Lemieux, Craig Patrick, Fred Shero and Ray Shero; totally different personalities but a similar approach when it comes to crisis control. They believe that winners win and winners express themselves with no panic; and no one hands anything to them. "Just play; just work."
The game is an aspect of life. The people who play it have sons and daughter, fathers and mothers, relatives and friends. What happens out there can be bigger than the game; whether getting hurt or accepting the challenge when opportunity is there. The challenge may be the challenge of making a team, staying on the team, playing consistently well to avoid riding the pine, and going through ups and downs while winning championships. Every community, every organization, every team, every player, every situation, has a different meaning and different expectation. Expectations are in line with bringing others in to your life, talent levels and ability to express your talent individually as well as in a team setting.
The game is easier to play when you are both relaxed and angry. The thought of annihilating your opponent is a good thought and will go a long ways towards helping you survive in the game. Do everything in your power to make them fail. There is no room for gloating @ any time. There is plenty of time to reminisce when a successful career is over and you’ve embraced every challenged you faced.
Crisis control is all about defining the moments faced before they define you. Knowing that some form of crisis is in the future, prepare yourself to relax, go with your instincts and what you do well. Parents fall in to the same category as leaders. Do you pass the crisis control test, parents? We’ve asked all in the past if you pass the authenticity test. Now we are asking the same of crisis control.
Do you pass the crisis control test? You will need it to survive the slippery slope of managing, mentoring, parenting and playing. Childrens' and players’ problems need to be solved before they become a crisis. All problems need to be solved before there is a tragic ending. Taking care of the little problems as they happen averts tragedy and crisis. It all starts by being a detail person with a strict routine; one who cares about others before any personal gains.
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325
Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
Monday, November 29, 2010
Tribute to Biscuit another Legend @ MHC
Biscuit; Legend @ MHC
May 24, 1996 – November 29, 2010
Courage – Fortitude – Caring - Special
When Herb Brooks was killed in a tragic car accident, I took time to document everything I could remember about our relationship. I spent about three weeks typing what I could remember. The writing went over 8,000 words.
Biscuit passed quietly away on November 29, 2010. I’ve asked Clairene to type up some memories and I will do my best to recount our life together and its meaning. I will always remember I was sitting in a Springhill Suites @ 0910 in Renton, WA when I received the text message fm Clairene that this precious dog quietly passed away. The text read, “I gave our girl many hugs and kisses fm both of us. She has gone to doggy heaven. I just got home. She relaxed and everything went well. No more pain.”
When I think of different people in my life, I have to include the dogs we’ve had over the years. You get this numbing feeling and then the emotions start to flow. I left the room, went down to the elliptical machine in the exercise room and called Clairene to talk about Biscuit’s last living moments.
I wanted to know about her body, eyes and demeanor. She had to have lived in a lot of pain these past few years without complaining one time; falling down and unable to get up @ times.
Biscuit spent her last moments on a blanket in Milton, FL @ the vet. She has been in arthritic pain for a number of years now and spent the last summer unable to go to the Camp because she was unable to walk up the steps. This alone was a sad moment because she has been a part of MHC for fourteen (14) years. She went every day for seventy straight days as well as days before and after. Her favorite spot was under Clairene’s desk away fm everyone but there was the odd camper she would gravitate to; especially around lunch and dinner.
She could always tell when it was Gringo burger day. She could smell the grill fm her place in the office and she got out of the office as soon as she could because she knew the cook would look after her. Many times that cook was me.
She would wander over to my desk when Clairene left the office or she heard the treats rattle in a plastic bottle. When she came to work each morning, the first thing she did was come and lay under my desk until I pulled out a treat. Once finished, she got up and moved to her favorite spot with the woman she loved as her keeper in the office next door.
She knew we were ready to go when the computer signaled that Microsoft Office was shutting down. She got up to go as soon as she heard the music. She could also tell when the phones were being call-forwarded and got up to leave then, also.
She had inner ear problems and always came up to see if you would rub her ears. She made you do this until you got tired.
I will never forget how scared she was when she was shipped fm Kentucky by our son, Dino. She came by plane and she had her dog cage that we had bought for the trip. Once out of that cage, she refused to ever get in that cage again. It still sits in our garage; brand new, one trip. Dino wanted us to have this dog and I was the one who pushed it. She was taken off the plane, put in our 94 Ford truck and she crawled in to a corner scared stiff. When we arrived @ our home in Lakeshore fm Minneapolis airport, she got out of the car, ran and hid under our neighbor’s car in the mud. I had to crawl under the car to get her out.
It took a while for her to get used to us but it wasn’t long and she was sleeping in a King sized bed every night of her life with us. She came up every night by our pillow, played a while and then moved down to the end of the bed. This was a ritual for many years. She always finished the moment with a kiss for each of us before moving to the end of the bed.
She would always let me know when she wanted to go to bed and I most always accommodated her; especially in her later years when I felt guilty being away all the time.
Then there was Chippy the little Chipmunk that liked to hang around our deck @ home. Chippy was always bugging Biscuit showing up chirping her fm most anywhere close to the deck. Biscuit would take after her and she would duck in a hole. All you had to do was say, “Where’s Chippy and Biscuit ears popped up and she was looking.
She could always tell when we were going church on Sunday. She acted different than when we put our coats on to go out. Once the coats were on she would go over by the treats and just sit there waiting until we got some for her.
She went to Clairene’s workouts up in the garage every morning that Claire went. She would lay there and listen for the Stairmaster to signal the end and then she would goof around on the floor with Claire while she was doing her exercises.
She knew she could wake you up by shaking her collar so she simply got up and then proceeding to wake us up to start the day. It didn’t matter when, she got your attention and I don’t ever remember anyone being mad.
We have two sunning chairs in Florida. She would come out with us. She would wait until one of us got up and she would be in your chair when you came back. It was usually my chair because she was used to sunning with Claire when I was gone. She wasn’t about to move, either.
When camp starts, it will be interesting to see what Luke and Pepper think. Who will finally take her spot under Claire’s desk in the office? The three of them found a way to hang around every day during the summer.
I will always remember our days in the boat together and how she would sense we were coming back home and go to the front of the boat. She did something similar each time we turned on to Birchwood Hills Drive. She could be sleeping and she would get up as we turned and start looking for deer in the road.
We are going to miss walking the grounds with her down in Florida. It is a twenty (20) minute walk around the property. She always hated to go because the little prickly plants were hard on her feet, but she came and all was fine once she got going.
Biscuit was a unique Lab, one who very carefully picked her friends. She was very difficult to get to know and we believe it stems fm how she was treated when born in Kentucky.
Biscuit was one you could never figure out. She reminded me of all the great coaches in the game. They are firm, fair, and loyal to their players and you cannot figure them out; they always keep you guessing. I liked her name because I’ve been shooting a “biscuit” since I was three (3)nyears old on ice rinks. She had the name before she came to us.
Dogs are an unbelievable prototype for all that unconditional love and respect stand for. They stand by you in all situations. They are there wagging their tail no matter what is going on in your mind or life. They epitomize the ability to get out of themselves and bring others in to their life. They literally force you to love them. What a unique skill; something any human being is capable of acquiring and a skill much needed in any locker room setting.
Can you imagine a sports locker room filled with the personality of a dog? There would be more love and respect in that room than anyone could imagine. Dogs unconditionally accept you for who you are and what you bring to the mix. They seem to recognize the unique skills you have and they respect you for it. They respond to any indication of love immediately and they have your back when you develop loyalty, trust and respect in your relationship. While not automatic, it is all there when you work @ it.
We loved her so much that we purchased a small RV called Born Free, Built for Two and Biscuit, to travel back and forth to Florida each year. November 16 to 19 was her final trip and she made the trip like a warrior, even though she was in great pain and struggled to get down the ramp we built for her to get in and out of the RV. She rarely came up between the seats this trip like she did so many times in the past. There were moments, though, when she thought we had some food to give her. She didn’t ask to get up in one of our beds like she had in the past. Something told us this would be her last trip.
I have to mention Clairene’s caring for Biscuit when it came to lotions on her body and cleaning her ears. She was diligent about it and Biscuit had an appreciation for it once the application was over. She treated her no different than she would a child or grandchild and Biscuit never left her side in all of their time together.
Biscuit is one who has taught me a lot about how life should really work. You had to be real honest to earn her love, respect and loyalty. While gone too much in my job, we had our moments where I knew she loved me; especially when she got up in the living room between 2100 and 2200 hours to remind me she would like to go to bed. I loved this yellow Lab. She will always have her place in my life. I will always treasure our relationship and life with her and Clairene.
We left Nisswa on November 16, 2010 in a Born Free Built for Two and Biscuit. We arrived in Florida on November 18, 2010. We are now down to a Born Free Built for Two without Biscuit, but Biscuit will always be remembered for the valued role she played in our lives. There will never a day when I will say, “She was just a Dog.”
Two great side stories involving two of our dogs, Buffy and Biscuit are:
More than once I came home, gone to sleep that night, woke up with my leg hangin off the bed during the night, and asked Claire if the dog could move over so I could have room. Her reply was, “What for, she is here more than you are.”
Another time I overheard her say, “Don’t worry Buffy, he will be gone in a couple of days and we’ll have more room.”
Claire sent the following fm her sister, Carol:
If it should be that I grow frail and weak and pain should keep me from my sleep.
Then you must do what must be done for this the last battle can’t be won.
Don’t let grief stay your hand.
For this day more than the rest your love and friendship stand the test.
We had so many happy years.
What is to come can hold no fear your want of me not to suffer..
So when the time has come to let me go.
I know you will see it is the kindness you do for me.
Although my tail it is the last wave from pain and suffering.
I have been saved.
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.
Our memories I will cherish for all the years.
I will rest in Peace, my friend.
Love you always,
Biscuit
To: Biscuit
While sorry to hear about the passing of our beloved dog, we can sit and go back over the great memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who go through this type of traumatic time. No one can ever prepare us for the day we lose anyone in our life. The only thing that gets us through the moment is all the love and caring that comes from those around us; plus the fact we know she knows we loved her during her time on earth.
She passed away realizing we raised a great dog; one who was detailed in everything she did and one who cared about others before anything personal. This is the highest honor any dog owner can receive.
Our love will forever live with our dog, Biscuit.
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325
Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com - All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
May 24, 1996 – November 29, 2010
Courage – Fortitude – Caring - Special
When Herb Brooks was killed in a tragic car accident, I took time to document everything I could remember about our relationship. I spent about three weeks typing what I could remember. The writing went over 8,000 words.
Biscuit passed quietly away on November 29, 2010. I’ve asked Clairene to type up some memories and I will do my best to recount our life together and its meaning. I will always remember I was sitting in a Springhill Suites @ 0910 in Renton, WA when I received the text message fm Clairene that this precious dog quietly passed away. The text read, “I gave our girl many hugs and kisses fm both of us. She has gone to doggy heaven. I just got home. She relaxed and everything went well. No more pain.”
When I think of different people in my life, I have to include the dogs we’ve had over the years. You get this numbing feeling and then the emotions start to flow. I left the room, went down to the elliptical machine in the exercise room and called Clairene to talk about Biscuit’s last living moments.
I wanted to know about her body, eyes and demeanor. She had to have lived in a lot of pain these past few years without complaining one time; falling down and unable to get up @ times.
Biscuit spent her last moments on a blanket in Milton, FL @ the vet. She has been in arthritic pain for a number of years now and spent the last summer unable to go to the Camp because she was unable to walk up the steps. This alone was a sad moment because she has been a part of MHC for fourteen (14) years. She went every day for seventy straight days as well as days before and after. Her favorite spot was under Clairene’s desk away fm everyone but there was the odd camper she would gravitate to; especially around lunch and dinner.
She could always tell when it was Gringo burger day. She could smell the grill fm her place in the office and she got out of the office as soon as she could because she knew the cook would look after her. Many times that cook was me.
She would wander over to my desk when Clairene left the office or she heard the treats rattle in a plastic bottle. When she came to work each morning, the first thing she did was come and lay under my desk until I pulled out a treat. Once finished, she got up and moved to her favorite spot with the woman she loved as her keeper in the office next door.
She knew we were ready to go when the computer signaled that Microsoft Office was shutting down. She got up to go as soon as she heard the music. She could also tell when the phones were being call-forwarded and got up to leave then, also.
She had inner ear problems and always came up to see if you would rub her ears. She made you do this until you got tired.
I will never forget how scared she was when she was shipped fm Kentucky by our son, Dino. She came by plane and she had her dog cage that we had bought for the trip. Once out of that cage, she refused to ever get in that cage again. It still sits in our garage; brand new, one trip. Dino wanted us to have this dog and I was the one who pushed it. She was taken off the plane, put in our 94 Ford truck and she crawled in to a corner scared stiff. When we arrived @ our home in Lakeshore fm Minneapolis airport, she got out of the car, ran and hid under our neighbor’s car in the mud. I had to crawl under the car to get her out.
It took a while for her to get used to us but it wasn’t long and she was sleeping in a King sized bed every night of her life with us. She came up every night by our pillow, played a while and then moved down to the end of the bed. This was a ritual for many years. She always finished the moment with a kiss for each of us before moving to the end of the bed.
She would always let me know when she wanted to go to bed and I most always accommodated her; especially in her later years when I felt guilty being away all the time.
Then there was Chippy the little Chipmunk that liked to hang around our deck @ home. Chippy was always bugging Biscuit showing up chirping her fm most anywhere close to the deck. Biscuit would take after her and she would duck in a hole. All you had to do was say, “Where’s Chippy and Biscuit ears popped up and she was looking.
She could always tell when we were going church on Sunday. She acted different than when we put our coats on to go out. Once the coats were on she would go over by the treats and just sit there waiting until we got some for her.
She went to Clairene’s workouts up in the garage every morning that Claire went. She would lay there and listen for the Stairmaster to signal the end and then she would goof around on the floor with Claire while she was doing her exercises.
She knew she could wake you up by shaking her collar so she simply got up and then proceeding to wake us up to start the day. It didn’t matter when, she got your attention and I don’t ever remember anyone being mad.
