Solving the Riddle of Yourself; not an easy task for any person
This was written while, "Sitting around one day thinking of draft picks that are a part of my life whether they want to be or don't want to be." They were drafted because they are smart, talented and they "had it all going" as a high school or junior player. I do a lot of thinking about campers, potential draft picks and free agents that I care about. Build on what you have, keep reaching and climbing. Success is "right around the corner". Be quick to recognize how others see you compared to how you see you.
One person sees a player as a finesse player or numbers guy in his position and another sees him as a power forward, stay @ home defenseman, grinder or support player. We have goalies with all different styles. The player ends up saying, "I don't know who I am." Bottom line; it's good when you can play multiple positions, multiple styles and fit in for the good of the team. People have different views on the words work ethic and compete levels. Do you think you work and compete or do you meet the thresholds required for work ethic and compete levels set by others?The search for "who you are" has a better chance of being solved when you have a backup game or "game within your game" that buys you time. This is usually a game that makes you hard to play against and mistake free, a game that will always support your "A" game during your development years. Training beyond imagination brings you closer to solving who you are because you gain that psychological edge against your opponent in life knowing you worked harder than they did to be who you are.Some coaches/scouts/managers learn from their experiences as players. Triumphs, trials and tribulations as young players have given more than one coach/scout/manager a different, and very healthy, perspective in the way they approach and handle young players. The majority of those who faced more than their share of adversity and confusion lean toward the approach of no expectations, dry erase board with some guidelines, and the freedom to play and express their unique skills. They recognize the unique skills of a player; they develop a relationship, and reward them properly.
Some coaches have an open door and they hear you out, but they don’t listen.The smart leaders develop leadership groups that meet regularly with management to improve communication and develop trust. Patience and problem solving are always possible in this type of environment. Teams get “back on track” quicker after going through bad stretches.
Most young people are naïve, some have too much too soon, and some develop relationships that take away from their game. The best relationships in life are when two people empower each other to be what they can be. Relationships should enhance careers. Some players party often, and too hard, while success steers their subconscious mind toward sophistication and complacency. Some are misled as to what it takes to "be a pro; a professional person and player". Some go through a divorce setting with their parents. Some use the divorce setting as a crutch to cover mistakes and underachieving, while the divorce really this has nothing to do with it. The stable ones look @ divorce as a situation where, even though a divorce can get ugly, they have a chance to have two sets of supporting parents down the road. "Old wounds rarely heal, but success helps you to forget and your success could be the underlying reason for healing during a bitter separation."
Most players face very little adversity coming through the system. They move on to junior, college and pro where people make a living picking their personal makeup and game apart. Scrutiny becomes more intense during a player's draft year and the years after they are drafted. If a player feels tired, he is no doubt suffering from all the scrutiny and adversity. Players fail to solve the "riddle of themselves" when they fail to see the importance of "just being yourself, competing and playing hard with composure and confidence". My son, Dino, says it best in these situations. His best answer to a bad situation is "just play and everything will fall in place. Talk is cheap and worrying is a waste of energy, just play the game.” You have a “free interview” every night you are performing on the ice. The hockey world is small and word gets around quickly.
Players are fortunate to have gone through some of this scrutiny during their early years to prepare them for what is coming @ some point in their career. Hopefully they go through enough during their early years to recognize that the scrutiny, adversity and confusion they went through will serve them well in future years. Most players have yet to experience what it is like to have their game and personal make up "picked apart". They would have to do something “out of the ordinary” first so there is a higher level of expectation and accountability.
One of the biggest mistakes players, mentors and managers make is not taking a risk to avoid making a mistake; however, learning the consequences of each risk is paramount. The bottom line is there are very few successful people in life who are not risk takers. You don't play/coach/manage/ mentor to not get second guessed, you don't play not to lose. You train, practice and play to win.
Most players don't see the difference in their conditioning level until they get themselves in better shape than the year before or they are in a setting where they can readily see others doing a certain exercise far better than they do that same exercise. This can be on ice or in an off-ice setting. Awareness and exposure are necessary components to development. Reaction levels to exposure and awareness are different for every player. The bottom line is "what are you doing about your deficiencies that will enhance your assets? Are you over-achieving in your assets categories"?
Any athlete, coach or mentor is @ their best when they are like the joyous, carefree little guy, with a zest for life, playing on an outdoor rink, that doesn't worry about making a mistake. Don't ever lose that vibrant “ninth grade personality” where everything was new, fun, vibrant and an adventure in to the unknown. Put mistakes behind you and recognize where you are today in the game knowing that your real game will come if you keep working hard while waiting for your physical growth to meet your coordination. Get in to goal setting, etiquette, communication skills and developing a support system that you can build on as your career and life evolves.
I've learned through the years that one conversation, email or letter to a young person @ the right time can transform a life. This is why I keep writing and talking to young people. I do it with the sincere wish that young people buy in to what it takes to be a "real person and real pro".Pro players who work with young kids, and develop charitable foundations before they are established, put themselves on the line to be even more accountable.
Try to find some time to work with kids in the youth program. You will find that your sub conscious mind will copy most every thing you tell them and you will start performing @ a higher level. Working with young people teaches you to "give back" and you learn early on that there is more to life than hockey. This will enhance your game.Once your life is on display everywhere (internet, media, TV) it's going to have its effects.
You have to watch what you do, what you say, what you wear and you can't necessarily have the best time. There are situations when you want to let loose and have fun, but you can't. So you suppress it. Eventually it creates an alter ego and you'll have situations where guys end up doing something stupid or out of the ordinary. You have to guard against this.It is great to have players who bring their own edge to the team. Do this and you will find that edge will start to appear on your teammates.
You are @ your best when you play with an "edge"; a little "dirt" in your game. Players, who study the game, define their role and develop a game within their game, have more success in any team setting. The good ones learn to separate offense from defense knowing they have to be good @ both. They learn that when one is not going good the other can support their career.In the end, it's the players who are "real people" who end up creating the fiber of the team; not just the player.
The same goes for new buildings, locker rooms and uniforms. It's not the building, locker room or new jersey that makes the program; it's the people; the people that administrate, manage, coach, support staff and play the game. We were put on this earth to "validate and anoint ourselves beyond anything people write, say, believe, report or think" by maximizing our unique skills and managing our liabilities. There is no room for mediocrity.
When you reach a level where you want to be the best you can be every single time you step on the ice, you have reached a level reserved for special players. This type of player wants the puck and they want it in critical moments. They want to be on the ice when it comes time to shut down the opponent.
Have a great career, and send me an update by text, email, call, or all of the above. Keep working hard; stay intense and you will see a lot of good things happen in your life. The strong survive in this game.
I enjoyed typing this because I know deep down the good that can come out of communication. That gives me a special feeling inside; just knowing I took the time to do something out of the ordinary for a young people I care for. It's an easy way for me to build my "net worth".
Hockey brings me a lot of joy. The rink is the one place where I can be myself, and have peace with myself, because I’ve learned how to have fun and express myself. There is no bigger thrill for me than watching a great athlete, or team, develop the attitude, swagger, gregariousness, boldness and killer instinct; the joy of watching your opponents in life suffer. This is the last puzzle piece when “Solving the Riddle of Your Self.”
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 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, May 19, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Helicopter Parent - A Positive Role
Parents; over involved, posturing, standing in the way;
Going beyond their responsibility and obligation? Our feeling is that this is not all that bad.
Welcome to the Millennial Generation; a generation full of life, creative, innovative and searching for both a meaningful life and meaningful experiences.
This is a tough one. There is a difference. While it is difficult to describe an over involved parent, I do know this, "When you meet one, you know you just met one." Over involved parents have a way of turning people off but we have come to understand why they are what they are. There is nothing wrong with making sure your child is having a meaningful experience conducive to growth as a person and skill level. This is good when kept in the proper perspective. We encourage parents to observe what their child is going through our program, especially the dryland involving plyometrics. How else would we be able to promote our program in an age where parents decide where there child should be when in search of becoming a better person and a better player? You can readily see where your child fits in the group as well as the needs.
