By Renee Martinez
My eldest son wanted to try out for travel hockey so we decided go through the process and see where it would take us. Who knew that the intensity of competition starts so young?
The first tryout was on Monday, where both the AAA and the AA coaches observed all the boys together to see where they would best fit. In case you don’t know these terms, AAA is for a very talented player and while AA also requires talent, the players schedule is not as intense. The children for this particular level where all born in 2000. If they don’t make the travel team, they can still play what’s called house hockey. House hockey is less competitive and requires less time and money. I have to admit, since my eldest son was really into this experience, I got into it too. I let him dictate how I should handle the situation. I didn’t push him into anything. He really wanted to get on the team. On the way, we listened to some fun music to get psyched.
At the first tryout, you could see all the different parents; the intense, the nervous and the nonchalant. The same labels could be applied to the children. The energy was high and there was excitement in the air. After the tryout, each child and their parents were invited into a private area to speak briefly with the coach as to what level he would move on to for the next tryout. Francisco was asked to come back to the AA the next day. He felt good about his chances and was happy with his level of play that he demonstrated for the evaluation. I encouraged him and supported how well he had done and assured him of how proud I was.
As a mother, this is one area that I feel a little inadequate. As much as I have a bond with him and like hockey, I cannot replace his father. I think this is one of those situations were Dads are appreciated by their sons. Interestingly, my son and 2 other boys were the only children accompanied by just their mothers, all others came with their fathers or both parents.
On the next night, they did drills and skated as coaches watched intently while taking notes. There was about 35 kids trying-out for 17 positions. After it was over, everyone was asked to return the following night for the final evaluation. Yesterday was the “make-it or break-it” night. My eldest was very optimistic, yet cool about it. So again, I supported whatever the outcome might hold.
At the final evaluation, I felt a bit nervous for him because I knew how much he wanted to make the team. This tryout was more individual so coaches could compare his ability with playing in a group. After two late-night tryouts, school and anticipation, I could see that my guy was dragging. He wasn’t himself. Then, with about 20 minutes until the end of the tryout, the coach pulled a few children off the ice and asked that they find their parents and meet in the locker room. My eldest was one of those children. Once in the locker room, the coach told the boys how well they had done and that they really represent top-notch players. He said that there are only a certain number of position open and that the boys would not be able to fill a position on the travel team this year. He encouraged them to try again next year. My eldest was sad, but accepted the decision.
On the way to the car, I told him how proud I was of him. That he played really well, but the competition was stiff. I reminded him that hockey is fun and that he will have other opportunities if he wants to try again. Hard work, practice and dedication will help him achieve his goal. I told him that he behaved like such a good sport, it made me so proud. It was really eye-opening how the children handled the disappointment. Some yelled and screamed and made a scene, others were gentleman. All in all, it was a learning experience for everyone, parents and players alike.
On the ride home I asked him what he learned from the experience. He said that you always try your best and that even when you think you’re really good, there are other people who are trying hard too who might be a little better, but it’s ok because he still loves hockey and wants to play in the NHL someday.
About the Author: Renee Martinez consults and speaks professionally on social media marketing, integrated marketing communications, public relations and branding. She is the president of Ruby Marketing Communications (www.rubymarcom.com), a boutique marketing communications company that specializes in providing branding, social media strategy and integration, and creative services. Her blog (www.lisac95.sg-host.com), provides resources on everything marketing and social media for her active audience.
Renee has contributed as a featured monthly columnist in the monthly jewelry industry publication, JCK on matters related to internet marketing as well as in InStore Magazine as a featured blogger where she writes about developing effective marketing strategies for the jewelry industry using social media. She is the founder of: Social Media Biz Summit (www.socialmediabizsummit.com), the first large-scale SM conference to come to Buffalo, NY; #jewelrychat, a weekly twitter chat for the jewelry industry and www.RaisingBoysWorld.com. Renee teaches social marketing courses at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY for the business school as well as offers small group social media marketing training and educational seminars for businesses in Western New York and beyond.
Renee has dabbled in internet marketing arena since the early 90′s and is not ashamed to call herself a “marketing geek”. From chatting in AOL, “sharing” music on Napster, and teaching HTML classes before it was considered “cool” to developing comprehensive social media strategies, effective public relations campaigns and managing online communities (most recently Chevy Girls Buffalo). She enjoys being able to help people find their voice online and to create buzz about their product or service that will give them the results they desire.
Renee can be found on Twitter (@reneemmartinez) and Facebook (http:/www.facebook.com/RubyMarCom).
Photo by John Antoni