We have two sunning chairs in Florida. She would come out with us. She would wait until one of us got up and she would be in your chair when you came back. It was usually my chair because she was used to sunning with Claire when I was gone. She wasn’t about to move, either.
When camp starts, it will be interesting to see what Luke and Pepper think. Who will finally take her spot under Claire’s desk in the office? The three of them found a way to hang around every day during the summer.
I will always remember our days in the boat together and how she would sense we were coming back home and go to the front of the boat. She did something similar each time we turned on to Birchwood Hills Drive. She could be sleeping and she would get up as we turned and start looking for deer in the road.
We are going to miss walking the grounds with her down in Florida. It is a twenty (20) minute walk around the property. She always hated to go because the little prickly plants were hard on her feet, but she came and all was fine once she got going.
Biscuit was a unique Lab, one who very carefully picked her friends. She was very difficult to get to know and we believe it stems fm how she was treated when born in Kentucky.
Biscuit was one you could never figure out. She reminded me of all the great coaches in the game. They are firm, fair, and loyal to their players and you cannot figure them out; they always keep you guessing. I liked her name because I’ve been shooting a “biscuit” since I was three (3)nyears old on ice rinks. She had the name before she came to us.
Dogs are an unbelievable prototype for all that unconditional love and respect stand for. They stand by you in all situations. They are there wagging their tail no matter what is going on in your mind or life. They epitomize the ability to get out of themselves and bring others in to their life. They literally force you to love them. What a unique skill; something any human being is capable of acquiring and a skill much needed in any locker room setting.
Can you imagine a sports locker room filled with the personality of a dog? There would be more love and respect in that room than anyone could imagine. Dogs unconditionally accept you for who you are and what you bring to the mix. They seem to recognize the unique skills you have and they respect you for it. They respond to any indication of love immediately and they have your back when you develop loyalty, trust and respect in your relationship. While not automatic, it is all there when you work @ it.
We loved her so much that we purchased a small RV called Born Free, Built for Two and Biscuit, to travel back and forth to Florida each year. November 16 to 19 was her final trip and she made the trip like a warrior, even though she was in great pain and struggled to get down the ramp we built for her to get in and out of the RV. She rarely came up between the seats this trip like she did so many times in the past. There were moments, though, when she thought we had some food to give her. She didn’t ask to get up in one of our beds like she had in the past. Something told us this would be her last trip.
I have to mention Clairene’s caring for Biscuit when it came to lotions on her body and cleaning her ears. She was diligent about it and Biscuit had an appreciation for it once the application was over. She treated her no different than she would a child or grandchild and Biscuit never left her side in all of their time together.
Biscuit is one who has taught me a lot about how life should really work. You had to be real honest to earn her love, respect and loyalty. While gone too much in my job, we had our moments where I knew she loved me; especially when she got up in the living room between 2100 and 2200 hours to remind me she would like to go to bed. I loved this yellow Lab. She will always have her place in my life. I will always treasure our relationship and life with her and Clairene.
We left Nisswa on November 16, 2010 in a Born Free Built for Two and Biscuit. We arrived in Florida on November 18, 2010. We are now down to a Born Free Built for Two without Biscuit, but Biscuit will always be remembered for the valued role she played in our lives. There will never a day when I will say, “She was just a Dog.”
Two great side stories involving two of our dogs, Buffy and Biscuit are:
More than once I came home, gone to sleep that night, woke up with my leg hangin off the bed during the night, and asked Claire if the dog could move over so I could have room. Her reply was, “What for, she is here more than you are.”
Another time I overheard her say, “Don’t worry Buffy, he will be gone in a couple of days and we’ll have more room.”
Claire sent the following fm her sister, Carol:
If it should be that I grow frail and weak and pain should keep me from my sleep.
Then you must do what must be done for this the last battle can’t be won.
Don’t let grief stay your hand.
For this day more than the rest your love and friendship stand the test.
We had so many happy years.
What is to come can hold no fear your want of me not to suffer..
So when the time has come to let me go.
I know you will see it is the kindness you do for me.
Although my tail it is the last wave from pain and suffering.
I have been saved.
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.
Our memories I will cherish for all the years.
I will rest in Peace, my friend.
Love you always,
Biscuit
To: Biscuit
While sorry to hear about the passing of our beloved dog, we can sit and go back over the great memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who go through this type of traumatic time. No one can ever prepare us for the day we lose anyone in our life. The only thing that gets us through the moment is all the love and caring that comes from those around us; plus the fact we know she knows we loved her during her time on earth.
She passed away realizing we raised a great dog; one who was detailed in everything she did and one who cared about others before anything personal. This is the highest honor any dog owner can receive.
Our love will forever live with our dog, Biscuit.
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325
Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com - All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Garmin Theory of Recalculating
Garmin Theory of Recalculating
We’ve all heard of the Darwin Theory of Evolution. I, failing to reach this level of sophistication, have a new theory. I’ve had the benefit of discussions on long road trips with a couple of colleagues of mine who cause a person to think. We decided to create a new “theory of recalculating to prevent tragedy” and named it after the GPS in our rental car.
We believe in the Garmin Theory of Recalculating. We’ve all been there. Whether a case of getting old, not fitting in, going off course, philosophical differences, losing streaks or just maintaining, sustaining and building on a great experience (career), growing as a player, growing as a person, the Garmin Theory of Recalculating comes in to play.
Being a healthy scratch, or experiencing a prolonged slump, simply triggers the word “Recalculate”. The misfortune of being scratched in a game, or a prolonged slump, is not a whole lot different than going off course on a trip. Your mind should be saying, “Recalculating”.
The hardest part about getting old is watching your value decline as your skills erode. This doesn’t mean you quit trying to make an impact. Simply, “Recalculate”. Going off course as an organization sends a quick signal, “Recalculate”. The picture is clear. The Gamin Theory of Recalculating is the wave of the future and has the potential for helping any situation have a happy ending.
During the course of a few twenty-five hundred (2,500) mile road trips, and occasional twelve thousand (12,000) while looking for talent, one has a lot of time to think. There is plenty of opportunity to go off course. When you do, the Garmin is quick to say, “Recalculating”. One word, a few seconds of recalculating and you are back on course to your destination. Every person, unit, department, team, organization, city, state, nation and world is confronted with this problem many times over the course of a season, span of careers and life of a company.
Much of this has to do with acquiring the skill to navigate through unchartered waters. Once acquired, you basically have what it takes to conquer most any situation. Life, and the game, is a test of intangibles once you reach the skill level required for each level or task.
This is a perfect opportunity to pass the Fortitude Test and get back on course. Even the best are forced to recalculate if they are to maintain their number one position. The perfect example is Heinz Ketchup. How many times have they had to recalculate to maintain their lofty position in the Ketchup industry? They could be satisfied with their lofty position but their R & D department is always taking the time to assess, improve and recalculate.
We get ourselves in a position to pass the Fortitude Test more times than we would like to think over the course of a career and lifetime. When you get back in the lineup, or recalculate your life’s course, you will have added Fortitude to your long resume of assets. You will have the mental and emotional strength, as well as courage, to face difficulty, adversity and uncertainty. You will acquire the spirit to do well in spite of obstacles. You will have the patience to weather the storm.
You will get back on course as soon as your mind recognizes the situation and says, “Recalculating”.
This doesn’t eliminate the need for support people that every person needs but it does give you an inner strength and awareness as we recognize being forced to “recalculate” many times over the course of a career and lifetime. This extends beyond one person to units, teams, organizations, cities, states, nations and the world.
So the next time you, or something you are a part of, goes off course, simply think the Garmin way, “Recalculating”. Think it through, ask questions, seek support and encourage ideas. You will be back on the right course and arrive @ your destination with a happy ending.
If you see someone in need of recalculating, reach out and help them help themselves. If it involves your organization, reach out and make a statement that causes those in charge to think things through. People with high caring levels recognize the need, and value, of “recalculating” and the role it plays in preventing a tragedy; personal, organizational or beyond.
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325
Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com - All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
We’ve all heard of the Darwin Theory of Evolution. I, failing to reach this level of sophistication, have a new theory. I’ve had the benefit of discussions on long road trips with a couple of colleagues of mine who cause a person to think. We decided to create a new “theory of recalculating to prevent tragedy” and named it after the GPS in our rental car.
We believe in the Garmin Theory of Recalculating. We’ve all been there. Whether a case of getting old, not fitting in, going off course, philosophical differences, losing streaks or just maintaining, sustaining and building on a great experience (career), growing as a player, growing as a person, the Garmin Theory of Recalculating comes in to play.
Being a healthy scratch, or experiencing a prolonged slump, simply triggers the word “Recalculate”. The misfortune of being scratched in a game, or a prolonged slump, is not a whole lot different than going off course on a trip. Your mind should be saying, “Recalculating”.
The hardest part about getting old is watching your value decline as your skills erode. This doesn’t mean you quit trying to make an impact. Simply, “Recalculate”. Going off course as an organization sends a quick signal, “Recalculate”. The picture is clear. The Gamin Theory of Recalculating is the wave of the future and has the potential for helping any situation have a happy ending.
During the course of a few twenty-five hundred (2,500) mile road trips, and occasional twelve thousand (12,000) while looking for talent, one has a lot of time to think. There is plenty of opportunity to go off course. When you do, the Garmin is quick to say, “Recalculating”. One word, a few seconds of recalculating and you are back on course to your destination. Every person, unit, department, team, organization, city, state, nation and world is confronted with this problem many times over the course of a season, span of careers and life of a company.
Much of this has to do with acquiring the skill to navigate through unchartered waters. Once acquired, you basically have what it takes to conquer most any situation. Life, and the game, is a test of intangibles once you reach the skill level required for each level or task.
This is a perfect opportunity to pass the Fortitude Test and get back on course. Even the best are forced to recalculate if they are to maintain their number one position. The perfect example is Heinz Ketchup. How many times have they had to recalculate to maintain their lofty position in the Ketchup industry? They could be satisfied with their lofty position but their R & D department is always taking the time to assess, improve and recalculate.
We get ourselves in a position to pass the Fortitude Test more times than we would like to think over the course of a career and lifetime. When you get back in the lineup, or recalculate your life’s course, you will have added Fortitude to your long resume of assets. You will have the mental and emotional strength, as well as courage, to face difficulty, adversity and uncertainty. You will acquire the spirit to do well in spite of obstacles. You will have the patience to weather the storm.
You will get back on course as soon as your mind recognizes the situation and says, “Recalculating”.
This doesn’t eliminate the need for support people that every person needs but it does give you an inner strength and awareness as we recognize being forced to “recalculate” many times over the course of a career and lifetime. This extends beyond one person to units, teams, organizations, cities, states, nations and the world.
So the next time you, or something you are a part of, goes off course, simply think the Garmin way, “Recalculating”. Think it through, ask questions, seek support and encourage ideas. You will be back on the right course and arrive @ your destination with a happy ending.
If you see someone in need of recalculating, reach out and help them help themselves. If it involves your organization, reach out and make a statement that causes those in charge to think things through. People with high caring levels recognize the need, and value, of “recalculating” and the role it plays in preventing a tragedy; personal, organizational or beyond.
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325
Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com - All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Medal of Honor; It's Place In Society
Medal of Honor for Actions in Afghanistan
Honored Soldier “as humble as he is heroic”
The honor ceremony was both joyous and bittersweet. President Obama gave Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta the Medal of Honor while describing him “as humble as he is heroic”. This was the first time in forty (40) years that this honor has been given to a living service member.
The President went off script to say, “I really like this guy.” “When you meet Sal, and you meet his family, you are just absolutely convinced that this is what America is all about. It just makes you feel proud.” If this is what America is about, then this is front page news to me as a Marine and proud citizen of this country.
He saluted Giunta for “uncommon valor” and described in detail how he charged in to Taliban fire to assist a fallen soldier and to rescue another who had been captured during an ambush in Afghanistan on October 25, 2007.
Staff Sergeant Giunta gave a choked up response by saying, “I would give this back in a second to have my friends back with me right now.”
The President went on to say, “You may not believe that you deserve this honor, but it was your fellow soldiers who recommended you for this honor. By charging in to extreme enemy fire, you embody the warrior ethos that I will never leave a fallen comrade.”
Salvatore Giunta responded by saying, “Every single person I was with would have done what I did, possibly even better, but they were doing other things.”
Eleven of Giunta’s comrades fm the battle attended the ceremony in addition to Giunta’s family and parents of the two dead soldiers, one of whom Giunta had risked his life to save.
The Medal is for “unwavering courage” and “extraordinary heroism”.
He was then inducted in to the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes. Giunta is just the eighth person to receive a medal for service in Iraq and Afghanistan. Three thousand four hundred (3,400) have been bestowed since 1861.
I am writing this to illustrate how far off track our country is fm the day our country was founded for all the right reasons. This ceremony was page 5A news in the USA Today while the paper awarded the front page to former sports icons, alcoholic energy drinks and former high ranking military officers who are overpaid shielded mentors.
We worry about the leadership, financial crisis and where this country is going. We can start by putting everything in to perspective and making the real heroes’ front page news. This is a good start and we can build on everything fm this point.
If you start with honor, integrity, unwavering courage and extraordinary heroism, it’s easier for the rest to come together; whether a country, corporation or team. It’s all about caring levels and helping people help themselves.
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325
Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com - All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
Honored Soldier “as humble as he is heroic”
The honor ceremony was both joyous and bittersweet. President Obama gave Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta the Medal of Honor while describing him “as humble as he is heroic”. This was the first time in forty (40) years that this honor has been given to a living service member.
The President went off script to say, “I really like this guy.” “When you meet Sal, and you meet his family, you are just absolutely convinced that this is what America is all about. It just makes you feel proud.” If this is what America is about, then this is front page news to me as a Marine and proud citizen of this country.
He saluted Giunta for “uncommon valor” and described in detail how he charged in to Taliban fire to assist a fallen soldier and to rescue another who had been captured during an ambush in Afghanistan on October 25, 2007.