The new age group of players has moved beyond Generation X, Baby Boomers and the Traditionalist of our era. These high tech groups of young people make up the fastest growing segment of players and workers ever. Mom and Dad are showing up to make sure everything is in order and the athletes are texting, emailing and cruising the internet. They are asking more questions about something having a purpose and being a meaningful experience.
We are ready to accept that challenge and urge young people to experience our program to ensure they are ready to “make a difference” in everything they attempt to do, however, we would like to do this without losing our "element of growth away from home" concepts.
These young people are demanding a quality program in a stimulating environment that serves a purpose for them now and in the future. They want to know that everything we do is meaningful. They want to know who they are, how do they fit and how they are going to get there. They are fm families where they’ve been told, “If you are going to do something, then do something that will benefit you both now and in the future.” This is exactly the role MHC has filled over the years and we have the track record to prove it. We go beyond the game and we do give young people an opportunity to make a difference @ an early age in our diverse programs.
There are times when it is easier for a young player to make a difference in a dryland or strength training session than on the ice. Each experience fuels the other. They learn quickly how to play a meaningful role. If they do not excel in any of the exercises, there is still enough for them in each experience to feel good about what they’ve accomplished. We rarely have a young person fail to improve as a person and player.
Our practices and dryland programs are sophisticated and demanding enough to challenge any person, and this eliminates any reason to burn out. The idea of doing what it takes in any setting is enough to build self-esteem and stimulate the mind. We encourage the use of cell phones, texting and emails because we want the positive buzz about the synergy @ MHC, but we want it done in a constructive manner; never interfering with the training process. The time to text, email and use the Internet is early in the morning before breakfast and later @ night when the training is finished. Guidelines have to be in place to have some sort of structure with regard to losing items and paying attention to detail while training.
Meaningful experiences have a way of giving young people a huge competitive and psychological advantage on their opponent in life and the game. They learn that competition is great and giving 100% can raise your self-esteem level. Our feeling is the positive buzz about our programs will create more interest in MHC. We find it tough for young people to “make a difference” if they aren’t trained, schooled and given an opportunity to “make a difference”. Intangibles acquired, once they reach a required skill threshold, are invaluable and will ultimately dictate their success.
When we speak of intangibles, we are referring to an attitude, swagger, gregariousness, boldness and competitive instincts that provide you with the skill to express your skills. We all need to learn to smartly compete with zero inhibitions and a will to win. This will enable us to solve a lot of problems in life.
The helicopter parent has now assumed the role of teacher, coach, mentor and friend of their offspring and this is here to stay for this generation. We don’t fight it, but we also recognize the value of 3 to 6 mentors outside of the immediate family and the impact they can have on a young person’s life. MHC is willing to assume this role and be an extension of the parent. Young people are now asked about interests, desires and talents. The idea of talking to and telling has been replaced by “talking with”. Coaches and parents would be wise to recognize the value.
Sports and hobbies are approached differently than when we were kids. Young people are programmed to prioritize. This doesn’t mean less fulfillment. This simply means that young people are striving to insure success. MHC has a responsibility to contribute. Loyalty, engagement and respect are still a priority and it’s our job to assume that responsibility as well.
We assume the responsibility of helping young people make a difference, make them feel they are contributing by rewarding their efforts and ideas, respect their creativity levels and listening to their comments. The new wave isn’t interesting in doing what anyone can do. They want to be appreciated for their success levels achieved. They are accustomed to being measured and MHC wants you to know that those measurements are in place. Our goal is to take those measurements to a level where each athlete can constructively critique their efforts and results because we will expose both assets and liabilities.
The rewards for achievement do not have to be costly. Praise is an ample reward for effort and a job well done. This is also a generation that has been hand fed, so failure has more meaning to them. They have been protected fm failure which is why MHC can play an even more important role. We are a “dry run” for experiences that will happen in real life. It is far more important to have these “dry run” failures that don’t affect your life and have the meaningful experience of critiquing your shortcomings and improving. This will eliminate the possibility of any tragedy that is lurking.
Our programs are focused on young people having the freedom to express their skills without having the burden of losing a game because they tried something out of the ordinary and this has been in place since the camp was founded. Our feeling is they will be able to refine and define their game by teaching them how to constructively critique themselves while eliminating all the blind spots and inhibitions that stifle success.
I don't know too many coaches who want a "2 for 1" deal where the parents, sometimes grand parents, come with the players. This is a fine line in this new age. Coaches appreciate the parents who support and believe in the program through the good and bad times. There is always the case where the player is so good that the coach is willing to put up with the side show. This is not meant to give you an out because we are talking about a very small percentage.
Mentoring and parenting all comes down to providing opportunity, creating awareness, recognizing assets, managing liabilities, problem solving and being able to tell your athlete, “Just play; have fun, do something out of the ordinary and try to make a difference.”.
We were all put on this earth to validate and anoint ourselves regardless of what people say, believe, write or think about us. Posturing, lobbying and 2 for 1's have no place in the equation. There is no entitlement regardless of your situation.
It comes down to "dealing with the hand you are dealt". I don't care if the perceived wrong team, in your eyes, drafts you @ any level. Take your poison and learn to live with it. It's in your best interest to "go where you are wanted". History shows that players succeed when the coach believes in them and they believe in the coach. There are a lot of examples out there of young athletes whose parents felt that a certain program wasn’t in their best interest. They would spend a whole season lobbying to get somewhere else. When they get there, they lobby to get them on the “right line or defensive combinations”. There has been more than one case where the team they didn’t like went on to win their division, league or a National Title. There has also been more than one case where they would have been a 1 -2 guy versus a bubble guy in another setting. The 1-2 guys have a better chance to develop.
Every time a parent overly protects their young athlete from adversity, they create more problems than they solve. Young people have to accept the fact that adversity is here to stay. Protecting a child from any adversity is delaying the inevitable. Hiding from adversity @ a young age will make it difficult to cope with adversity in the future. Life is a series of dry runs, semi dry runs and then the “real runs” when adverse situations pop up in your life. The more you accept the challenge of staring them down the better off you will be in the long run.
“Life is an adventure in progress. There are days and nights when all is great and then there are days and nights where……..
I could make a list of high school, junior and college teams when I think of programs poised to turn out as many professional athletes as the name programs. They are programs that are giving young people an opportunity to catch up and pass their peers in life and the game.
I vividly remember the years when our own children moved away to play, whether @ camp, junior or university. We remember receiving calls and listening to them vent. We were left to fret while our children vented. Then they ran off with their friends and had a good time because they were able to vent while we were left to fret and worry.
Bottom line: The parents’ role should be to provide every opportunity and work towards raising a competent, competitive and a confident child, with composure to put a bad mistake/game behind them. They will receive scholarships and/or get drafted/signed as a free agent if they are good enough. The new process begins when that happens. First, the players have to define their assets, what role they can play as they go to the next level and then try to excel @ that. Once they do that, they will be asked to master their trade. All of these players go through the same process. The problem is awareness of who and what you are and who and what you can be. Some players want to excel and a more select group choose to master their trade. Hopefully your child has a will to excel beyond this level and then the rare will to master and perfect the tools of their trade and what others believe they can be. Our job is to make them aware of the process by showing them how it works. Expose problems and help them solve them; because they never go away.
The biggest problem is most players 'think' they want to excel and master their trade, they “think” they train hard, they “think” they have a passion for the game; and are not aware of the process of how to go about doing that. If they did, more would contribute on the NHL level or @ least raise the bar of the organization. MHC has a way of creating awareness and exposing this in our athletes with the primary goal of moving on and up.
