If you only knew...parent version.
- Puck Off To Bullying
- Jun 26
- 2 min read
I was watching an episode of Welcome to Wrexham the other night — the one where the team was being given a pep talk.
“You’ve done the work of a man — now go out and play like a little kid.”
And it hit me: So many kids in hockey have done the work. They’ve sacrificed weekends, early mornings, and birthday parties. But are we letting them play like kids?
At 8, they still believe in Santa Claus. At 12, they’re growing into their skates faster than they can tie them. At 14, they’re trying to find themselves in a sea of voices telling them who to be.
They’re not mini McDavids. They’re kids. And if you only knew the pressure they carry — to perform, to earn ice time, to impress — you might shift your focus from “How good are they?” to “How are they doing?”
🤯 If You Only Knew...
If you only knew how confusing offside still is at 8...If you only knew how 12-year-olds secretly doubt themselves every shift...If you only knew how hard it is at 14 to focus on hockey when your body is changing and your brain is exploding with questions...
You’d stop rewinding the highlight reel of Gretzky or Crosby or Team Canada gold.
You’d stop asking, “Why didn’t you shoot?” and start saying, “I loved watching you.”
You’d take a moment in the rink — look around — and realize: These aren’t future NHLers.These are kids who still need snacks in their gear bags. A reminder to pack their helmut or sock tape. They need reassurance more than replay breakdowns.
✅ So What Can We Do?
🎯 Get objective. Look at their actual size on the ice — not the man you imagine them becoming.
🧠 Stop comparing. The NHLer childhood clip is amazing — but it's not your kid’s benchmark.
💛 Cheer like the Team Canada parents, but love like it’s Timbits hockey — because it still is.
🕰️ Put your energy into now. Into car rides, water breaks, and awkward glove bumps after games.
🤸♂️ Let them be little. Let them fall in love with the game — not just try to conquer it.
Because the truth is… you’re not just raising a hockey player. You’re raising a human. Remember the minor in minor hockey is about playing like a kid.
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