Staff Sergeant Giunta gave a choked up response by saying, “I would give this back in a second to have my friends back with me right now.”
The President went on to say, “You may not believe that you deserve this honor, but it was your fellow soldiers who recommended you for this honor. By charging in to extreme enemy fire, you embody the warrior ethos that I will never leave a fallen comrade.”
Salvatore Giunta responded by saying, “Every single person I was with would have done what I did, possibly even better, but they were doing other things.”
Eleven of Giunta’s comrades fm the battle attended the ceremony in addition to Giunta’s family and parents of the two dead soldiers, one of whom Giunta had risked his life to save.
The Medal is for “unwavering courage” and “extraordinary heroism”.
He was then inducted in to the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes. Giunta is just the eighth person to receive a medal for service in Iraq and Afghanistan. Three thousand four hundred (3,400) have been bestowed since 1861.
I am writing this to illustrate how far off track our country is fm the day our country was founded for all the right reasons. This ceremony was page 5A news in the USA Today while the paper awarded the front page to former sports icons, alcoholic energy drinks and former high ranking military officers who are overpaid shielded mentors.
We worry about the leadership, financial crisis and where this country is going. We can start by putting everything in to perspective and making the real heroes’ front page news. This is a good start and we can build on everything fm this point.
If you start with honor, integrity, unwavering courage and extraordinary heroism, it’s easier for the rest to come together; whether a country, corporation or team. It’s all about caring levels and helping people help themselves.
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325
Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com - All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
Monday, October 25, 2010
Hope, Help, Belief, Nurture
Hope, Belief, Nurture
The word Hope, like all players, needs support. Hope with the words critique, support, help, nurture, belief, opportunity, more nurturing, all sprinkled in, is one of the greatest words in sports.
Words, like people, need support to have meaning. Doses of reality are fine when applied properly.
Hope diminishes as staffs grow in numbers until a staff begins to operate like the great teams that grew because each person recognized the unique assets of their colleagues and it all comes together
Hope, like luck, isn't random. There are support words that enhance chances of Hope becoming aspirations and dreams come true.
Hope, Help, Belief & Love: Four (4) of the greatest words in sports and life. Intertwined they become the most powerful. Hope supported by helping others help themselves creates a synergy in an organization that you can feel and it runs right though you.
Hope is an important part of the equation when you recruit or draft a player. Hope is a big deal in sports. I met a guy in this business years ago that told me he was going to minimize the word Hope in the process of recruiting, scouting and drafting. I listened with an open mind and looked forward to the day we were going to revolutionize the world of recruiting and scouting. I’ve had others since, that I respect, come up with some practical predictability solutions that help minimize but we will never eliminate the word. Most important, let’s find a way to work with it.
Hope goes beyond Hoping the players make it. Hope starts with recruiters and scouts hoping people on the staff have the talent to teach, help, nurture and believe with an open mind, heart, and eyes. Hope is hoping there is a caring level beyond most. Hope is belief and knowing that the recruiting and scouting staff saw something in the player and person worth nurturing. Where would we be without Hope?
If Hope is Belief with a lot of Love and determination, I'm good with that. It will work.
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325
Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
The word Hope, like all players, needs support. Hope with the words critique, support, help, nurture, belief, opportunity, more nurturing, all sprinkled in, is one of the greatest words in sports.
Words, like people, need support to have meaning. Doses of reality are fine when applied properly.
Hope diminishes as staffs grow in numbers until a staff begins to operate like the great teams that grew because each person recognized the unique assets of their colleagues and it all comes together
Hope, like luck, isn't random. There are support words that enhance chances of Hope becoming aspirations and dreams come true.
Hope, Help, Belief & Love: Four (4) of the greatest words in sports and life. Intertwined they become the most powerful. Hope supported by helping others help themselves creates a synergy in an organization that you can feel and it runs right though you.
Hope is an important part of the equation when you recruit or draft a player. Hope is a big deal in sports. I met a guy in this business years ago that told me he was going to minimize the word Hope in the process of recruiting, scouting and drafting. I listened with an open mind and looked forward to the day we were going to revolutionize the world of recruiting and scouting. I’ve had others since, that I respect, come up with some practical predictability solutions that help minimize but we will never eliminate the word. Most important, let’s find a way to work with it.
Hope goes beyond Hoping the players make it. Hope starts with recruiters and scouts hoping people on the staff have the talent to teach, help, nurture and believe with an open mind, heart, and eyes. Hope is hoping there is a caring level beyond most. Hope is belief and knowing that the recruiting and scouting staff saw something in the player and person worth nurturing. Where would we be without Hope?
If Hope is Belief with a lot of Love and determination, I'm good with that. It will work.
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325
Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
Monday, October 11, 2010
AUTHENTICITY; Something Pure and Good
Authenticity; Something Pure and Good
Everyone likes something pure and good. This is where it starts. I’ve been witness to performances by athletes that I would like to remember for a long time. The one way to ensure this is to duplicate the moment with consistency realizing it just needs to represent all that was pure and good in the moment. This is an athlete that clearly understands the importance of separating themselves fm the group while still blending in to the team concept.
This is one important part of being a human being; making sure you keep the exciting parts of being human present in your life. If this isn’t incentive, nothing is.
There is nothing like an incorruptible athlete that represents an authentic heart, authentic passion and unwillingness to compromise. Hockey players are both strong and fragile when you weigh in what their body experiences during the course of a game. There is nothing like an athlete who loves to play, plays to win and has people responding to their performance. They are not in it for the money; they learned early on that money follows passion. These athletes and performances restore faith in humanity when the value of role models is being tested. There is nothing like a winner who is authentic, pure and good.
When you see it, you can feel it and it runs right through you. I have observed a number of awe-inspiring players when they are @ the top of their game and their performances appear magical.
The Authenticity of the athlete takes it to a level where it becomes as close to a religious experience as it can get. The Authentic athlete finds a way to duplicate with consistency. They are the type of people who feel they are missing something if they miss training for one day.
How many times have you been @ a game where some young athlete does something out of the ordinary that separates themselves fm the group? Are they aware that this needs to be duplicated? Are they aware of the importance of duplication and consistency in their game? Are they aware of what they did to create this magical moment in their life? Will they build on it? Do they have the support system and mentors in place to build on all the good they do? Is the moment incentive to take it to another level? These questions, and there are many more, need to be answered to enhance the process of taking an athlete to their maximum level.
AUTHENTICITY
People with a passion for life and the game are forever looking for something new or something to solve and represent all that is pure and good. They have an authentic heart, authentic passion and unwillingness to compromise. They are always looking for lessons in life and the game. They are the most curious people I know and they never arrive. This is a prerequisite for being a complete athlete and a good leader.
Can you pass the authenticity test?
The dictionary tells us authentic people have a particular way of dealing with the external world, being faithful to internal rather than external thoughts and ideas. This is a pure measurement for great leaders and great athletes.
“What you see is what you get.”
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325 Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
Everyone likes something pure and good. This is where it starts. I’ve been witness to performances by athletes that I would like to remember for a long time. The one way to ensure this is to duplicate the moment with consistency realizing it just needs to represent all that was pure and good in the moment. This is an athlete that clearly understands the importance of separating themselves fm the group while still blending in to the team concept.
This is one important part of being a human being; making sure you keep the exciting parts of being human present in your life. If this isn’t incentive, nothing is.
There is nothing like an incorruptible athlete that represents an authentic heart, authentic passion and unwillingness to compromise. Hockey players are both strong and fragile when you weigh in what their body experiences during the course of a game. There is nothing like an athlete who loves to play, plays to win and has people responding to their performance. They are not in it for the money; they learned early on that money follows passion. These athletes and performances restore faith in humanity when the value of role models is being tested. There is nothing like a winner who is authentic, pure and good.
When you see it, you can feel it and it runs right through you. I have observed a number of awe-inspiring players when they are @ the top of their game and their performances appear magical.
The Authenticity of the athlete takes it to a level where it becomes as close to a religious experience as it can get. The Authentic athlete finds a way to duplicate with consistency. They are the type of people who feel they are missing something if they miss training for one day.
How many times have you been @ a game where some young athlete does something out of the ordinary that separates themselves fm the group? Are they aware that this needs to be duplicated? Are they aware of the importance of duplication and consistency in their game? Are they aware of what they did to create this magical moment in their life? Will they build on it? Do they have the support system and mentors in place to build on all the good they do? Is the moment incentive to take it to another level? These questions, and there are many more, need to be answered to enhance the process of taking an athlete to their maximum level.
AUTHENTICITY
People with a passion for life and the game are forever looking for something new or something to solve and represent all that is pure and good. They have an authentic heart, authentic passion and unwillingness to compromise. They are always looking for lessons in life and the game. They are the most curious people I know and they never arrive. This is a prerequisite for being a complete athlete and a good leader.
Can you pass the authenticity test?
The dictionary tells us authentic people have a particular way of dealing with the external world, being faithful to internal rather than external thoughts and ideas. This is a pure measurement for great leaders and great athletes.
“What you see is what you get.”
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325 Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
Friday, September 3, 2010
Professions Greatly Pursued
Professions Greatly Pursued
They say, "Every profession is great that is greatly pursued". MHC has a purpose beyond the bottom line. We give young people with talent a purpose in life and we create a "passion" for the game; emptying the holsters and using all the passion and fire within you.
It has been proven that people who talk about their mission in life have higher productivity levels.
When you study the minds of the most successful people in the world, a number of things come to mind. These people are only interested in what it takes to succeed. They pay little or no attention to all those reasons why they are not going to succeed. They know how and why and that is all that matters when they chart the course. They become detail people capable of critiquing themselves on a daily basis and they show compassion for others as they move on and up in life. The live life with a purpose.
The high majority select a mate to enjoy life and share the great moments they work for. That mate plays a huge role by allowing them to live their dream or live their life. Successful teams execute their game plan. They tend to make the other team worry about them.
I was fortunate because my wife allowed me to "live my life". I found ways to thank her numerous times. Once I sent her a little talking bear on Valentines Day. The bear responded when squeezed by saying, "Happy Valentines Day. I Love You, Clairene. Thanks for allowing me to live my life." I also allowed her to live her life because she spent a high percentage of her time keeping up the house, raising the kids and running the hockey camp. She made more of a commitment than me to the real things in life. She is the underlying reason for the success of the camp and all the good you see in the kids is an extension of her beliefs and work.
Winning and doing things the right way raises the self esteem level of an entire community and proves one more time why athletics and all those hard fought battles for arenas stand for everything that is right in life. Hockey has been the beneficiary of adversity. Hockey has had to do most everything on its own.
Young people need balance in their lives. This is why we believe that "extra-curricular" should be called "co-curricular". I've always felt sorry for the "kid who went home at three o’clock". This means they are missing out on the most valuable growth experience in their formative years. We've always felt that the school shops should be open for people who are not interested in other activities. This informal type of education gives mentors an opportunity to build on the all-important intangibles in life.
Successful players, like successful people, take risk. There is a positive correlation between risk takers, winning and success in life. They live on the edge, but they know the consequences in every situation so their risk level is calculated. They know the consequences to the team and to their families and lives. Crunch time brings out the best in them. Offensive players become more focused defensively during the play offs. This is why teams that stress creativity on offense step up their game in the play offs. Very few defensive minded teams can step up their offense.
Team members on successful teams are not all intellects of your class, community or world. I taught school for sixteen years. Every student that possessed the foundation of a person, as described in our Template for Success Program, received a "C" or better in my classes. This means that they possessed the unique skills needed to cultivate their talents. Keep in mind that every person has some kind of talent. Test scores were only there to differentiate between "A" and "B" students, so we were striving for excellence in all areas.
Conversely, students testing out with "A" on my tests had to possess the foundation skills to get an "A" in my classroom. While this caused some problems between some parents and me, the student was the beneficiary because they were better prepared to function in their job once they were hired. Most success stories use their educational opportunities to develop skills far beyond tests and the academic classroom. Busy students with balance in their participation develop the skills of time management and judging people. There aren't too many who make it without the help of someone outside of their immediate family. They learn to judge with improvement being the main objective.
Your career and life is the bi-product of your character, class and charisma.
Attending class every day, interacting with your peers and forming adult relationship with your mentors has more to do with your ultimate success than any book. We need a test that tells us what a young person is made of versus what they know. I conducted "Independent studies during my lunch hour when I was teaching. I still have many of the paintings done by artistic kids during lunch hour. These are kids who failed Art because they were not "original" in the teacher's eyes. I was under the impression that doing a painting off a portrait was an unbelievable skill. This style of teaching is nothing more than recognizing creativity and unique skills. I only provided the nurturing that is so non-existent in these situations.
We can not form a set of beliefs about a player before we encounter them as a person. Knowing the person, and what they stand for, allows us to predict success with more accuracy. When we know the thought process and value system of the person we can make some kind of prediction or judgment on the future.
Successful people have the integrity to be honest with others, control their emotions, develop the social skills to get along with peers and adults, marry a person who will let them "live their lives", and they work beyond the 2,000 hours that the average person is asked to work. Is this normal? No! Did we want to be normal? No! Successful people are above what is normal, or average, in life; always seeking more and never arriving.
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325 Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
They say, "Every profession is great that is greatly pursued". MHC has a purpose beyond the bottom line. We give young people with talent a purpose in life and we create a "passion" for the game; emptying the holsters and using all the passion and fire within you.
It has been proven that people who talk about their mission in life have higher productivity levels.
When you study the minds of the most successful people in the world, a number of things come to mind. These people are only interested in what it takes to succeed. They pay little or no attention to all those reasons why they are not going to succeed. They know how and why and that is all that matters when they chart the course. They become detail people capable of critiquing themselves on a daily basis and they show compassion for others as they move on and up in life. The live life with a purpose.
The high majority select a mate to enjoy life and share the great moments they work for. That mate plays a huge role by allowing them to live their dream or live their life. Successful teams execute their game plan. They tend to make the other team worry about them.