I will always believe that any child in a setting where credible adults get to know them (no better example than our camp), will generally get what they have coming to them. They will get the necessary exposure and then be recognized by others who care about their future because they made an impression with their skills and intangibles which are difficult to read just watching a 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 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
Going beyond their responsibility and obligation? Our feeling is that this is not all that bad.
Welcome to the Millennial Generation; a generation full of life, creative, innovative and searching for both a meaningful life and meaningful experiences.
This is a tough one. There is a difference. While it is difficult to describe an over involved parent, I do know this, "When you meet one, you know you just met one." Over involved parents have a way of turning people off but we have come to understand why they are what they are. There is nothing wrong with making sure your child is having a meaningful experience conducive to growth as a person and skill level. This is good when kept in the proper perspective. We encourage parents to observe what their child is going through our program, especially the dryland involving plyometrics. How else would we be able to promote our program in an age where parents decide where there child should be when in search of becoming a better person and a better player? You can readily see where your child fits in the group as well as the needs.
The new age group of players has moved beyond Generation X, Baby Boomers and the Traditionalist of our era. These high tech groups of young people make up the fastest growing segment of players and workers ever. Mom and Dad are showing up to make sure everything is in order and the athletes are texting, emailing and cruising the internet. They are asking more questions about something having a purpose and being a meaningful experience.
We are ready to accept that challenge and urge young people to experience our program to ensure they are ready to “make a difference” in everything they attempt to do, however, we would like to do this without losing our "element of growth away from home" concepts.
These young people are demanding a quality program in a stimulating environment that serves a purpose for them now and in the future. They want to know that everything we do is meaningful. They want to know who they are, how do they fit and how they are going to get there. They are fm families where they’ve been told, “If you are going to do something, then do something that will benefit you both now and in the future.” This is exactly the role MHC has filled over the years and we have the track record to prove it. We go beyond the game and we do give young people an opportunity to make a difference @ an early age in our diverse programs.
There are times when it is easier for a young player to make a difference in a dryland or strength training session than on the ice. Each experience fuels the other. They learn quickly how to play a meaningful role. If they do not excel in any of the exercises, there is still enough for them in each experience to feel good about what they’ve accomplished. We rarely have a young person fail to improve as a person and player.
Our practices and dryland programs are sophisticated and demanding enough to challenge any person, and this eliminates any reason to burn out. The idea of doing what it takes in any setting is enough to build self-esteem and stimulate the mind. We encourage the use of cell phones, texting and emails because we want the positive buzz about the synergy @ MHC, but we want it done in a constructive manner; never interfering with the training process. The time to text, email and use the Internet is early in the morning before breakfast and later @ night when the training is finished. Guidelines have to be in place to have some sort of structure with regard to losing items and paying attention to detail while training.
Meaningful experiences have a way of giving young people a huge competitive and psychological advantage on their opponent in life and the game. They learn that competition is great and giving 100% can raise your self-esteem level. Our feeling is the positive buzz about our programs will create more interest in MHC. We find it tough for young people to “make a difference” if they aren’t trained, schooled and given an opportunity to “make a difference”. Intangibles acquired, once they reach a required skill threshold, are invaluable and will ultimately dictate their success.
When we speak of intangibles, we are referring to an attitude, swagger, gregariousness, boldness and competitive instincts that provide you with the skill to express your skills. We all need to learn to smartly compete with zero inhibitions and a will to win. This will enable us to solve a lot of problems in life.
The helicopter parent has now assumed the role of teacher, coach, mentor and friend of their offspring and this is here to stay for this generation. We don’t fight it, but we also recognize the value of 3 to 6 mentors outside of the immediate family and the impact they can have on a young person’s life. MHC is willing to assume this role and be an extension of the parent. Young people are now asked about interests, desires and talents. The idea of talking to and telling has been replaced by “talking with”. Coaches and parents would be wise to recognize the value.
Sports and hobbies are approached differently than when we were kids. Young people are programmed to prioritize. This doesn’t mean less fulfillment. This simply means that young people are striving to insure success. MHC has a responsibility to contribute. Loyalty, engagement and respect are still a priority and it’s our job to assume that responsibility as well.
We assume the responsibility of helping young people make a difference, make them feel they are contributing by rewarding their efforts and ideas, respect their creativity levels and listening to their comments. The new wave isn’t interesting in doing what anyone can do. They want to be appreciated for their success levels achieved. They are accustomed to being measured and MHC wants you to know that those measurements are in place. Our goal is to take those measurements to a level where each athlete can constructively critique their efforts and results because we will expose both assets and liabilities.
The rewards for achievement do not have to be costly. Praise is an ample reward for effort and a job well done. This is also a generation that has been hand fed, so failure has more meaning to them. They have been protected fm failure which is why MHC can play an even more important role. We are a “dry run” for experiences that will happen in real life. It is far more important to have these “dry run” failures that don’t affect your life and have the meaningful experience of critiquing your shortcomings and improving. This will eliminate the possibility of any tragedy that is lurking.
Our programs are focused on young people having the freedom to express their skills without having the burden of losing a game because they tried something out of the ordinary and this has been in place since the camp was founded. Our feeling is they will be able to refine and define their game by teaching them how to constructively critique themselves while eliminating all the blind spots and inhibitions that stifle success.
I don't know too many coaches who want a "2 for 1" deal where the parents, sometimes grand parents, come with the players. This is a fine line in this new age. Coaches appreciate the parents who support and believe in the program through the good and bad times. There is always the case where the player is so good that the coach is willing to put up with the side show. This is not meant to give you an out because we are talking about a very small percentage.
Mentoring and parenting all comes down to providing opportunity, creating awareness, recognizing assets, managing liabilities, problem solving and being able to tell your athlete, “Just play; have fun, do something out of the ordinary and try to make a difference.”.
We were all put on this earth to validate and anoint ourselves regardless of what people say, believe, write or think about us. Posturing, lobbying and 2 for 1's have no place in the equation. There is no entitlement regardless of your situation.
It comes down to "dealing with the hand you are dealt". I don't care if the perceived wrong team, in your eyes, drafts you @ any level. Take your poison and learn to live with it. It's in your best interest to "go where you are wanted". History shows that players succeed when the coach believes in them and they believe in the coach. There are a lot of examples out there of young athletes whose parents felt that a certain program wasn’t in their best interest. They would spend a whole season lobbying to get somewhere else. When they get there, they lobby to get them on the “right line or defensive combinations”. There has been more than one case where the team they didn’t like went on to win their division, league or a National Title. There has also been more than one case where they would have been a 1 -2 guy versus a bubble guy in another setting. The 1-2 guys have a better chance to develop.
Every time a parent overly protects their young athlete from adversity, they create more problems than they solve. Young people have to accept the fact that adversity is here to stay. Protecting a child from any adversity is delaying the inevitable. Hiding from adversity @ a young age will make it difficult to cope with adversity in the future. Life is a series of dry runs, semi dry runs and then the “real runs” when adverse situations pop up in your life. The more you accept the challenge of staring them down the better off you will be in the long run.
“Life is an adventure in progress. There are days and nights when all is great and then there are days and nights where……..
I could make a list of high school, junior and college teams when I think of programs poised to turn out as many professional athletes as the name programs. They are programs that are giving young people an opportunity to catch up and pass their peers in life and the game.
I vividly remember the years when our own children moved away to play, whether @ camp, junior or university. We remember receiving calls and listening to them vent. We were left to fret while our children vented. Then they ran off with their friends and had a good time because they were able to vent while we were left to fret and worry.
