A few weeks ago I read an article in the Bucks County Courier Times about Phillies utility man Mike Sweeney. After 16 seasons in major league baseball, he is finally in the post-season. The article, though, was not about baseball. Instead, it was about his faith, and it referenced a retreat he had taken as a senior in high school. The timing was somewhat ironic as I had just returned home from our own senior retreat the previous weekend.
I brought this article up while I was sitting at a meeting of many hockey folks – club, high school, etc – and as I expected it was immediately dismissed by some and embraced by few. Before I even had a chance to say anything more, the usual barrage began: “Did you know that the freshmen on your hockey team are already committed to prep schools for next year? Every weekend there are 25 scouts that watch [insert player here]. Every player on [insert team here] is getting recruited by Division One schools – you can’t compete with that. There will be 100 college and NHL scouts at our game this weekend – it’s the most important weekend of the year.” And just in case I have retained even the tiniest semblance of value to my existence, the inevitable killer blow is unleashed: “and of course no one actually cares about high school ice hockey.”
I brought this article up while I was sitting at a meeting of many hockey folks – club, high school, etc – and as I expected it was immediately dismissed by some and embraced by few. Before I even had a chance to say anything more, the usual barrage began: “Did you know that the freshmen on your hockey team are already committed to prep schools for next year? Every weekend there are 25 scouts that watch [insert player here]. Every player on [insert team here] is getting recruited by Division One schools – you can’t compete with that. There will be 100 college and NHL scouts at our game this weekend – it’s the most important weekend of the year.” And just in case I have retained even the tiniest semblance of value to my existence, the inevitable killer blow is unleashed: “and of course no one actually cares about high school ice hockey.”
I learned long ago not to stand in the way of the posturing of ice hockey. I can make no grand oratory to convince the consumers of the potion that not every weekend tournament is the single most important experience in the world – yes, there will still be the tournament the next weekend – and the weekend after that... Countless Division 1 coaches can be seen or read saying, “if you’re that good, we’ll find you. Never forget that not every great player has the resources to travel around the country to be seen…and in a world with the internet, video and with a smartly developed plan, dreams are still attainable.”
My philosophy and the philosophy of our ice hockey program is pretty simple: there is a place in this world for a kid to be a kid. Doing well in school and being a young man of character are the priorities. Sharing your gifts and talents to build spirit among teammates and your classmates is as noble as any win, on any level. Being a role model and doing the right things can’t be counted on a scoreboard, but is remembered and lived forever by the people whose lives you changed with your example. We must do what we can to help sustain the course of great things that every player wants to achieve. Sacrifice, honesty, compromise and patience are required to make sure that those who’s path may deliver the sought-after dream of college hockey is properly supported. So too, we must show this same commitment and unyielding energy when our players need our empathy, our time, our expertise and our unquestioning ear. Humility and good character will serve you well beyond the days you can skate and a strong and tested mind will help shield you from an uncertain world that changes every minute. To paraphrase Albert Einstein, “preparing for what will come in the future should not prevent you from making history today.”
My conviction is strong because of the fine men and women – high school, club, officials and friends in ice hockey – I have encountered over the last seven years that share the same principle that it is the person we are charged with supporting that supremely matters, not what he can do with a puck. My sincerest prayers remain wholeheartedly with them as we start full swing into another season. I hope that each of us in the Holy Ghost Prep community can share with me this faith strong commitment to support what is right and the folks that work so hard to fight the good fight.
To end, I would like to make mention of our seniors as we start this new year. I am extraordinarily fortunate to have been a part of the lives of so many HGP students over the years. I marvel every second at their achievements, successes and ability to overcome some of the most demanding challenges. This year’s seniors have faithfully and nobly carried the torch of our program for four years. They are the first group, for all four years, to fully bear the weight of our success this decade. They have done this with great spirit and loyalty. I do not know where this season will end, but if the judgment is based on the content of the hearts of our seniors, we are first no matter the contest.