I was fortunate because my wife allowed me to "live my life". I found ways to thank her numerous times. Once I sent her a little talking bear on Valentines Day. The bear responded when squeezed by saying, "Happy Valentines Day. I Love You, Clairene. Thanks for allowing me to live my life." I also allowed her to live her life because she spent a high percentage of her time keeping up the house, raising the kids and running the hockey camp. She made more of a commitment than me to the real things in life. She is the underlying reason for the success of the camp and all the good you see in the kids is an extension of her beliefs and work.
Winning and doing things the right way raises the self esteem level of an entire community and proves one more time why athletics and all those hard fought battles for arenas stand for everything that is right in life. Hockey has been the beneficiary of adversity. Hockey has had to do most everything on its own.
Young people need balance in their lives. This is why we believe that "extra-curricular" should be called "co-curricular". I've always felt sorry for the "kid who went home at three o’clock". This means they are missing out on the most valuable growth experience in their formative years. We've always felt that the school shops should be open for people who are not interested in other activities. This informal type of education gives mentors an opportunity to build on the all-important intangibles in life.
Successful players, like successful people, take risk. There is a positive correlation between risk takers, winning and success in life. They live on the edge, but they know the consequences in every situation so their risk level is calculated. They know the consequences to the team and to their families and lives. Crunch time brings out the best in them. Offensive players become more focused defensively during the play offs. This is why teams that stress creativity on offense step up their game in the play offs. Very few defensive minded teams can step up their offense.
Team members on successful teams are not all intellects of your class, community or world. I taught school for sixteen years. Every student that possessed the foundation of a person, as described in our Template for Success Program, received a "C" or better in my classes. This means that they possessed the unique skills needed to cultivate their talents. Keep in mind that every person has some kind of talent. Test scores were only there to differentiate between "A" and "B" students, so we were striving for excellence in all areas.
Conversely, students testing out with "A" on my tests had to possess the foundation skills to get an "A" in my classroom. While this caused some problems between some parents and me, the student was the beneficiary because they were better prepared to function in their job once they were hired. Most success stories use their educational opportunities to develop skills far beyond tests and the academic classroom. Busy students with balance in their participation develop the skills of time management and judging people. There aren't too many who make it without the help of someone outside of their immediate family. They learn to judge with improvement being the main objective.
Your career and life is the bi-product of your character, class and charisma.
Attending class every day, interacting with your peers and forming adult relationship with your mentors has more to do with your ultimate success than any book. We need a test that tells us what a young person is made of versus what they know. I conducted "Independent studies during my lunch hour when I was teaching. I still have many of the paintings done by artistic kids during lunch hour. These are kids who failed Art because they were not "original" in the teacher's eyes. I was under the impression that doing a painting off a portrait was an unbelievable skill. This style of teaching is nothing more than recognizing creativity and unique skills. I only provided the nurturing that is so non-existent in these situations.
We can not form a set of beliefs about a player before we encounter them as a person. Knowing the person, and what they stand for, allows us to predict success with more accuracy. When we know the thought process and value system of the person we can make some kind of prediction or judgment on the future.
Successful people have the integrity to be honest with others, control their emotions, develop the social skills to get along with peers and adults, marry a person who will let them "live their lives", and they work beyond the 2,000 hours that the average person is asked to work. Is this normal? No! Did we want to be normal? No! Successful people are above what is normal, or average, in life; always seeking more and never arriving.
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325 Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
Friday, August 20, 2010
World Junior Evaluation Camp
World Junior Evaluation Camp
I always find it interesting to listen to the beliefs and thoughts of others when I go to these camps. You have people promoting something that isn’t there and then you have those more than willing to “box in” a young athlete who is nowhere near what he has the potential to be.
The latter one concerns me most because I would never want my own children to “buy in” to those who “box in”. Mentors have the obligation to “nurture nature”. Think about it!
Athletes are beyond becoming what you believe they can be, but it’s difficult for them when you are the one telling them what they can be. I’ve always believed more for young athletes for one simple reason. I’m not going to be the one mentor in their life who stifled their potential as a person or athlete. That being said, I am more than willing to teach them a “back up game”, or “game within their game”, that will enable them to make the next level. Every player needs this and in many cases they end up playing this role @ the NHL level.
Suffice to say, “I know a lot of players who could play @ a higher level in the NHL but do not because of a number of reasons. One, someone “boxed them in” along the way and they “bought in”. Two, their lifestyle keeps them fm putting the finishing touches on their game and in many cases causes them to lose even the secondary role they play on the team. Three, having a “clear head” is imperative for your feet and hands to work @ full capacity. Living right, and being proud for doing it, is the sure way of having a “clear head”. Being able to look in that mirror and like the person you see is paramount to success in any endeavor.
Hockey is a physically and mentally demanding sport. Maximizing your strength is a given. Split second thinking @ the quickest level possible is something to work on and requires a high fitness level. Both require proper rest and nutrition. Living right keeps the mind clear and your mind is in command of your feet and hands.
I would want my child to “buy in” to a temporary role on a World Junior Team if the sole intent was him being able to play this role for the good of the team. I would want those in my care to overachieve in the role so others could emulate them. Learning that role will serve you well down the road because that may be the way you earn the respect @ a higher level that enables you to make it to each level. Making the team has to happen before any of us are able to show what we really can do when given an opportunity.
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325 Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
Monday, August 16, 2010
Living the Brand
Living the Brand
If your life is your business, and every business needs a brand, you better start living the brand! Your life becomes a business the moment you do something to gain notoriety; something out of the ordinary.
Remaining calm, emotional stability @ its finest during the storms, is all part of the internal strength you need while formulating the direction of your brand (life). One way to ensure your brand is going in the right direction is you developing a strictand disciplined routine. Most have no clue how strict and disciplined the routine has to be. Once the routine is in place, you need to find some kind of balance around that routine that includes faith, beliefs, friends and family. If part of the routine is laborious, or tedious, consider yourself lucky because the finished product is the result of all your experiences.
The best piece of advice beyond that is to trust and go with your instincts. This will serve you well in critical moments where split second thinking instincts get you through each situation. Critical moments and game sevens (7) have a way of breaking down basic skills, and simple tactical execution, that are givens. Everything comes down to trusting your game and your instincts.
Being in the public eye is part of being in your life’s business as a player so learn to live with it on a daily basis. The critics are always present. Learn to live with it by building up a resolve reservoir that never empties. Resiliency will become your partner in life.
Suffice to say that being well groomed is all part of living the brand. Once established you are able to create your own identity; what you see is what you get goes on display and it could be totally unique.
Money is secondary to passion because money is the byproduct of the passion you have in everything you do. Money follows passionate people with the ability to express their talent.
When you own a camp, you begin to realize how few realize what it takes to live a brand (your life and career). They have no clue and going on the defensive, when exposed, will only kill the process.
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325 Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
If your life is your business, and every business needs a brand, you better start living the brand! Your life becomes a business the moment you do something to gain notoriety; something out of the ordinary.
Remaining calm, emotional stability @ its finest during the storms, is all part of the internal strength you need while formulating the direction of your brand (life). One way to ensure your brand is going in the right direction is you developing a strictand disciplined routine. Most have no clue how strict and disciplined the routine has to be. Once the routine is in place, you need to find some kind of balance around that routine that includes faith, beliefs, friends and family. If part of the routine is laborious, or tedious, consider yourself lucky because the finished product is the result of all your experiences.
The best piece of advice beyond that is to trust and go with your instincts. This will serve you well in critical moments where split second thinking instincts get you through each situation. Critical moments and game sevens (7) have a way of breaking down basic skills, and simple tactical execution, that are givens. Everything comes down to trusting your game and your instincts.
Being in the public eye is part of being in your life’s business as a player so learn to live with it on a daily basis. The critics are always present. Learn to live with it by building up a resolve reservoir that never empties. Resiliency will become your partner in life.
Suffice to say that being well groomed is all part of living the brand. Once established you are able to create your own identity; what you see is what you get goes on display and it could be totally unique.
Money is secondary to passion because money is the byproduct of the passion you have in everything you do. Money follows passionate people with the ability to express their talent.
When you own a camp, you begin to realize how few realize what it takes to live a brand (your life and career). They have no clue and going on the defensive, when exposed, will only kill the process.
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325 Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
MHC Mission Statement and Purpose
MHC MISSION STATEMENT
To be the best provider of hockey training for athletes, coaches and trainers in the World
To operate the company on a sound financial basis of profitable growth
To reach out to players around the world; making the Camp the most respected in hockey
To reach out to other programs that complements our camp experience
To address the needs of the Brainerd Area community through involvement with youth programs and other worthy causes
To empower employees and athletes to “Be As Much As You Can Be” in a nurturing environment which recognizes unique talents of each individual, unconditional respect for the talents of others, and creativity.
We are in this business to create an awareness of training by exposing assets and liabilities. We are the type of people who force you to make a decision on us; force you to have an opinion on what we do. You will pick sides before you finish our program. We do things from the heart. Aside from the pleasure of owning the camp, if our athletes garner inspiration from their involvement, incentive, or find a way to love training and playing the game, if will be great. You will either love us or leave us. Either way; finish one week and you will be more proud than when you walked on to the grounds.
Image may be everything to the person who takes time to build his own, but substance is everything. You get more out of hockey when you use the game to learn more about life. You develop a love for the game where you can feel it. Only than can you act on your assets and liabilities.
If we don’t have an idea that materializes and changes a person’s life, then what have we got? We wouldn't really have much of anything. We can have talks, research, seminars and meetings. If we don’t have a change in the organization or team, we really have nothing. It’s not too often we get to do something for the first time as we get older. Young people give us an opportunity to create something new every day we work with them.
“Commitment to training the way we train prepares an ordinary person to do extra-ordinary things.”
We are a camp that refuses to follow America's trend. We are still attempting to create the drive and desire that used to exist in the majority of all athletes. It comes as no surprise that the sports world is deteriorating when you consider all the wealth and all that is out there for kids these days. They have a lot of choices outside of the playground setting. We are losing the "hungry" kid that used to be able to afford the game and the wealthy feel they can get by with the gimmicks.
Chris Chelios has a son that told the Gretzky boys that this camp is hard, and he is right. Well, the Gretzky boys took everything we had to offer in stride and hopefully they will return for the right reasons. They received no special treatment and they responded admirably. I have a great deal of respect for them and their upbringing after observing them for two weeks.
I saw something in Dean Chelios that made me want him here for 5 to 7 weeks a summer. I liked what I saw. He was a good kid and performed admirably out of his comfort zone. I know in my own heart we could help him because, like the Gretzky children, he has things you can't teach.
We are in an age where kids get too much too soon and we have too many who think they can "buy success". We have too little focus on consistency and continuity. The intangibles are secondary and kids are being misled as to what it takes to succeed in life and the game. We believe our passion, and love for the game and kids who play it, will rub off on the people who work and play here.
Baseball fields are filled with hungry and poor sand lot ball players, but those sand lots are in a different country. Outdoor rinks are a thing of the past in most areas. Structure and "buying" our way is the norm in AAA hockey.
We still maintain the hope that some hungry kid or some kid who has everything going in life but hockey, will catch and pass up the guy who gets all the breaks. We are an underdog camp with a few elite players to emulate. One of the easiest ways to develop a winner without cost is to elevate the charisma, class and character levels of every young person we meet. These are traits that bring more credibility to the game.
Our country is falling behind in most every sport and we haven't been able to figure out the reasons why. It comes as no surprise to me after traveling all over the world and being witness to the different ideas on training.
This camp has the answer, but few care to listen. There is no replacement for quality training time spent working hard. There is no replacement for the combined humor and sweating with your colleagues. Hard work is fun and will always be. Hard work puts you on a path to "Peace of Mind".
When our society begins to once again endorse that concept we will be on the road to recovery. If a player plays five (5) minutes in a sixty (60) minute game, they will play like it is the most important five (5) minutes of their life. We need to develop players capable of creating an atmosphere (attitude) conducive to success. Hockey players contribute in different ways. In doing so, they feel a sense of ownership and pride; all part of being on a winning team.
"Adults and management have a way of stripping young people of opportunity; if only by a rating system." For some, you may get that “one chance” and you better be ready to make the most of it. For others, they can do no wrong. Right or wrong, the pros have less of a support system for their players than the amateurs. This comes at a time when the support system could be the most important thing in your life.
None of us can say we’ve done it by ourselves, no matter what we accomplish in our lives. Supports systems are crucial to our success; whether amateur or pro. We’ve been witness to over twenty-five (25) training camps during our professional career. Sometimes it is the high risk chance we don’t take that gets the attention of management, then there are the times it is the expression of our unique talents.
Every athlete has to take the approach, "If it can happen, I am going to make it happen."
This was the concept our forefathers envisioned when they laid the foundation for this great country; a model for any team to follow. I would guess there are more than a few rolling around in their graves right now; not too happy with what’s happening in our society.
Team members provide an enormous lift to society and communities when they know they are doing something well. When their light shines, our light shines. It matters not who or what you are; you are no different than the next person.
Our camp changes young peoples’ lives for these very reasons.
The word "mission" is very evident at Minnesota Hockey Camps. We strive to have each person have a communicable, altruistic purpose for what they are doing, especially, for their vocation and profession. We consider our life in hockey an avocation. We are on a mission as mentors of sorts with hopes that the end results are Peace of Mind, Stanley Cup, and a legacy such as our camp in the Brainerd Lakes Area. We still have a chance to win another Cup and Ring. We can readily identify with our mission in life. The purpose is much larger than we are and we feel we can talk about our lives as having a meaningful and worthwhile direction.
Camps have been, are and always will be an important segment of American society. They are a place to let the imagination run. We have a plus having ours in a pristine setting. Young people need camp experiences to grow out and away from their comfort zones. A worthy camp will play a role in the psychological, sociological and physical growth of a child, and ultimately plays a role in their successes in life. The camp can play a similar role in any employee’s life. We embrace a family style setting in and amongst the birch, pines and pristine shores of beautiful Clark Lake. We have a rustic setting with the latest in training techniques.