Bottom line: The parents’ role should be to provide every opportunity and work towards raising a competent, competitive and a confident child, with composure to put a bad mistake/game behind them. They will receive scholarships and/or get drafted/signed as a free agent if they are good enough. The new process begins when that happens. First, the players have to define their assets, what role they can play as they go to the next level and then try to excel @ that. Once they do that, they will be asked to master their trade. All of these players go through the same process. The problem is awareness of who and what you are and who and what you can be. Some players want to excel and a more select group choose to master their trade. Hopefully your child has a will to excel beyond this level and then the rare will to master and perfect the tools of their trade and what others believe they can be. Our job is to make them aware of the process by showing them how it works. Expose problems and help them solve them; because they never go away.
The biggest problem is most players 'think' they want to excel and master their trade, they “think” they train hard, they “think” they have a passion for the game; and are not aware of the process of how to go about doing that. If they did, more would contribute on the NHL level or @ least raise the bar of the organization. MHC has a way of creating awareness and exposing this in our athletes with the primary goal of moving on and up.
I will always believe that any child in a setting where credible adults get to know them (no better example than our camp), will generally get what they have coming to them. They will get the necessary exposure and then be recognized by others who care about their future because they made an impression with their skills and intangibles which are difficult to read just watching a 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 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, May 12, 2010
Guideline for revealing mortal side
Guideline for revealing “mortal” side
It’s no secret that outbursts revealing your “mortal” side tarnish your image and reduces your production. Staying calm in adverse situations when things aren’t going your way is a skill that every player needs in their arsenal. There is no need to cause people to think you are something you aren’t and certainly no one wants to be known as a whiner.
The playing field is more level in the playoffs, rules become guidelines that are stretched further than normal and the compete levels go to yet another level so it’s easy to find yourself in a situation where you feel you are being treated differently than during the regular season. I believe there are a different set of rules that govern the playoffs. This is caused by compete levels going to another level as well as referees feeling the players should decide who wins; not them. Referees want to do a perfect game no different than players.
The only adjustment is playing smarter in every situation. Playing smarter is the key to success in the playoffs whether it’s adjusting to the referees, execution of fundamentals or team play. The smarts level has to be raised. If players appear to be getting away with holding and grabbing more than the regular season, your only reaction should be to back off, release, spin off and keep playing. Players have to be smart enough to recognize what they have to do to keep themselves focused in to what really matters; the game and winning.
It’s good to assess the philosophical side and go over some common sense things like:
The word WIN means, “What’s important now”. If there is a non call, bad call or goal scored by the opponent, your first thought should be, “What’s important now?” The answers are to keep playing, kill a penalty or get the goal back.
Competitors act; fools react.
Maintain a clear head so your feet and hands can do their work. Common sense says, “Cluttered minds eliminate execution by the feet and hands."
It’s all about being focused and happy throughout the journey; and not about where you want to be @ the end.
The way to address referees will always be as important as how you play. Your knowledge of how to talk to referees is as important as your knowledge of how to play the game. If you feel the rules are being stretched, simply say, “Look, I’m being held in situations I’m not accustomed to. Could you please give it a look and tell me if I’m out of line or right in my assessment? You will get nowhere when you yell and cuss @ them.
Opponents look to find ways to rattle opponents; especially the star players and weak minded players on the team. They know they can’t beat you without getting you off your game. The goal is to agitate, get rid of your focus, in any way possible; physically or verbally.
All you ever need to understand is every game, every season; the team and organization are all more important and bigger than you. This allows you to disengage fm anything that may be upsetting you and ultimately the team. This may seem like a small issue in the overall scheme of things, but sometimes a bit of a difference is the difference in a game of emotions and inches.
It’s no secret that outbursts revealing your “mortal” side tarnish your image and reduces your production. Staying calm in adverse situations when things aren’t going your way is a skill that every player needs in their arsenal. There is no need to cause people to think you are something you aren’t and certainly no one wants to be known as a whiner.
The playing field is more level in the playoffs, rules become guidelines that are stretched further than normal and the compete levels go to yet another level so it’s easy to find yourself in a situation where you feel you are being treated differently than during the regular season. I believe there are a different set of rules that govern the playoffs. This is caused by compete levels going to another level as well as referees feeling the players should decide who wins; not them. Referees want to do a perfect game no different than players.
The only adjustment is playing smarter in every situation. Playing smarter is the key to success in the playoffs whether it’s adjusting to the referees, execution of fundamentals or team play. The smarts level has to be raised. If players appear to be getting away with holding and grabbing more than the regular season, your only reaction should be to back off, release, spin off and keep playing. Players have to be smart enough to recognize what they have to do to keep themselves focused in to what really matters; the game and winning.
It’s good to assess the philosophical side and go over some common sense things like:
The word WIN means, “What’s important now”. If there is a non call, bad call or goal scored by the opponent, your first thought should be, “What’s important now?” The answers are to keep playing, kill a penalty or get the goal back.
Competitors act; fools react.
Maintain a clear head so your feet and hands can do their work. Common sense says, “Cluttered minds eliminate execution by the feet and hands."
It’s all about being focused and happy throughout the journey; and not about where you want to be @ the end.
The way to address referees will always be as important as how you play. Your knowledge of how to talk to referees is as important as your knowledge of how to play the game. If you feel the rules are being stretched, simply say, “Look, I’m being held in situations I’m not accustomed to. Could you please give it a look and tell me if I’m out of line or right in my assessment? You will get nowhere when you yell and cuss @ them.
Opponents look to find ways to rattle opponents; especially the star players and weak minded players on the team. They know they can’t beat you without getting you off your game. The goal is to agitate, get rid of your focus, in any way possible; physically or verbally.
All you ever need to understand is every game, every season; the team and organization are all more important and bigger than you. This allows you to disengage fm anything that may be upsetting you and ultimately the team. This may seem like a small issue in the overall scheme of things, but sometimes a bit of a difference is the difference in a game of emotions and inches.
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 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, April 26, 2010
Textbook Hockey
U-18 Textbook Hockey
Good things happen to good people, and they continue to happen for those with a passion for life and the game. This is why USA U18 coach, Kurt Kleinendorst, is enjoying a gold medal with his support staff and players. Some, like Tim Taylor & Scott Monaghan have been @ it a long time and enjoying the fruits of commitment. Others, like Joe Exter, John Wroblewski, Cole Bassett and Brock Bradley are younger and bring a youthful refreshing outlook to the game. Joe’s work with the goaltenders should be recognized because it is visible.
Textbook game, textbook line rushes, textbook puck movement, textbook team defense, textbook goaltending and textbook story on the value of development when pursued in the proper manner and setting. The coach, entire staff and players are a tight knit group that worked and played for each other.
They learned the value of sharing and caring while playing hard and the rewards are apparent. I was one who observed their maturity level just seven (7) months ago to this moment in the Minsk airport. This is now a group of young men that realize their young lives became a business before most of their high school friends would ever begin thinking of their young life as a business. This happens to all young people who work to gain notoriety.
I can't remember liking a team any more than watching this group. Congratulations to a group who are now linked for life. I have seen some equal, like Pittsburgh with Dan Bylsma and staff in the Stanley Cup last season, but no better coaching job or team play as I witnessed in Minsk.
Now is the time to guard against the sophistication, complacency and tragedy that has a way of creeping in to success stories. We're hoping this is incentive to continue going beyond your job description in your career and real life. Maintain a chip on your shoulder mentality and recognize we never arrive in life. This will prevent anyone fm boxing you in.
This group is unconditionally looking for someone to share the puck. They are an extension of the head coach, one who grew up caring and sharing while being a very detailed athlete before any personal gains.
We've known Kurt as far back as we can remember when he was growing up in Grand Rapids, MN. He is still the same Kurt, one who knows and values the words humble and grateful for the privilege of being part of the game.
If you go back to September, when this team was assembled, there is clear evidence of players validating and anointing themselves beyond the beliefs, reports, thoughts and ratings of the hockey world in general. The pecking order has changed dramatically and that will prove itself out @ the NHL draft and again and again up to the time this group is 25 or 26 years old if the players persevere through all the scrutiny and adversity.