We are aware of what our company can do to improve the quality of life for people like our players, coaches and support staff. We have a quality place to work and play. We can cite example upon example of how MHC’S service made a difference in individual lives. The self-esteem levels of the people involved are raised considerably, we are saving careers once doomed to fail, and we are improving people's life-styles by recognizing their unique skills.We are helping young people find purpose in their lives and careers and we are helping others discover what they have in common to work together. We've recruited people with the right values to carry out our mission. Per person productivity is up there with the best in the business. The employee's attitudes toward our company are at an all time high.
We know we’ve recruited the right people when they are people who take the time to make sure that some person they don’t know, and may never see again, has a great experience and leaves with something more than when they arrived. These are life changing experiences. The desire to want to be a part of this is a true measure of your worth to society and your profession. Our own aspirations become more defined.
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325 Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
To be the best provider of hockey training for athletes, coaches and trainers in the World
To operate the company on a sound financial basis of profitable growth
To reach out to players around the world; making the Camp the most respected in hockey
To reach out to other programs that complements our camp experience
To address the needs of the Brainerd Area community through involvement with youth programs and other worthy causes
To empower employees and athletes to “Be As Much As You Can Be” in a nurturing environment which recognizes unique talents of each individual, unconditional respect for the talents of others, and creativity.
We are in this business to create an awareness of training by exposing assets and liabilities. We are the type of people who force you to make a decision on us; force you to have an opinion on what we do. You will pick sides before you finish our program. We do things from the heart. Aside from the pleasure of owning the camp, if our athletes garner inspiration from their involvement, incentive, or find a way to love training and playing the game, if will be great. You will either love us or leave us. Either way; finish one week and you will be more proud than when you walked on to the grounds.
Image may be everything to the person who takes time to build his own, but substance is everything. You get more out of hockey when you use the game to learn more about life. You develop a love for the game where you can feel it. Only than can you act on your assets and liabilities.
If we don’t have an idea that materializes and changes a person’s life, then what have we got? We wouldn't really have much of anything. We can have talks, research, seminars and meetings. If we don’t have a change in the organization or team, we really have nothing. It’s not too often we get to do something for the first time as we get older. Young people give us an opportunity to create something new every day we work with them.
“Commitment to training the way we train prepares an ordinary person to do extra-ordinary things.”
We are a camp that refuses to follow America's trend. We are still attempting to create the drive and desire that used to exist in the majority of all athletes. It comes as no surprise that the sports world is deteriorating when you consider all the wealth and all that is out there for kids these days. They have a lot of choices outside of the playground setting. We are losing the "hungry" kid that used to be able to afford the game and the wealthy feel they can get by with the gimmicks.
Chris Chelios has a son that told the Gretzky boys that this camp is hard, and he is right. Well, the Gretzky boys took everything we had to offer in stride and hopefully they will return for the right reasons. They received no special treatment and they responded admirably. I have a great deal of respect for them and their upbringing after observing them for two weeks.
I saw something in Dean Chelios that made me want him here for 5 to 7 weeks a summer. I liked what I saw. He was a good kid and performed admirably out of his comfort zone. I know in my own heart we could help him because, like the Gretzky children, he has things you can't teach.
We are in an age where kids get too much too soon and we have too many who think they can "buy success". We have too little focus on consistency and continuity. The intangibles are secondary and kids are being misled as to what it takes to succeed in life and the game. We believe our passion, and love for the game and kids who play it, will rub off on the people who work and play here.
Baseball fields are filled with hungry and poor sand lot ball players, but those sand lots are in a different country. Outdoor rinks are a thing of the past in most areas. Structure and "buying" our way is the norm in AAA hockey.
We still maintain the hope that some hungry kid or some kid who has everything going in life but hockey, will catch and pass up the guy who gets all the breaks. We are an underdog camp with a few elite players to emulate. One of the easiest ways to develop a winner without cost is to elevate the charisma, class and character levels of every young person we meet. These are traits that bring more credibility to the game.
Our country is falling behind in most every sport and we haven't been able to figure out the reasons why. It comes as no surprise to me after traveling all over the world and being witness to the different ideas on training.
This camp has the answer, but few care to listen. There is no replacement for quality training time spent working hard. There is no replacement for the combined humor and sweating with your colleagues. Hard work is fun and will always be. Hard work puts you on a path to "Peace of Mind".
When our society begins to once again endorse that concept we will be on the road to recovery. If a player plays five (5) minutes in a sixty (60) minute game, they will play like it is the most important five (5) minutes of their life. We need to develop players capable of creating an atmosphere (attitude) conducive to success. Hockey players contribute in different ways. In doing so, they feel a sense of ownership and pride; all part of being on a winning team.
"Adults and management have a way of stripping young people of opportunity; if only by a rating system." For some, you may get that “one chance” and you better be ready to make the most of it. For others, they can do no wrong. Right or wrong, the pros have less of a support system for their players than the amateurs. This comes at a time when the support system could be the most important thing in your life.
None of us can say we’ve done it by ourselves, no matter what we accomplish in our lives. Supports systems are crucial to our success; whether amateur or pro. We’ve been witness to over twenty-five (25) training camps during our professional career. Sometimes it is the high risk chance we don’t take that gets the attention of management, then there are the times it is the expression of our unique talents.
Every athlete has to take the approach, "If it can happen, I am going to make it happen."
This was the concept our forefathers envisioned when they laid the foundation for this great country; a model for any team to follow. I would guess there are more than a few rolling around in their graves right now; not too happy with what’s happening in our society.
Team members provide an enormous lift to society and communities when they know they are doing something well. When their light shines, our light shines. It matters not who or what you are; you are no different than the next person.
Our camp changes young peoples’ lives for these very reasons.
The word "mission" is very evident at Minnesota Hockey Camps. We strive to have each person have a communicable, altruistic purpose for what they are doing, especially, for their vocation and profession. We consider our life in hockey an avocation. We are on a mission as mentors of sorts with hopes that the end results are Peace of Mind, Stanley Cup, and a legacy such as our camp in the Brainerd Lakes Area. We still have a chance to win another Cup and Ring. We can readily identify with our mission in life. The purpose is much larger than we are and we feel we can talk about our lives as having a meaningful and worthwhile direction.
Camps have been, are and always will be an important segment of American society. They are a place to let the imagination run. We have a plus having ours in a pristine setting. Young people need camp experiences to grow out and away from their comfort zones. A worthy camp will play a role in the psychological, sociological and physical growth of a child, and ultimately plays a role in their successes in life. The camp can play a similar role in any employee’s life. We embrace a family style setting in and amongst the birch, pines and pristine shores of beautiful Clark Lake. We have a rustic setting with the latest in training techniques.
We are aware of what our company can do to improve the quality of life for people like our players, coaches and support staff. We have a quality place to work and play. We can cite example upon example of how MHC’S service made a difference in individual lives. The self-esteem levels of the people involved are raised considerably, we are saving careers once doomed to fail, and we are improving people's life-styles by recognizing their unique skills.We are helping young people find purpose in their lives and careers and we are helping others discover what they have in common to work together. We've recruited people with the right values to carry out our mission. Per person productivity is up there with the best in the business. The employee's attitudes toward our company are at an all time high.
We know we’ve recruited the right people when they are people who take the time to make sure that some person they don’t know, and may never see again, has a great experience and leaves with something more than when they arrived. These are life changing experiences. The desire to want to be a part of this is a true measure of your worth to society and your profession. Our own aspirations become more defined.
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325 Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Which One Are We? Critique Ourselves
Which One Are We? Critique Ourselves!
We’ve had a lot of discussions lately about careers, workplace, leisure time, recreation, religion and family. This discussion always seems to surface when we are working about 100 straight days prior, during and after the camp during the summer months when everyone is busy having vacations. Keeping priorities straight while trying to build a career will be a defining moment in most every person’s life. The moment will define, and label, you as an employee or you will define the moment and acquire a great label. I had a good session on the phone with my good friend, Tom Hexum, and we’ve come up with some ideas about work and its place in your life.
The dictionary tells us authentic people have a particular way of dealing with the external world, being faithful to internal rather than external beliefs and ideas. This is a good start for anyone while pursuing a career or multiple careers.
How do you prioritize work and your career? Work – life balance has been an issue for years. Is work on par with faith, family, leisure and recreation or does one have a priority over the other. As a teacher, coach, business owner, NHL scout and executive, I am one who has formed my own provocative opinions during my adult life. The answer is simple for me. The passion for work, especially working with young people, watching them grow and seeing them move on is much more important to me than any of the others. Included in the group are our own children, relatives, children of associates, draft picks, campers, students, future picks, and free agents. Leisure activities, time off and recreation are not on a par with my commitment to my work; not even close. The importance of my work far outweighs anything I do. My faith tells me I should go well beyond my job description and my family benefits more when I do well in my job. So, why not make work a priority?
“When there is work to do, there is no time for other things, but you can find a way to fit some good times in. “Getting it done” is required of anyone pursuing a career and advancement, whether monetary, promotion or both.” They do what it takes regardless of the perceived sacrifice.
The reasoning is simple for me. Work gives you an opportunity to have a better life, more opportunities and gives you a chance to help more people help themselves; including our own family. I’ve always been able to find my share of church, family and leisure activities around my work. Suffice to say I fit it in some way; but not to the max that would be appreciated more by others.
I am witness to all of these young people with aspirations in life and they seem to think everything surrounding work is on par with work. They crave instant gratification. They couldn’t be more wrong. Things don’t just happen. Sometimes you have to scratch and claw your way to success while sacrificing some things you enjoy more or something like faith and family you consider more important.
“Faith based people who fail to go beyond their job description must be reading different scriptures than I’ve read. Faith isn’t a crutch; faith is incentive to enjoy working hard @ what you do or want to do.”
Worst case, you have to make a “real” commitment of some kind and go beyond the ordinary. With 2,000 hrs being the average work year for most, this means you commit far beyond the 2,000 hrs to achieve. 2,000 hrs is mediocrity @ its finest. If you are not interested in being a difference maker, and going beyond your job description, I don’t know how any employer can commit to you. You have no idea the number of people I’ve met that are satisfied to “just do my job”. They are the same people who question why they don’t get a raise and/or promoted.
The great mentors in the world live by the quote: “My obligation and responsibility to you is greater than your obligation and responsibility to me. I will do what it takes and enjoy doing what it takes.” Live by these words, and you end up being the primary beneficiary because people become what you believe they can be. Young coaches get in to the game with the idea of having a great career. Problems arise when their career has priority over those they are working with. This is the opposite of how life works.
We’ve had a lot of discussions lately about careers, workplace, leisure time, recreation, religion and family. This discussion always seems to surface when we are working about 100 straight days prior, during and after the camp during the summer months when everyone is busy having vacations. Keeping priorities straight while trying to build a career will be a defining moment in most every person’s life. The moment will define, and label, you as an employee or you will define the moment and acquire a great label. I had a good session on the phone with my good friend, Tom Hexum, and we’ve come up with some ideas about work and its place in your life.
The dictionary tells us authentic people have a particular way of dealing with the external world, being faithful to internal rather than external beliefs and ideas. This is a good start for anyone while pursuing a career or multiple careers.
How do you prioritize work and your career? Work – life balance has been an issue for years. Is work on par with faith, family, leisure and recreation or does one have a priority over the other. As a teacher, coach, business owner, NHL scout and executive, I am one who has formed my own provocative opinions during my adult life. The answer is simple for me. The passion for work, especially working with young people, watching them grow and seeing them move on is much more important to me than any of the others. Included in the group are our own children, relatives, children of associates, draft picks, campers, students, future picks, and free agents. Leisure activities, time off and recreation are not on a par with my commitment to my work; not even close. The importance of my work far outweighs anything I do. My faith tells me I should go well beyond my job description and my family benefits more when I do well in my job. So, why not make work a priority?
“When there is work to do, there is no time for other things, but you can find a way to fit some good times in. “Getting it done” is required of anyone pursuing a career and advancement, whether monetary, promotion or both.” They do what it takes regardless of the perceived sacrifice.
The reasoning is simple for me. Work gives you an opportunity to have a better life, more opportunities and gives you a chance to help more people help themselves; including our own family. I’ve always been able to find my share of church, family and leisure activities around my work. Suffice to say I fit it in some way; but not to the max that would be appreciated more by others.
I am witness to all of these young people with aspirations in life and they seem to think everything surrounding work is on par with work. They crave instant gratification. They couldn’t be more wrong. Things don’t just happen. Sometimes you have to scratch and claw your way to success while sacrificing some things you enjoy more or something like faith and family you consider more important.
“Faith based people who fail to go beyond their job description must be reading different scriptures than I’ve read. Faith isn’t a crutch; faith is incentive to enjoy working hard @ what you do or want to do.”
Worst case, you have to make a “real” commitment of some kind and go beyond the ordinary. With 2,000 hrs being the average work year for most, this means you commit far beyond the 2,000 hrs to achieve. 2,000 hrs is mediocrity @ its finest. If you are not interested in being a difference maker, and going beyond your job description, I don’t know how any employer can commit to you. You have no idea the number of people I’ve met that are satisfied to “just do my job”. They are the same people who question why they don’t get a raise and/or promoted.
The great mentors in the world live by the quote: “My obligation and responsibility to you is greater than your obligation and responsibility to me. I will do what it takes and enjoy doing what it takes.” Live by these words, and you end up being the primary beneficiary because people become what you believe they can be. Young coaches get in to the game with the idea of having a great career. Problems arise when their career has priority over those they are working with. This is the opposite of how life works.
Categorizing this situation is easy for me because I am witness to it most every day. There are coaches in the game for their career and personal gain and there are those who are in it for those in their care. Some are in to it for extra spending money; which to me is criminal. The first, even though talented, will have a short career and be scrambling for work. There are too many who fail to embrace opportunity, fail to go beyond their job description and visibly show a caring level to impact others.
Someone taught them early on in life that perception and deception is more important than substance and reality. Some possess all the skills, and articulate extremely well with good sound bites. Others add a great hand shake and look you in the eye just like they were taught. I’ve had too many experiences with this type of person and I am always wary of “articulation, good sound bites, a fake hand shake and look in the eye”. I want to see and feel the substance. I’m not satisfied until I sort it out and it’s time tested.
Mentors are a level up on a coach by a considerable margin. This is a simple choice for me because those putting the players before their career will have better careers. I know I would never be enjoying the career I have if it wasn’t for the players in my life. Focusing on players getting better in every possible way should be the priority and you will end up the beneficiary. The players I coached in my early years are the underlying reason for me enjoying a career in the NHL along with those who were in a position to give me an opportunity.
“I can honestly say I’ve lived every job I ever had and I still haven’t arrived, and I’m a very lucky person. My avocation @ age three (3) is my vocation as I start working my way thru the 70’s.”
It’s always been fun to thin slice people in the profession; whether myself, management, players, coaches or mentors. The players are the easiest because they only need to be difference makers with some degree of consistency, be a “real person”, reach a skill threshold required for the level they play and the mind will take it fm there. Skill to express your skills and skill to get out of yourself and bring others in to your life enter in to the equation.
“How hard is it to be a real person?” There is a difference between a “good guy” and a “real person”. Good guys often times are only good guys who are lukewarm, ride the fence and talk out of both sides of their mouth. They say what they think you want to hear and they lack substance. “Real people” are more likely to take a stand with a thought provoking statement.
The coaches are a little more difficult, but you can see it, feel it and it moves right through the team with regard to their impact on players. The interest and sincerity shown is easy to measure. It is all part of their demeanor, eyes, tone of voice and words; words having the least impact. Once @ this level, they are well on their way to the Mentor level.
Mentors stand alone in this world. True Mentors are very visible and their work is easy to observe and measure. They always pass the authenticity test which puts them a level up on a coach. “The great mentors get angry @ the right things, with the right people, the right way, @ the right time and the right length of time. They should be recognized and commended for this. They embolden those in their care with boldness and courage. They are 24/7 when it comes to all the intangibles required to be a great Mentor and are consistently demanding when it comes to intangibles complementing a skillset. The great Mentors judge people with the sole purpose of improvement as their main objective.
Management is easy to sort out by assessing their caring levels and inner circle. I feel it is important to have business – personal type of relationship because the love, loyalty and respect are always present. There are two winners or no winners. Working in this setting makes work fun; even makes hard work fun. You would probably stay on if you won the lottery. There is no better boss than one capable of creating a positive culture. The same can be said for anyone in leadership roles capable of creating a winning culture.
Work hard with drive to excel; make it a priority and go beyond your job description. Be curious with a high compete level, smart, think things through, and articulate well with good sound bites that are time tested. Back it up with substance and reality and you will be well on your way to a successful career.
People with a passion for life and the game are forever looking for something new or something to solve. They are always looking for lessons in life and the game. They are the most curious people we know and they never arrive. This is a prerequisite for being a complete athlete and leader.
Show us a life examined, re-examined and critiqued on a daily basis and we will show you a life worth living. There is nothing more important than passing the “authenticity test”; what you see is what you get and what you get is a “real person”, one who cares about others, before any personal gains. This internal attribute, being faithful to internal thoughts, beliefs and ideas; will take you far beyond anything external. There is an authenticity test for every position in the game.
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325 Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
Monday, July 26, 2010
Legends; the role they play in my life
Legends; the role they play in my life
I find it important, when the opportunity is there, to sit down with Legends fm any sport. I had the honor of doing just that on July 25, 2010. Fred Zamberletti, Grandfather of Patrick and Jay stopped in during registration with his daughter, Lisa. Lisa has the same passion for her children, and sports, as Fred has shown during his fifty (50) years with the Vikings. While on their way, she called the camp and said, “I’ve talked my father in to driving up with me fm Bloomington and he wants to meet you.” While it was nice of Lisa, she had it wrong. I was the one who wanted to meet him.
We sat down in the dryland and strength training area to discuss sports; past, present and future. He was especially happy to see the number of players in the gym when they were not scheduled to be there. One player told him, “Character is defined by what you do when no one is looking.” Needless to say, Fred was impressed. He met our intern trainer, Katie, fm Mankato and couldn’t have been nicer to her. They spoke and he was in no hurry to cut the conversation short. The message is clear, “All the great people in our society have time for young people just starting out in their careers. Fred is one who believes all they need is an opportunity.”
The stories flowed all the way back to his time in Hibbing, MN in 1959. He knew every coach in the Hibbing system regardless of what sport they were involved. Names like Herman Frickey, Joe Milinovich, Mario Retica, George Perpich, Frank Bugliosi, Al Rice, Mike Marion, Nick Maras, Cal Sabatini, Matt Berklich and others were all known by first name. He was throwing out all of the names and had even spent some time in the service with George Jetty. He spoke about Don Brose and the great job he did with the Mankato State program.
We talked about the Hankinson family. Ben is here with his two boys and eight others fm Edina. One of them is the son of Dean Williamson, grandson of Murray (72 Olympic Coach) who Fred knew well. He took time to say hi and throw out a few colorful one liners.
I was most impressed by his knowledge of hockey; past and present names and teams throughout the state of Minnesota. We talked extensively about Bud Grant, Herb Brooks and others.
Fred Zamberletti's Biography
Fred Zamberletti enters 2007 with a long and storied history with the franchise and a remarkable streak intact-Zamberletti has not missed a game in the 47-year history of the Vikings, working 948 consecutive contests. The streak includes all preseason, regular season and postseason games in club history.
Zamberletti has earned the respect and trust of countless players and staff during his tenure with the Vikings. In his time with the team Zamberletti has been a friend, brother, father figure and mentor to countless players, coaches and co-workers. When the team held Fred Zamberletti Day on December 20, 1998 before kickoff of the Vikings-Jacksonville Jaguars game, over 100 Vikings alumni turned out to celebrate with him.
To the media he's known as "Trainer for Life." Former head coach Bud Grant acknowledged him as the "Cornerstone of the Vikings" and former General Manager Mike Lynn referred to Fred as "Mr. Viking." The players with respect and admiration refer to him as "The Man." To his friends and compatriots he is known as "The Voice of Reason." Zamberletti was the Head Trainer from 1961-98, Coordinator of Medical Services from 1999-2001 and currently Senior Consultant. A successful entrepreneur and a man of deep religious beliefs, the 74-year-old Zamberletti was a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Infantry.
Following his graduation from the University of Iowa he served as chief physical therapist at Hibbing General Hospital in 1959 and head athletic trainer at the University of Toledo in 1960 before joining the Vikings at the team's inception in 1961.
Zamberletti is a native of Melcher, IA, and in addition to numerous professional awards he was inducted into the Minnesota Athletic Trainers Hall of Fame and was chosen Professional Athletic Trainer of the Year in 1986 by the Drackett Company of Cincinnati. He and the Vikings staff earned the 1996 NFL Athletic Training Staff of the Year. In 1999 he earned the Cain Fain Award at the NFL Physicians Sports Sciences Symposium and is an Honorary Fellow of the Minneapolis Sports Medicine Center. Recognized by the governor as an Honorary Ambassador of the State of Minnesota, Zamberletti has also received Minneapolis' Honorary Citizen Award. The PFATS' senior member enjoys walking, bocce ball and cribbage.
Fred was quick to comment when I mentioned the use of the Johari Window in our program. He said, “I find it interesting you bring up the Johari Window. I know very few who are aware of the process for creating awareness and solving problems. I know people who need it badly and have no idea what it is.”
His one liners were one after the other, all tied to affection, loyalty and respect.
I find one common denominator with Legends. It’s all about the passion they have for the sports in general, the passion they have for people, the history of the game and their willingness to talk unconditionally about something they love. We can always learn something fm them because their knowledge and wisdom runs so deep.
I have no problem saying I have a deep respect and love for Fred Zamberletti as a person and professional after just two hours. This is the neat thing about sports. We don’t need a lifetime to develop a relationship. The sporting world is full of short term relationships that last forever. We can always take something fm these relationships even if we don’t see the person again. It’s there, it’s unconditional and it’s priceless. I took a lot fm the experience and will treasure the moment as long as I live.
Thanks, Fred!
We finished the day with Luke and Pepper, Camp Dogs; Piper, Youngest employee; Rob Grillo, San Jose; Dino Grillo, Multi task hockey man; Greg Malone, Tampa Bay; Scott Luce, Florida; Scott Hillman, Independence, MO; Josh Hauge, Fairbanks Ice Dogs; Clairene Grillo, Matriarch of MHC before going home to see Biscuit.
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325 Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
I find it important, when the opportunity is there, to sit down with Legends fm any sport. I had the honor of doing just that on July 25, 2010. Fred Zamberletti, Grandfather of Patrick and Jay stopped in during registration with his daughter, Lisa. Lisa has the same passion for her children, and sports, as Fred has shown during his fifty (50) years with the Vikings. While on their way, she called the camp and said, “I’ve talked my father in to driving up with me fm Bloomington and he wants to meet you.” While it was nice of Lisa, she had it wrong. I was the one who wanted to meet him.
We sat down in the dryland and strength training area to discuss sports; past, present and future. He was especially happy to see the number of players in the gym when they were not scheduled to be there. One player told him, “Character is defined by what you do when no one is looking.” Needless to say, Fred was impressed. He met our intern trainer, Katie, fm Mankato and couldn’t have been nicer to her. They spoke and he was in no hurry to cut the conversation short. The message is clear, “All the great people in our society have time for young people just starting out in their careers. Fred is one who believes all they need is an opportunity.”
The stories flowed all the way back to his time in Hibbing, MN in 1959. He knew every coach in the Hibbing system regardless of what sport they were involved. Names like Herman Frickey, Joe Milinovich, Mario Retica, George Perpich, Frank Bugliosi, Al Rice, Mike Marion, Nick Maras, Cal Sabatini, Matt Berklich and others were all known by first name. He was throwing out all of the names and had even spent some time in the service with George Jetty. He spoke about Don Brose and the great job he did with the Mankato State program.
We talked about the Hankinson family. Ben is here with his two boys and eight others fm Edina. One of them is the son of Dean Williamson, grandson of Murray (72 Olympic Coach) who Fred knew well. He took time to say hi and throw out a few colorful one liners.
I was most impressed by his knowledge of hockey; past and present names and teams throughout the state of Minnesota. We talked extensively about Bud Grant, Herb Brooks and others.
Fred Zamberletti's Biography
Fred Zamberletti enters 2007 with a long and storied history with the franchise and a remarkable streak intact-Zamberletti has not missed a game in the 47-year history of the Vikings, working 948 consecutive contests. The streak includes all preseason, regular season and postseason games in club history.
Zamberletti has earned the respect and trust of countless players and staff during his tenure with the Vikings. In his time with the team Zamberletti has been a friend, brother, father figure and mentor to countless players, coaches and co-workers. When the team held Fred Zamberletti Day on December 20, 1998 before kickoff of the Vikings-Jacksonville Jaguars game, over 100 Vikings alumni turned out to celebrate with him.
To the media he's known as "Trainer for Life." Former head coach Bud Grant acknowledged him as the "Cornerstone of the Vikings" and former General Manager Mike Lynn referred to Fred as "Mr. Viking." The players with respect and admiration refer to him as "The Man." To his friends and compatriots he is known as "The Voice of Reason." Zamberletti was the Head Trainer from 1961-98, Coordinator of Medical Services from 1999-2001 and currently Senior Consultant. A successful entrepreneur and a man of deep religious beliefs, the 74-year-old Zamberletti was a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Infantry.
Following his graduation from the University of Iowa he served as chief physical therapist at Hibbing General Hospital in 1959 and head athletic trainer at the University of Toledo in 1960 before joining the Vikings at the team's inception in 1961.
Zamberletti is a native of Melcher, IA, and in addition to numerous professional awards he was inducted into the Minnesota Athletic Trainers Hall of Fame and was chosen Professional Athletic Trainer of the Year in 1986 by the Drackett Company of Cincinnati. He and the Vikings staff earned the 1996 NFL Athletic Training Staff of the Year. In 1999 he earned the Cain Fain Award at the NFL Physicians Sports Sciences Symposium and is an Honorary Fellow of the Minneapolis Sports Medicine Center. Recognized by the governor as an Honorary Ambassador of the State of Minnesota, Zamberletti has also received Minneapolis' Honorary Citizen Award. The PFATS' senior member enjoys walking, bocce ball and cribbage.
Fred was quick to comment when I mentioned the use of the Johari Window in our program. He said, “I find it interesting you bring up the Johari Window. I know very few who are aware of the process for creating awareness and solving problems. I know people who need it badly and have no idea what it is.”
His one liners were one after the other, all tied to affection, loyalty and respect.
I find one common denominator with Legends. It’s all about the passion they have for the sports in general, the passion they have for people, the history of the game and their willingness to talk unconditionally about something they love. We can always learn something fm them because their knowledge and wisdom runs so deep.
I have no problem saying I have a deep respect and love for Fred Zamberletti as a person and professional after just two hours. This is the neat thing about sports. We don’t need a lifetime to develop a relationship. The sporting world is full of short term relationships that last forever. We can always take something fm these relationships even if we don’t see the person again. It’s there, it’s unconditional and it’s priceless. I took a lot fm the experience and will treasure the moment as long as I live.
Thanks, Fred!
We finished the day with Luke and Pepper, Camp Dogs; Piper, Youngest employee; Rob Grillo, San Jose; Dino Grillo, Multi task hockey man; Greg Malone, Tampa Bay; Scott Luce, Florida; Scott Hillman, Independence, MO; Josh Hauge, Fairbanks Ice Dogs; Clairene Grillo, Matriarch of MHC before going home to see Biscuit.
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325 Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
Rachel's Renegades - a truly spectacular group of young players
Minnesota Hockey Camps with
Rachel’s Renegades
July 18 – 24, 2010
As I am driving back home from Minnesota Hockey Camps, it gave me some time to reflect on not only my past week with the Renegades but back to a time when I worked at Minnesota Hockey Camps as a young girl. Back then, there were only a handful of girl hockey players, Cammi Granato was one of those handful, she now has a picture in my dad’s office with her gold medal as captain of the USA Women’s Hockey Team and is a proud member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. I wondered what it would be like to truly share the Minnesota Hockey Camps experience with my own girls and 25 years later I was able to do just that…my daughters returned to camp when girls’ hockey has now become more of the norm than just a handful.