“There was a beginning and you are somewhere in between and all that matters is the end.”
The team had their share of heat seeking missiles capable of answering the bell if someone wanted to play a game of intimidation. Kurt loves this team and each player’s value to the team was huge. Some led the way in hits and others emulated as they overachieved in their asset categories. This theory held true whether it was infectious play, sharing the pucks, making plays, scoring or executing in a critical moment. Each player overachieved and all emulated each other to the degree possible. This is how the game should be played and this how games are won and championship teams are built: People sharing, whether pucks or information; people emulating those who overachieve in their asset categories during critical moments throughout the course of the game. Teams doing this grow together as a team.
This is what life is all about: validating and anointing yourself while possessing the skills and willingness to express your skills with zero inhibitions; outworking and outperforming your opponent in life.
This was another one of those momentous occasions with great lessons on how life works, people improve and organizations win together.
Russia seemed to move more toward star power as the tournament progressed. Their team was quick to fade in to the sunset. Sweden had a team game that mirrored USA and was good enough to make the final game a game of inches; a worthy and respected opponent who needed to make more breaks for themselves. Like the USA they had performances that put the pecking order to shambles. Finland once again won Bronze with their team game and earned the respect of those in attendance. This Finnish group is a team of underdog overachievers and an extension of a small hockey nation with immense pride. Canada was two goals short in the Swiss game and that stripped them of any opportunity to build on their hockey tradition.
This opens the door for a new kid on the block to walk through and challenge for hockey supremacy. An attitude, swagger, gregariousness, boldness and competitive instincts can make that happen. –Ole Gringo-
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 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
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Tiger Woods Saga; how it relates to success
Tiger Woods – What positives can come out of this?
What’s next; the beginning of the solution
Christine Brennan wrote in her column on Thursday, April 8, 2010:
“If I were managing Tiger’s career (now there’s a reach), I would have demanded that he miss a major no matter what, if only for show.”
This caught me by surprise but understand her effort to make her point. This to me is more evidence of our world rewarding perception and deception versus purpose, reality, reason and substance.
What’s more punishment?
1. Skipping a major tournament to hide fm a humiliating and humbling experience or
2. Standing on the tee knowing what every single person in and outside of the ropes, millions on TV, more millions soaking up all the articles written are all thinking?
The burden is incredible and very difficult to fathom. Tiger didn’t even have a teammate to lean on, but he has a Mom standing behind her son during the good and bad times in life and no doubt has a wife who hasn’t figured out a way to handle the millions out there scrutinizing her every move.
Nike is there for support as a sponsor when he isn’t on the course. On the course, he is on his own, tons on his mind and a little white ball that has to be stroked with perfection. This is punishment because he has to do it with the danger of his mind moving in every direction imaginable. This whole setting was a humiliating and humbling experience @ its highest level and Tiger did the world a favor by accepting the challenge if we are in to learning lessons on how life works.
I don’t know too many people who could do what Tiger Woods is doing by playing @ the Master in Augusta, but it probably shouldn’t be surprising. He’s been doing things out of the ordinary since he was born. Put another way, he was born to do something out of the ordinary yet he is the one responsible for anointing and validating himself.
The Tiger Wood’s saga lends even more credibility to how life works. “We were put on the earth to validate and anoint ourselves beyond anything people say, write, believe, think or report.” Lectures, articles, video, quick fix pep talks and all that makes up the world of sports do not matter. Nothing else matters. It’s just the way life works. There is a lesson on how fragile life and careers are. If Tiger can stumble, anyone can stumble and fall. If Tiger can pick himself back up, he sets a standard we all can live by.
What would you tell any person who is working for a living? Miss your next assignment? No, you would tell them to get back to work, you have a responsibility to earn your keep; provide for those in your care. Everything is more important than you, the person. You also have the obligation to face those who care about you. Respect, trust, love and caring levels are earned. No one is in a position to demand them. They take time to build, and once built they can withstand the most emotional and traumatic experiences.
Life is all about choices and we all end up living with our choices. The magnitude of this situation is clearly evident and even a part of the sermon delivered on April 11, 2010 @ United Methodist Church in Milton, FL. The pastor mentioned Tiger Woods and his road to restoration. Will it happen?
If I was managing Tiger Woods (now there’s a reach), I guess I would have to mention how life really works:
You were born with an incredible talent; the ability to express your skills and those skills are well documented. The skill to express your skill is what makes you successful. You learned early in life that the value of those skills was directly influenced by your attitude, swagger, boldness, gregariousness and competitive instincts. The only thing standing in the way of your legacy is you. Take some time to get to know the real you. Sort out all the blind spots that others see in you that you do not see in yourself. Two of those are your caring and giving levels; the last two levels highly rewarded people recognize and respond to. Get out of yourself and bring some real people in to your life.
No one can ever prepare you for the day you make a huge mistake in life. The only thing that gets you through the moment is all the love and caring that comes from those around you and you recognizing you made a mistake or have a problem. It all starts with the immediate family and builds on fm there in the world of sports.
Every person needs three (3) to (6) mentors. The amount of your public love and caring will be clearly visible once you are inside the ropes and hitting the golf ball. The level can go higher but only if you reciprocate by showing your love and caring level; respecting and trusting others. Respect, trust, love and caring have two winners or no winners.
I can fully understand why going in to seclusion @ home or a treatment center is the way to go. Traumatic and emotional mistakes create an immediate “what’s next” scenario, so there is a lot of planning to do. The safest place to do that is in your home where you feel most comfortable. In Tiger’s case it is magnified considerably. We know about our failures; no one needs to tell us. What’s next is all about rehabilitation and restoring what you’ve lost.
We do know the following:
No one is perfect, we live in an imperfect world and our social status doesn’t exclude us; we are not entitled to anything and we are just as susceptible to wrong decisions as any other person. We are humans. Humans need to spend more time getting to know the person inside their body. Once we find out who and what we are we can figure out where we are going and how we are going to get there. Problems never go away. You attack the problem and solve the problem. Most of us need others to help us help ourselves.
No one is perfect, and it's unfair of us to expect any person to be. In looking for flaws, we may be overlooking real talent. When I look in the mirror I see things I wish I could change. I try to keep that in mind when I judge others. Our responsibility to those in our care is to help them build a good life; not spend our time condemning.
Critics or no critics, we are all going to get a label in life. I've seen great people with great labels and not so great labels. I've seen not so great people having great labels and I've seen them labeled properly. There is not much in between when it comes to labels. The main thing about labels is they are tough to shake; right or wrong. The one guarantee is you will get a label; especially in the game of hockey.
Sometimes we think that the things that are happening to us don't happen to everyone else. It's hard for us, and the people around us, to accept our 'special circumstance' as a huge mistake or the product of an unfair society or life. Hard times give us the opportunity to reflect on the good things and grow. As difficult and harsh as it appears, we need to honor the situation and turn our thoughts to the future with resolve. We need to remove obstacles that prevent us from a daily critiquing of our lives, so we can move toward being a detailed person that cares about others while in the process of building our lives and maximizing our potential.
The "key words" are caring and giving levels. If we care, we have to accept the fact that we share and carry other peoples' burdens and problems; when someone is hurt physically, mentally or have a problem, we all hurt.
Those close to Tiger are smart to be patient, humble, gentle, kind and show compassion while working with him. In a sense these people in our lives go way past the acquaintance and companion levels. They are closer to the "real friend" level where we can go see them unannounced, pour out our heart and listen to them pour out theirs. We have the responsibility to "corner them" and tell them things they may not want to hear in addition to compliments. We have the responsibility to provide meaningful experiences so they can grow. This is the responsibility of Tiger’s inner circle. Sound familiar?
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". This process has a way of separating the strong from the Wannabe; people who believe they can make a difference versus people who only “think” they can be something. Tiger embodies the statement, “Think and believe big, apply some determination, and big things will happen.” The path he travels has no room for the timid and weak minded.
Keep supporting each other as one big family 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. Do all this and the people keep growing; the honors keep coming and everyone gets better.
The highest honor any parent can receive is someone declaring, “Your child is a special athlete and an even better person. Your child is a detail person, cares about others before any personal gain; knowing that personal gains come fm being a detail person and caring about others.
So I guess my wish for Tiger would be people saying, “Mrs. Woods, I love and respect your son because he is a detail person and cares about others before any personal gain. He is a great athlete but an even better person.” He can start by saying, "The clubs Steve Mara has are authentic. If he's in a position where he needs to sell them to help his family, I want to personally endorse his efforts and will do what it takes to finalize the sale."
Being authentic is paramount in the case of Tiger. How hard is it for someone to look @ you and say, "What you see is what you get?" This should not be something you have to work @. This should be you; you caring about people, you wanting to make a difference in other peoples' lives, you wanting to make the world a better place to live. You are that big and it can be done. This is nothing more than the desire to do something bigger than you for others. Putting it bluntly; it's all about Tiger the person, not Tiger the golfer; you getting out of yourself and bringing others in to your life.
If everything falls in to place, the great ones never arrive; they always have something to prove. Tiger will go on to break every record and leave a legacy that will impact our society forever and be tough to surpass; one more career salvaged and restored. All anyone needs to ask when they make a mistake: "I need the chance to redeem myself and I will."
If it doesn’t happen, Tiger failed to see his blind spots, and the adoring crowds will switch to someone with more substance; as will the corporate world. It may have started when Tiger received a lukewarm greeting on the 1st tee Sunday and Phil Mickelson’s started winning the crowd over with his play and subsequent win on Sunday. Phil’s feel good story will win over any fan or corporation.
You can go out and get all the spin doctors you want. They are @ your disposal but don’t waste your money. It’s all about you!
We get our start in life, go through some ups, downs, scrutiny and adversity; what really matters is how we end up when it's all over.
Fast forward now to January 27, 2011. Tiger's quote in the Toronto Globe and Mail reads: "I think in order to play this game at a high level, it helps to have a clear mind," Woods said. "I've played at the high levels before in the past without a clear mind, but it helps to be consistent. It helps having your life in balance."
Ole Gringo says, "I believe he will play better as he discovers the commitment required of a purpose driven person. People with purpose have a clear mind and have no problem expressing their skills because they are always sharing, caring and giving in addition to practicing and playing."
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps24621 So Clark Lake Rd P.O. Box 90 Nisswa, MN 56468-0090Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325
Email chuck@mnhockeycamps.comAll rights 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
What’s next; the beginning of the solution
Christine Brennan wrote in her column on Thursday, April 8, 2010:
“If I were managing Tiger’s career (now there’s a reach), I would have demanded that he miss a major no matter what, if only for show.”
This caught me by surprise but understand her effort to make her point. This to me is more evidence of our world rewarding perception and deception versus purpose, reality, reason and substance.
What’s more punishment?
1. Skipping a major tournament to hide fm a humiliating and humbling experience or
2. Standing on the tee knowing what every single person in and outside of the ropes, millions on TV, more millions soaking up all the articles written are all thinking?
The burden is incredible and very difficult to fathom. Tiger didn’t even have a teammate to lean on, but he has a Mom standing behind her son during the good and bad times in life and no doubt has a wife who hasn’t figured out a way to handle the millions out there scrutinizing her every move.
Nike is there for support as a sponsor when he isn’t on the course. On the course, he is on his own, tons on his mind and a little white ball that has to be stroked with perfection. This is punishment because he has to do it with the danger of his mind moving in every direction imaginable. This whole setting was a humiliating and humbling experience @ its highest level and Tiger did the world a favor by accepting the challenge if we are in to learning lessons on how life works.
I don’t know too many people who could do what Tiger Woods is doing by playing @ the Master in Augusta, but it probably shouldn’t be surprising. He’s been doing things out of the ordinary since he was born. Put another way, he was born to do something out of the ordinary yet he is the one responsible for anointing and validating himself.
The Tiger Wood’s saga lends even more credibility to how life works. “We were put on the earth to validate and anoint ourselves beyond anything people say, write, believe, think or report.” Lectures, articles, video, quick fix pep talks and all that makes up the world of sports do not matter. Nothing else matters. It’s just the way life works. There is a lesson on how fragile life and careers are. If Tiger can stumble, anyone can stumble and fall. If Tiger can pick himself back up, he sets a standard we all can live by.
What would you tell any person who is working for a living? Miss your next assignment? No, you would tell them to get back to work, you have a responsibility to earn your keep; provide for those in your care. Everything is more important than you, the person. You also have the obligation to face those who care about you. Respect, trust, love and caring levels are earned. No one is in a position to demand them. They take time to build, and once built they can withstand the most emotional and traumatic experiences.
Life is all about choices and we all end up living with our choices. The magnitude of this situation is clearly evident and even a part of the sermon delivered on April 11, 2010 @ United Methodist Church in Milton, FL. The pastor mentioned Tiger Woods and his road to restoration. Will it happen?
If I was managing Tiger Woods (now there’s a reach), I guess I would have to mention how life really works:
You were born with an incredible talent; the ability to express your skills and those skills are well documented. The skill to express your skill is what makes you successful. You learned early in life that the value of those skills was directly influenced by your attitude, swagger, boldness, gregariousness and competitive instincts. The only thing standing in the way of your legacy is you. Take some time to get to know the real you. Sort out all the blind spots that others see in you that you do not see in yourself. Two of those are your caring and giving levels; the last two levels highly rewarded people recognize and respond to. Get out of yourself and bring some real people in to your life.
No one can ever prepare you for the day you make a huge mistake in life. The only thing that gets you through the moment is all the love and caring that comes from those around you and you recognizing you made a mistake or have a problem. It all starts with the immediate family and builds on fm there in the world of sports.
Every person needs three (3) to (6) mentors. The amount of your public love and caring will be clearly visible once you are inside the ropes and hitting the golf ball. The level can go higher but only if you reciprocate by showing your love and caring level; respecting and trusting others. Respect, trust, love and caring have two winners or no winners.
I can fully understand why going in to seclusion @ home or a treatment center is the way to go. Traumatic and emotional mistakes create an immediate “what’s next” scenario, so there is a lot of planning to do. The safest place to do that is in your home where you feel most comfortable. In Tiger’s case it is magnified considerably. We know about our failures; no one needs to tell us. What’s next is all about rehabilitation and restoring what you’ve lost.
We do know the following:
No one is perfect, we live in an imperfect world and our social status doesn’t exclude us; we are not entitled to anything and we are just as susceptible to wrong decisions as any other person. We are humans. Humans need to spend more time getting to know the person inside their body. Once we find out who and what we are we can figure out where we are going and how we are going to get there. Problems never go away. You attack the problem and solve the problem. Most of us need others to help us help ourselves.
No one is perfect, and it's unfair of us to expect any person to be. In looking for flaws, we may be overlooking real talent. When I look in the mirror I see things I wish I could change. I try to keep that in mind when I judge others. Our responsibility to those in our care is to help them build a good life; not spend our time condemning.
Critics or no critics, we are all going to get a label in life. I've seen great people with great labels and not so great labels. I've seen not so great people having great labels and I've seen them labeled properly. There is not much in between when it comes to labels. The main thing about labels is they are tough to shake; right or wrong. The one guarantee is you will get a label; especially in the game of hockey.