My daughters and I wanted to take our hockey camp experience and share this experience with other girls and that is when Rachel’s Renegades was formed. Little did I know that the experience and a group of 15 girls would impact my life just as the week had impacted their own. We had a group of eleven girls (nine from Stillwater and two from Alexandria) staying on site in cabin #14 with one den mother (myself) and a group of four Brainerd girls who attended day camp.
I think back and am sure I questioned how these eleven girls would spend 7 days together when many of them had never been away from home more than a day. Everything just fell into place. The girls figured out a roommate plan. Two of the girls made signs for every room and woke up before me on Monday morning to post the signs. No one had much time to miss home as the week began.
The mornings were off to an early start with the daily wake up at 7:00am. I never once had to ask a second time for anyone to get up and they all woke with a smile (I am not sure if the smiles were from the sunshine or the morning song that greeted the girls every day). The nights started with a few later nights but as the week and the hard work wore on, the bed time laughter ceased to about five (5) minutes and the cabin was silent.
Their days consisted of the traditional Minnesota Hockey Camps routine which included two ice times, dry land training, weight training, classroom, stick handling and shooting. There was a small amount of recreational time when the girls spent their time playing volleyball, swimming or rollerblading. Four of the girls used their down time to take the “1000 sit ups a day challenge” and were rewarded by Joe Ciardelli, MHC Strength and Conditioning Director, with their name posted on the sit up wall of fame.
This week was a perfect fit for these girls as they were learning about independence, being away from home and the whole camp experience not to mention it involved hockey, their number one passion. It also included some great mentors within Carolyn Sneep, who plays hockey for St. Olaf College and Joe Blake, their counselor, whose passion for the game was apparent in every day activity not to mention connecting with the girls as a true role model. Caroline and Joe even offered to spend one evening frosting cookies with the girls for a night time snack and a little down time.
When I look back as the den mother of the Renegades, one particular event changed me the most. My Dad (Ole’ Gringo) gave a presentation on his “Template for Success…An invitation to critique yourself”. I wondered what these young girls would take away from such a presentation that he typically addresses to a much older audience. So I went back to the cabin and asked what the one thing they took away from the presentation. The first gal who spoke commented,”I wrote a couple of pointers on my arm. Think big. Believe big. Dream big and big things will happen”. She also commented to “always do something out of the ordinary”. Other comments included “it will be the speech I will remember the rest of my life” and “W-I-N…what’s important now”.
Out of all the comments I hope that the one that sticks the most is what it means to be a “great player versus a great person”. The very best player may not be the very best person and that the person you become can lift you up to exceptional player status when you figure out how life works and what it means to be a great person”. Gringo used a prime example of how Sidney Crosby is both a great player and a great person which ultimately proves his tremendous success in life on and off the ice.
What an honor for me to spend a week with these girls. I truly hope the girls will have this memory of their camp experience for the rest of their life and that they too will someday reflect back as I have done to their very first Minnesota Hockey Camps experience and maybe, just maybe, share the experience with their children. I wish nothing but huge success for these gals…they proved to me that hard work and fun can coincide as they truly begin to figure out “how life works”.
Thank you Minnesota Hockey Camps for a great week!
Sincerely,
Rachel Grillo Rondeau
Rachel’s Renegades…breakin’ down the game one goal at a time.
A group of girl hockey players with a passion for the game and building character for life.
Chuck Grillo's comments: This message is one of those moments that mean more to me than those I write, because this is a daughter having a true life of experience out of love for a group of young players. Her obligation to them is greater than their obligation to her, yet she makes it appear that she is the one receiving the rewards. This make her a true mentor; one who emboldens those in her care. Her Mentorship skills are valued versus feared; and that is the measuring stick for any Mentor. I am a very proud Dad!
It's my belief that every one of these young players will reciprocate in some way @ different times in their lives.
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325 Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
Rachel’s Renegades
July 18 – 24, 2010
As I am driving back home from Minnesota Hockey Camps, it gave me some time to reflect on not only my past week with the Renegades but back to a time when I worked at Minnesota Hockey Camps as a young girl. Back then, there were only a handful of girl hockey players, Cammi Granato was one of those handful, she now has a picture in my dad’s office with her gold medal as captain of the USA Women’s Hockey Team and is a proud member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. I wondered what it would be like to truly share the Minnesota Hockey Camps experience with my own girls and 25 years later I was able to do just that…my daughters returned to camp when girls’ hockey has now become more of the norm than just a handful.
My daughters and I wanted to take our hockey camp experience and share this experience with other girls and that is when Rachel’s Renegades was formed. Little did I know that the experience and a group of 15 girls would impact my life just as the week had impacted their own. We had a group of eleven girls (nine from Stillwater and two from Alexandria) staying on site in cabin #14 with one den mother (myself) and a group of four Brainerd girls who attended day camp.
I think back and am sure I questioned how these eleven girls would spend 7 days together when many of them had never been away from home more than a day. Everything just fell into place. The girls figured out a roommate plan. Two of the girls made signs for every room and woke up before me on Monday morning to post the signs. No one had much time to miss home as the week began.
The mornings were off to an early start with the daily wake up at 7:00am. I never once had to ask a second time for anyone to get up and they all woke with a smile (I am not sure if the smiles were from the sunshine or the morning song that greeted the girls every day). The nights started with a few later nights but as the week and the hard work wore on, the bed time laughter ceased to about five (5) minutes and the cabin was silent.
Their days consisted of the traditional Minnesota Hockey Camps routine which included two ice times, dry land training, weight training, classroom, stick handling and shooting. There was a small amount of recreational time when the girls spent their time playing volleyball, swimming or rollerblading. Four of the girls used their down time to take the “1000 sit ups a day challenge” and were rewarded by Joe Ciardelli, MHC Strength and Conditioning Director, with their name posted on the sit up wall of fame.
This week was a perfect fit for these girls as they were learning about independence, being away from home and the whole camp experience not to mention it involved hockey, their number one passion. It also included some great mentors within Carolyn Sneep, who plays hockey for St. Olaf College and Joe Blake, their counselor, whose passion for the game was apparent in every day activity not to mention connecting with the girls as a true role model. Caroline and Joe even offered to spend one evening frosting cookies with the girls for a night time snack and a little down time.
When I look back as the den mother of the Renegades, one particular event changed me the most. My Dad (Ole’ Gringo) gave a presentation on his “Template for Success…An invitation to critique yourself”. I wondered what these young girls would take away from such a presentation that he typically addresses to a much older audience. So I went back to the cabin and asked what the one thing they took away from the presentation. The first gal who spoke commented,”I wrote a couple of pointers on my arm. Think big. Believe big. Dream big and big things will happen”. She also commented to “always do something out of the ordinary”. Other comments included “it will be the speech I will remember the rest of my life” and “W-I-N…what’s important now”.
Out of all the comments I hope that the one that sticks the most is what it means to be a “great player versus a great person”. The very best player may not be the very best person and that the person you become can lift you up to exceptional player status when you figure out how life works and what it means to be a great person”. Gringo used a prime example of how Sidney Crosby is both a great player and a great person which ultimately proves his tremendous success in life on and off the ice.
What an honor for me to spend a week with these girls. I truly hope the girls will have this memory of their camp experience for the rest of their life and that they too will someday reflect back as I have done to their very first Minnesota Hockey Camps experience and maybe, just maybe, share the experience with their children. I wish nothing but huge success for these gals…they proved to me that hard work and fun can coincide as they truly begin to figure out “how life works”.
Thank you Minnesota Hockey Camps for a great week!
Sincerely,
Rachel Grillo Rondeau
Rachel’s Renegades…breakin’ down the game one goal at a time.
A group of girl hockey players with a passion for the game and building character for life.
Chuck Grillo's comments: This message is one of those moments that mean more to me than those I write, because this is a daughter having a true life of experience out of love for a group of young players. Her obligation to them is greater than their obligation to her, yet she makes it appear that she is the one receiving the rewards. This make her a true mentor; one who emboldens those in her care. Her Mentorship skills are valued versus feared; and that is the measuring stick for any Mentor. I am a very proud Dad!
It's my belief that every one of these young players will reciprocate in some way @ different times in their lives.
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325 Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Make-up of a Winner
Make up of a winner – Make up of a Winner
We care about what we do, work it and live it. Hockey has been a way of life versus a way to make a living. We have been in development for over 40 years now. I lost interest in the fantasy of sports not long after I started because I discovered image through perception was the furthest thing from what is real. I lost interest because I discovered real fast that image through perception was taking over in our society. I was witness to companies failing because people and athletes got caught up in perception and image being more important than substance and reality. Companies are people driven and perception and sound bytes just do not cut it.
Image resulting from substance is what we are looking for. Show people you are on the team for all the right reasons and you can be counted on to be there when they need you. Be respectful of what each player and staff member brings to the setting. This includes being there for your teammates and coaches after your playing days are over.
In my later years I have been consumed by the tragedy of sports, especially in the area of development. We have done the best we can do with the knowledge we have at our camp. As the years go by, we find we need more and more knowledge. This stems from observing both highly skilled and supposedly predictable players, as well as those with a blend of upside and skill, who fail to become what others believe and/or predicted they would be.
Our camp is a value paid, value received experience for many reasons. Our goal is to show a sincere love for the players and those who loyally work for the camp. We try to blend firmness with humor and fun. We are in to negotiating what is right for our players and employees while keeping in mind that discipline is paramount with so many on the grounds. We like to know what players think because this leads to a more positive training atmosphere. We recognize no two people are the same, so our treatment will not be the same. We do know that players who come to us have the potential to be under our care for a life time. “
Our obligation to them is greater than their obligation to us.”
We recognize that a much of what is done in the game today comes from consulting with players and negotiating the things we want them to do. It is in the best interest of both parties to determine assets that help define the role of the person and player. We also recognize the need for a game within their game.
We go through life and change is inevitable. While there is no harm in change, philosophies are updated as we get older. Our attitude changes as we gain experience and learn more. Young people gain from positive changes in our philosophies and beliefs. We can't expect everyone to believe in what we do. Some simply are not interested in what we do and do not want to put in the hours necessary to have a value paid, value received experience. We can accept that, but we still feel the need to speak our piece.
We have continued to preach that open-mindedness and willingness to learn and grow is the right way to go. When we are satisfied, reach a comfort zone, repeat ourselves or fail to progress, we should get out of the development business and do something else.
“Like our athletes, we never arrive.”
We can all learn something about ourselves when we take time to digest the beliefs of others. Nothing about us should be predictable outside of our willingness to learn and get better.
Players are in a position to control only what they can control when you are playing. Don’t worry about how many shifts you get or how your skills compare to other players. Worry about your assets; things you do well. The most important ingredient is preparation because you never know when you are going to get that opportunity.
“When you get the opportunity, overachieve in your asset categories.”
The big message is still, "What do I have to do to take my game to the highest level? What will insure or guarantee my success?" Training properly during the summer months is an insurance policy to succeed and still carries no guarantee. It is human nature to get up every morning to “Be whom and what we are”. We need to acquire a habit of getting up every morning to “Be as much as we can be”.
We like to build a team setting in the weight room, dryland and ice sheet where players have fun exchanging ideas with each other and laughing their way through a work out. We want players to think their way through games, practice, plyos, strength training, jumping and sprinting; to come up with an understanding of why it is all good. I've always been under the impression that we must respect each player's intelligence to the point where players are allowed to think their way through games and training sessions versus simply executing a person's thoughts. The new breed of coach is too domineering. They jump on the 1st mistake versus letting a player figure it out by emulating someone who does that particular skill or play to perfection. They lack respect for players' intelligence levels. This is why Herb Brook’s system was the best for young people who wanted to improve.
Young people have to understand that they will emulate excellence if they permit themselves to emulate excellence.The smart players and teams have players in shape before training camp. The smart player learns to maximize his potential through honest training sessions. This way they get off to a good start. Some are on their way to great seasons and playoffs while other players and teams are still getting in shape.When we talk, we have to know what we are talking about; and I think we do. When we write, make sure we understand what we are writing about; and I think we do.
My relationship with Herb Brooks taught me that it is not all bad to be provocative because it is thought provoking. We have an opinion and we know we put ourselves in a position to attract scorn from people with different beliefs in what we do. This is what makes it all so special. The bottom line is there are too many examples of career tragedies to ignore what is happening right in front of our own eyes. This would not happen if a training regimen was laid out to a point where young people felt it was not only fun but required for success. Your position in the games reaches far beyond your own community.
“Think big, believe big things can happen, keep the rink big and big things have a better chance of happening.”
When I was involved with Herbie, he would always call when he had a new idea. When he was in the mood to talk, I was mesmerized by what he had to say. He was a confrontational, provocative thinker and doer that made you think and respond in a way that fit your own skills. If you listened carefully there was a message in his words that fit your personality and assets. It wasn't about copying Herbie. That is what made him unique when compared to others. If you felt like responding you better be prepared to say what you think and know what you are talking about.Herb had the unique ability to rip and praise you @ the same time if you listened carefully. He understood people and what made each person go. He could have coached in any era because he had the respect of the players. Respect, loyalty and love are all earned. He had a way of earning your respect and loyalty. The end result was love for the man. This is what we are striving for @ this camp.
As I walked by his mural @ the University of Minnesota each year, I stop to say hi in a way only the two of us would understand. I did it when the building was almost empty and I did it both nights I was there on October 27 and 28, 2006 because I forgot a few things the first night. I was quick to point out that he deserved to go in to the NHL Hall of Fame for all the right reasons.I think of all the things we write and say because of our experiences. Many people see what we say and do as a criticism of what is going on in the game and society today. We’ve been accused of bashing agencies and people when all we are doing is attempting to create awareness for the good of any athlete. If awareness and exposure provokes anything but thinking about where we are today, we have a misunderstanding of the meaning of both words.