Sometimes we think that the things that are happening to us don't happen to everyone else. It's hard for us, and the people around us, to accept our 'special circumstance' as a huge mistake or the product of an unfair society or life. Hard times give us the opportunity to reflect on the good things and grow. As difficult and harsh as it appears, we need to honor the situation and turn our thoughts to the future with resolve. We need to remove obstacles that prevent us from a daily critiquing of our lives, so we can move toward being a detailed person that cares about others while in the process of building our lives and maximizing our potential.
The "key words" are caring and giving levels. If we care, we have to accept the fact that we share and carry other peoples' burdens and problems; when someone is hurt physically, mentally or have a problem, we all hurt.
Those close to Tiger are smart to be patient, humble, gentle, kind and show compassion while working with him. In a sense these people in our lives go way past the acquaintance and companion levels. They are closer to the "real friend" level where we can go see them unannounced, pour out our heart and listen to them pour out theirs. We have the responsibility to "corner them" and tell them things they may not want to hear in addition to compliments. We have the responsibility to provide meaningful experiences so they can grow. This is the responsibility of Tiger’s inner circle. Sound familiar?
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". This process has a way of separating the strong from the Wannabe; people who believe they can make a difference versus people who only “think” they can be something. Tiger embodies the statement, “Think and believe big, apply some determination, and big things will happen.” The path he travels has no room for the timid and weak minded.
Keep supporting each other as one big family 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. Do all this and the people keep growing; the honors keep coming and everyone gets better.
The highest honor any parent can receive is someone declaring, “Your child is a special athlete and an even better person. Your child is a detail person, cares about others before any personal gain; knowing that personal gains come fm being a detail person and caring about others.
So I guess my wish for Tiger would be people saying, “Mrs. Woods, I love and respect your son because he is a detail person and cares about others before any personal gain. He is a great athlete but an even better person.” He can start by saying, "The clubs Steve Mara has are authentic. If he's in a position where he needs to sell them to help his family, I want to personally endorse his efforts and will do what it takes to finalize the sale."
Being authentic is paramount in the case of Tiger. How hard is it for someone to look @ you and say, "What you see is what you get?" This should not be something you have to work @. This should be you; you caring about people, you wanting to make a difference in other peoples' lives, you wanting to make the world a better place to live. You are that big and it can be done. This is nothing more than the desire to do something bigger than you for others. Putting it bluntly; it's all about Tiger the person, not Tiger the golfer; you getting out of yourself and bringing others in to your life.
If everything falls in to place, the great ones never arrive; they always have something to prove. Tiger will go on to break every record and leave a legacy that will impact our society forever and be tough to surpass; one more career salvaged and restored. All anyone needs to ask when they make a mistake: "I need the chance to redeem myself and I will."
If it doesn’t happen, Tiger failed to see his blind spots, and the adoring crowds will switch to someone with more substance; as will the corporate world. It may have started when Tiger received a lukewarm greeting on the 1st tee Sunday and Phil Mickelson’s started winning the crowd over with his play and subsequent win on Sunday. Phil’s feel good story will win over any fan or corporation.
You can go out and get all the spin doctors you want. They are @ your disposal but don’t waste your money. It’s all about you!
We get our start in life, go through some ups, downs, scrutiny and adversity; what really matters is how we end up when it's all over.
Fast forward now to January 27, 2011. Tiger's quote in the Toronto Globe and Mail reads: "I think in order to play this game at a high level, it helps to have a clear mind," Woods said. "I've played at the high levels before in the past without a clear mind, but it helps to be consistent. It helps having your life in balance."
Ole Gringo says, "I believe he will play better as he discovers the commitment required of a purpose driven person. People with purpose have a clear mind and have no problem expressing their skills because they are always sharing, caring and giving in addition to practicing and playing."
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps24621 So Clark Lake Rd P.O. Box 90 Nisswa, MN 56468-0090Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325
Email chuck@mnhockeycamps.comAll rights 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
Saturday, April 3, 2010
We know you can play, but do you figure in to the mix?
We know you can play, but do you figure in to the mix?
What is your on and off ice value in a team setting?
Hockey is unique in that you play offense or defense 100% of the time so you basically have two games within one. You have the game with the puck, which is why most people play the game and this game is challenging to teach more because of reaction times than skill. You have the game without the puck and this is less of a challenge to teach but hard to convince a player of the offensive benefits.
What makes you better?
Does your unit generate offense? Does your unit direct more shots on net than the opponent? If so, how many shots are directed @ the net compared to your opponent? What is your shot percentage? Do you spend more time on the attack with your break-out; transition game and sustained fore-checks, than your opponent? Does this translate in to a strong team game? What is your reaction time off pucks shot fm the strong side point, transition? How quick are shots generated on net after a turn over? Anything more than 3 or 4 seconds and you have a lost opportunity.
Do you provide the defense that leads to offense? Defense is not as much fun to play but defense is easy to teach and a necessary ingredient for those who like offense. There is only one puck. This 1 x 3 inch piece of rubber, weighing 6 oz, is the key to all success stories and generally time of possession dictates that success. Once you lose a puck, it is a very good idea to get it back.
What is your reaction time offense to defense; defense to offense? Why make the game so complex?
The mark of a great hockey player simplified is:
One – Your ability to get to open ice the split second after your teammate gains control of the puck. The teammate is thinking about who he can give it to. In fact, the great ones are thinking about who they give a puck to before they actually receive it. Puck carriers have an option of four players when you are @ full strength and the tape on the stick of each teammate must have a clear path to the puck. If your tape does not have a clear path to the puck, you are not a good player. Options are easier to see when there are clear paths. This upgrades the hockey sense skills and vision of your teammate with the puck.
Two – Your ability to pick up your “check” the split second after your team loses a puck. Picking up your check means you are @ minimum bumping your check while your teammate closest to the puck is in full flight to arrive first. If you arrive 1st, it’s only right to arrive with separation in mind. Separation fm the puck is your main objective. Reading and reacting is part of the equation. Anything less than 1 ½ players on the puck is not enough. This means the 2nd closest player to the puck is your teammate who is focused on being on the right side of the puck defensively unless there is a high percentage chance of picking up a loose puck created by separation.
The 3rd closest player is in more of a defensive posture but quick to pick up on an opportunity to gain a loose puck. Once the 3rd man is activated, players one and two simply become players two and three in the system. Players 4 and 5 are in a defensive posture ready to become one and the process continues. Not too hard, eh?
Great offensive teams can always focus on becoming better defensively in tough games and playoffs, and they will as the stakes increase. Great defensive teams have a tough time generating offense once they are behind by one goal or more and have a tendency to play not to lose or keep it close. Since when was any game played not to lose or keep close? There are no moral victories in competition. There is a winner and a loser.
The Stanley Cup playoffs are a reminder of the importance of survival in a playground setting with some guidelines. Recognizing that we were put on this earth to validate and anoint ourselves, this is your opportunity to excel, anoint and validate yourself beyond anything people say, write, report, think or believe. There is no rule that says you cannot be the most important player in any contest.
While stars get paid to be stars, there is nothing in the rules that states you cannot evolve in to being a star, or one of the three stars, in an important contest or series. Play to win and develop winning habits by doing the thing you love to do most; namely putting the puck in the net.
The Stanley Cup resembles a playground setting with a pecking order. The lineups are full of established players whose career achievements and shortcomings are well documented. If you don't like the pecking order, the setting is there to change it. Rules are reduced to guidelines and players get paid to outwork and outperform their opponent with no regard for who they are or what they've accomplished. Players accept the challenge and set out to prove they are better than the next guy.
The Cup mirrors life. Aren't we all paid to outwork and outperform our opponent in life? Pittsburgh’s Cup win was a great win for a group of guys who have no quit in them and appear to be relishing the playground setting where there is no room for the timid or weak minded player. Makes you want to bring back the old playground setting where kids grew up learning how to survive on their own in the toughest situations. More than one picked up their stick, skates, bat, and glove and went home.
Something tells me the PIT players have some playground experience and are interesting in altering the “pecking order”, maintaining and sustaining what they have worked so hard to accomplish.
Developing the attitude, swagger, boldness and competitive instincts of a winner, or gamer, is your goal. Do it enough and it will become a habit that stays with you as long as you live. Most of us reach a point in our lives where talent plateaus, but we can all be more fearless and smart in what we do. There are both team smarts and individual smarts.
When the results are in this playground, like all playgrounds, will define and shape the lives of individuals, teams, organizations, communities, countries and the world. Not one player got mad or embarrassed enough to pick up their stick and skates and go home. They accepted the results, shook hands with those they could find, and are headed in to the next chapter of their lives.
I believe the first order of business is to humbly accept your experience and then immediately begin to guard against tragedy, complacency and sophistication setting in. This mindset and your willingness to train and improve are the only things that determine how well you do the next time you lace up your skates. Burnout is not positive through physical exercise. Burnout stems fm scrutiny and people “boxing” you in. Burnout is a product of boring and unchallenging practices that stress defense, defense and more defenses. I am one who looks @ success and championships as incentive to do better versus a reason for any fatigue setting in.
I humbly thank the man upstairs for rewarding an imperfect person in my life. His power is present in our lives, especially in times of weakness and vulnerability; rewarding those with the will to win and those who recognize success isn’t handed out.
Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps24621 So Clark Lake Rd P.O. Box 90 Nisswa, MN 56468-0090Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325 Email chuck@mnhockeycamps.comAll rights 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, March 22, 2010
Lou Jankowski - special friend and colleague
March 21, 2010
Dear Ryan and Family
I just received an email fm Ron Pyette stating that your father, and my special friend, passed away this morning. I feel a need to write how I feel about Lou, one who welcomed me in to the scouting fraternity with open arms in 1980-81 with the New York Rangers and one who immediately showered me with unconditional love and respect. I've met a lot of great people throughout my career and consider myself fortunate. I treasure the relationship we enjoyed over the years. My only regret is we never got to spend some time together during his retirement years. I actually wished @ some point we could have spent some time during spring baseball training in Florida; similar to the days when he took his young son to visit the ball parks during the summer months.
My first meeting, @ my first training camp, I was sitting in a meeting after a training session between Lou and Dan Summers with Fred Shero conducting the meeting. Three great men, three people with an unbelievable passion for life and the game and three I love. I am proud to say I was in this meeting with these men and will remember them forever.
Lou paid his dues beyond imagination @ a time when scouting was only for the passionate who lived this game. The game has been a way of life for so many of us. He was an inspiration and extremely loyal to his colleagues and so many others. His passion for the game can only be equaled; not surpassed. We go through life and consider ourselves fortunate when we have the opportunity to meet and develop a relationship with special and unique human beings. Lou had one of those old-fashioned value systems found only in those old timers with a solid upbringing and he took the time to pass it on to Ryan Jankowski and others.
I am convinced your positive approach to everyday life was passed on by Lou and this will get you, your family, and your Mom through this tough time. The record shows that Lou performed and was successful in whatever he chose to do and his relationships with everyone in the game is evidence of his professionalism. He always made me feel good when I was in his presence and I've never forgotten this. Our latest relationship, if only by an occasional hello, was special. We have a relationship the late Vince Lombardi called LOVE!
The world of hockey has been the beneficiary because of Lou’s involvement. His attitude, skills, boldness, swagger in his walk and competitive instincts are time tested with me. He was a very special and unique individual; something we all strive for. I am fortunate to be part of a scouting fraternity with Lou, Dan Summers and their peers. Lou’s Curiosity, Compassion, Caring, Composure, Confidence, Courage, Charisma, Character and Class of a Champion, who Competed in a Critical moment, is well documented. All the great leaders seem to surround themselves with the letter, “C”.
No one can ever prepare you for the day you lose anyone in your life. The only thing that gets you through the moment is all the love and caring that comes from those around you plus the fact you know he knows we all loved him during his time on earth.
Sports, like life, 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 travels. Lou was one of those special ones.
The game of hockey, like life, is full of 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 by acquiring the skill to express our skills.
Others do not validate our worth and success and Lou lived by this unwritten rule.
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". This process has a way of separating the strong from the Wannabe; people who believe they can make a difference versus people who only “think” they can be something. The strong will survive and Lou was very strong!
Keep supporting each other as one big family 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. Today is a day to celebrate the life and career of Lou Jankowski. Shower him with all the accolades and memories he earned. Make sure hockeydb.com adds his Oshawa Generals stats.
Lou embodies the role unconditional love and respect plays in our lives. Our relationship with Lou remains one of the highlights in our lives.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Chuck and Clairene Grillo
MHC Family
Dear Ryan and Family
I just received an email fm Ron Pyette stating that your father, and my special friend, passed away this morning. I feel a need to write how I feel about Lou, one who welcomed me in to the scouting fraternity with open arms in 1980-81 with the New York Rangers and one who immediately showered me with unconditional love and respect. I've met a lot of great people throughout my career and consider myself fortunate. I treasure the relationship we enjoyed over the years. My only regret is we never got to spend some time together during his retirement years. I actually wished @ some point we could have spent some time during spring baseball training in Florida; similar to the days when he took his young son to visit the ball parks during the summer months.
My first meeting, @ my first training camp, I was sitting in a meeting after a training session between Lou and Dan Summers with Fred Shero conducting the meeting. Three great men, three people with an unbelievable passion for life and the game and three I love. I am proud to say I was in this meeting with these men and will remember them forever.
Lou paid his dues beyond imagination @ a time when scouting was only for the passionate who lived this game. The game has been a way of life for so many of us. He was an inspiration and extremely loyal to his colleagues and so many others. His passion for the game can only be equaled; not surpassed. We go through life and consider ourselves fortunate when we have the opportunity to meet and develop a relationship with special and unique human beings. Lou had one of those old-fashioned value systems found only in those old timers with a solid upbringing and he took the time to pass it on to Ryan Jankowski and others.
I am convinced your positive approach to everyday life was passed on by Lou and this will get you, your family, and your Mom through this tough time. The record shows that Lou performed and was successful in whatever he chose to do and his relationships with everyone in the game is evidence of his professionalism. He always made me feel good when I was in his presence and I've never forgotten this. Our latest relationship, if only by an occasional hello, was special. We have a relationship the late Vince Lombardi called LOVE!
The world of hockey has been the beneficiary because of Lou’s involvement. His attitude, skills, boldness, swagger in his walk and competitive instincts are time tested with me. He was a very special and unique individual; something we all strive for. I am fortunate to be part of a scouting fraternity with Lou, Dan Summers and their peers. Lou’s Curiosity, Compassion, Caring, Composure, Confidence, Courage, Charisma, Character and Class of a Champion, who Competed in a Critical moment, is well documented. All the great leaders seem to surround themselves with the letter, “C”.
No one can ever prepare you for the day you lose anyone in your life. The only thing that gets you through the moment is all the love and caring that comes from those around you plus the fact you know he knows we all loved him during his time on earth.
Sports, like life, 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 travels. Lou was one of those special ones.
The game of hockey, like life, is full of 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 by acquiring the skill to express our skills.
Others do not validate our worth and success and Lou lived by this unwritten rule.
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". This process has a way of separating the strong from the Wannabe; people who believe they can make a difference versus people who only “think” they can be something. The strong will survive and Lou was very strong!
Keep supporting each other as one big family 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. Today is a day to celebrate the life and career of Lou Jankowski. Shower him with all the accolades and memories he earned. Make sure hockeydb.com adds his Oshawa Generals stats.
Lou embodies the role unconditional love and respect plays in our lives. Our relationship with Lou remains one of the highlights in our lives.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Chuck and Clairene Grillo
MHC Family
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