We are saying things based on our experiences and that is the honest truth. This makes what we say alright because everyone in this country has a right to their opinion. No one has to agree with us but they should respect our right to say it and then decide how it fits them or their child; or if it fits them and their child. The ability to expose and create awareness is the one thing I love most about this camp and my life.We have to do everything with a little flair plus a lot of humor; and things will go our way. I want our athletes to leave this place knowing they have a right and an obligation to themselves to overachieve in their asset categories with charisma, character and composure. They have a right to have an attitude, boldness, gregariousness and a swagger just like anyone else. They do all this by ridding themselves of any and all inhibitions while executing during a critical moment. They also have to understand that doing and saying things, whether great or not so good, sets a person up to be critiqued. Once we show even a glimpse of excellence as a player, or take the time to document our beliefs, we set ourselves up to be critiqued.“Maximizing potential cannot be achieved in a domineering atmosphere.”
The neat thing about being competitive, whether in business or a sport, is the opponent is just like you. There is a great deal of respect for competitors who take their assets to the highest level. You come to realize that these competitors could end up being your best friends after you shake hands and begin to share what works in developing people and players.
We go in to all this knowing we are setting ourselves up to be critiqued and criticized; no different than a player who makes a statement during a shift on the ice. I wouldn’t want to live my life any other way.
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325 Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
We care about what we do, work it and live it. Hockey has been a way of life versus a way to make a living. We have been in development for over 40 years now. I lost interest in the fantasy of sports not long after I started because I discovered image through perception was the furthest thing from what is real. I lost interest because I discovered real fast that image through perception was taking over in our society. I was witness to companies failing because people and athletes got caught up in perception and image being more important than substance and reality. Companies are people driven and perception and sound bytes just do not cut it.
Image resulting from substance is what we are looking for. Show people you are on the team for all the right reasons and you can be counted on to be there when they need you. Be respectful of what each player and staff member brings to the setting. This includes being there for your teammates and coaches after your playing days are over.
In my later years I have been consumed by the tragedy of sports, especially in the area of development. We have done the best we can do with the knowledge we have at our camp. As the years go by, we find we need more and more knowledge. This stems from observing both highly skilled and supposedly predictable players, as well as those with a blend of upside and skill, who fail to become what others believe and/or predicted they would be.
Our camp is a value paid, value received experience for many reasons. Our goal is to show a sincere love for the players and those who loyally work for the camp. We try to blend firmness with humor and fun. We are in to negotiating what is right for our players and employees while keeping in mind that discipline is paramount with so many on the grounds. We like to know what players think because this leads to a more positive training atmosphere. We recognize no two people are the same, so our treatment will not be the same. We do know that players who come to us have the potential to be under our care for a life time. “
Our obligation to them is greater than their obligation to us.”
We recognize that a much of what is done in the game today comes from consulting with players and negotiating the things we want them to do. It is in the best interest of both parties to determine assets that help define the role of the person and player. We also recognize the need for a game within their game.
We go through life and change is inevitable. While there is no harm in change, philosophies are updated as we get older. Our attitude changes as we gain experience and learn more. Young people gain from positive changes in our philosophies and beliefs. We can't expect everyone to believe in what we do. Some simply are not interested in what we do and do not want to put in the hours necessary to have a value paid, value received experience. We can accept that, but we still feel the need to speak our piece.
We have continued to preach that open-mindedness and willingness to learn and grow is the right way to go. When we are satisfied, reach a comfort zone, repeat ourselves or fail to progress, we should get out of the development business and do something else.
“Like our athletes, we never arrive.”
We can all learn something about ourselves when we take time to digest the beliefs of others. Nothing about us should be predictable outside of our willingness to learn and get better.
Players are in a position to control only what they can control when you are playing. Don’t worry about how many shifts you get or how your skills compare to other players. Worry about your assets; things you do well. The most important ingredient is preparation because you never know when you are going to get that opportunity.
“When you get the opportunity, overachieve in your asset categories.”
The big message is still, "What do I have to do to take my game to the highest level? What will insure or guarantee my success?" Training properly during the summer months is an insurance policy to succeed and still carries no guarantee. It is human nature to get up every morning to “Be whom and what we are”. We need to acquire a habit of getting up every morning to “Be as much as we can be”.
We like to build a team setting in the weight room, dryland and ice sheet where players have fun exchanging ideas with each other and laughing their way through a work out. We want players to think their way through games, practice, plyos, strength training, jumping and sprinting; to come up with an understanding of why it is all good. I've always been under the impression that we must respect each player's intelligence to the point where players are allowed to think their way through games and training sessions versus simply executing a person's thoughts. The new breed of coach is too domineering. They jump on the 1st mistake versus letting a player figure it out by emulating someone who does that particular skill or play to perfection. They lack respect for players' intelligence levels. This is why Herb Brook’s system was the best for young people who wanted to improve.
Young people have to understand that they will emulate excellence if they permit themselves to emulate excellence.The smart players and teams have players in shape before training camp. The smart player learns to maximize his potential through honest training sessions. This way they get off to a good start. Some are on their way to great seasons and playoffs while other players and teams are still getting in shape.When we talk, we have to know what we are talking about; and I think we do. When we write, make sure we understand what we are writing about; and I think we do.
My relationship with Herb Brooks taught me that it is not all bad to be provocative because it is thought provoking. We have an opinion and we know we put ourselves in a position to attract scorn from people with different beliefs in what we do. This is what makes it all so special. The bottom line is there are too many examples of career tragedies to ignore what is happening right in front of our own eyes. This would not happen if a training regimen was laid out to a point where young people felt it was not only fun but required for success. Your position in the games reaches far beyond your own community.
“Think big, believe big things can happen, keep the rink big and big things have a better chance of happening.”
When I was involved with Herbie, he would always call when he had a new idea. When he was in the mood to talk, I was mesmerized by what he had to say. He was a confrontational, provocative thinker and doer that made you think and respond in a way that fit your own skills. If you listened carefully there was a message in his words that fit your personality and assets. It wasn't about copying Herbie. That is what made him unique when compared to others. If you felt like responding you better be prepared to say what you think and know what you are talking about.Herb had the unique ability to rip and praise you @ the same time if you listened carefully. He understood people and what made each person go. He could have coached in any era because he had the respect of the players. Respect, loyalty and love are all earned. He had a way of earning your respect and loyalty. The end result was love for the man. This is what we are striving for @ this camp.
As I walked by his mural @ the University of Minnesota each year, I stop to say hi in a way only the two of us would understand. I did it when the building was almost empty and I did it both nights I was there on October 27 and 28, 2006 because I forgot a few things the first night. I was quick to point out that he deserved to go in to the NHL Hall of Fame for all the right reasons.I think of all the things we write and say because of our experiences. Many people see what we say and do as a criticism of what is going on in the game and society today. We’ve been accused of bashing agencies and people when all we are doing is attempting to create awareness for the good of any athlete. If awareness and exposure provokes anything but thinking about where we are today, we have a misunderstanding of the meaning of both words.
We are saying things based on our experiences and that is the honest truth. This makes what we say alright because everyone in this country has a right to their opinion. No one has to agree with us but they should respect our right to say it and then decide how it fits them or their child; or if it fits them and their child. The ability to expose and create awareness is the one thing I love most about this camp and my life.We have to do everything with a little flair plus a lot of humor; and things will go our way. I want our athletes to leave this place knowing they have a right and an obligation to themselves to overachieve in their asset categories with charisma, character and composure. They have a right to have an attitude, boldness, gregariousness and a swagger just like anyone else. They do all this by ridding themselves of any and all inhibitions while executing during a critical moment. They also have to understand that doing and saying things, whether great or not so good, sets a person up to be critiqued. Once we show even a glimpse of excellence as a player, or take the time to document our beliefs, we set ourselves up to be critiqued.“Maximizing potential cannot be achieved in a domineering atmosphere.”
The neat thing about being competitive, whether in business or a sport, is the opponent is just like you. There is a great deal of respect for competitors who take their assets to the highest level. You come to realize that these competitors could end up being your best friends after you shake hands and begin to share what works in developing people and players.
We go in to all this knowing we are setting ourselves up to be critiqued and criticized; no different than a player who makes a statement during a shift on the ice. I wouldn’t want to live my life any other way.
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325 Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Doing Something Out of the Ordinary
Something Out of the Ordinary
Every time I go to a convention or sports festival, I come away with questions related to improvement. After attending the U18 festival, I have three questions. One, how much time is spent on the mind? How is this time reinforced? Two, why is there not more input fm all the expertise sitting in the rink; whether pro, college or junior? Three, why not invite the parents to all session that are personal growth in nature so they can reinforce what’s said?
Do something out of the ordinary @ any age and your life changes forever. Your life becomes more of a business than it was before this happens. This is a small part of how life works yet young people fail to recognize this as part of the growth process. Seasoned pros are subject to the same scrutiny after toiling as journeymen and then finally doing something out of the ordinary. People impressed by the moment want to see it again.
I’ve been witness to people doing something out of the ordinary many times over my career and I’ve always wondered why they had no idea how to repeat and no idea how important it is to duplicate. We have a responsibility to youth that goes far beyond youths’ responsibility to us. They are innocent, some with a lot of try, which turns out good on occasion. How do we get them to understand the importance of repetition and duplication? How do we get them to understand that once you show something special, people think less of you if you fail to do it again, and again, and again?
Once you show others your “WOW factor” you need to purge, sustain and build on that moment if you want to continue to be the “flavor” or the day. We say purge because you have to focus in on duplicating your effort over and over again; guard against sophistication and complacency setting in.
“We never arrive in life.” Very few athletes understand how this works. If they did, they would have no problem understanding the importance of consistency when it comes to the different levels of performance.
Consistency is an asset controlled by the mind. Mentors have the obligation to spend as much time on the mind as they do on technical and tactical levels. If all you have to offer is, “You need to be more involved, more physical, more energy, you are probably just a coach or something similar; someone with no value and just in charge of the group.”
“There is a huge difference between a coach and a mentor.”
Things don’t just happen in life. If you are fortunate to “WOW” someone, realize you will have to duplicate it if you want continued appreciation for what you do well.
“Doing something out of the ordinary is a defining moment in your life and the moment will either define you or you will define the moment.”
Next comes all the adulation that is a part of people doing well. Parents’ inability to deal with adulation reaches a point where it finally has a negative effect on the child/athlete. Parents need to guard against adulation as much as the athletes have to guard against sophistication and complacency when things go well.
“Adulation, sophistication and complacency kill careers.” Guard against any chance of this mindset surfacing.
Why is it athletes do better when they identify with adults? Answer is: Your life is a business. Business and personal relationships with those in charge are precious experiences that become of part of your routine the rest of your life. Adults are an important part of your life. Every child needs three (3) to six (6) mentors outside of their immediate family.
“Mentors are judged by their ability to instill boldness and courage in those they mentor. They focus on the mind more than the skills; with knowledge that mind skills are more important than feet and hand skills. The mind dictates the level of control you have over your opponent in life and the mind determines how well your feet and hand execute.”
Our good friend fm Denver, Sammy Granados, says, “You have what it takes to get here; do you have what it takes to build on that and stay?”
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325 Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
Every time I go to a convention or sports festival, I come away with questions related to improvement. After attending the U18 festival, I have three questions. One, how much time is spent on the mind? How is this time reinforced? Two, why is there not more input fm all the expertise sitting in the rink; whether pro, college or junior? Three, why not invite the parents to all session that are personal growth in nature so they can reinforce what’s said?
Do something out of the ordinary @ any age and your life changes forever. Your life becomes more of a business than it was before this happens. This is a small part of how life works yet young people fail to recognize this as part of the growth process. Seasoned pros are subject to the same scrutiny after toiling as journeymen and then finally doing something out of the ordinary. People impressed by the moment want to see it again.
I’ve been witness to people doing something out of the ordinary many times over my career and I’ve always wondered why they had no idea how to repeat and no idea how important it is to duplicate. We have a responsibility to youth that goes far beyond youths’ responsibility to us. They are innocent, some with a lot of try, which turns out good on occasion. How do we get them to understand the importance of repetition and duplication? How do we get them to understand that once you show something special, people think less of you if you fail to do it again, and again, and again?
Once you show others your “WOW factor” you need to purge, sustain and build on that moment if you want to continue to be the “flavor” or the day. We say purge because you have to focus in on duplicating your effort over and over again; guard against sophistication and complacency setting in.
“We never arrive in life.” Very few athletes understand how this works. If they did, they would have no problem understanding the importance of consistency when it comes to the different levels of performance.
Consistency is an asset controlled by the mind. Mentors have the obligation to spend as much time on the mind as they do on technical and tactical levels. If all you have to offer is, “You need to be more involved, more physical, more energy, you are probably just a coach or something similar; someone with no value and just in charge of the group.”
“There is a huge difference between a coach and a mentor.”
Things don’t just happen in life. If you are fortunate to “WOW” someone, realize you will have to duplicate it if you want continued appreciation for what you do well.
“Doing something out of the ordinary is a defining moment in your life and the moment will either define you or you will define the moment.”
Next comes all the adulation that is a part of people doing well. Parents’ inability to deal with adulation reaches a point where it finally has a negative effect on the child/athlete. Parents need to guard against adulation as much as the athletes have to guard against sophistication and complacency when things go well.
“Adulation, sophistication and complacency kill careers.” Guard against any chance of this mindset surfacing.
Why is it athletes do better when they identify with adults? Answer is: Your life is a business. Business and personal relationships with those in charge are precious experiences that become of part of your routine the rest of your life. Adults are an important part of your life. Every child needs three (3) to six (6) mentors outside of their immediate family.
“Mentors are judged by their ability to instill boldness and courage in those they mentor. They focus on the mind more than the skills; with knowledge that mind skills are more important than feet and hand skills. The mind dictates the level of control you have over your opponent in life and the mind determines how well your feet and hand execute.”
Our good friend fm Denver, Sammy Granados, says, “You have what it takes to get here; do you have what it takes to build on that and stay?”
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325 Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
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