Talkin' Hockey Articles
Game On...and On...and On
It is time for USA Hockey to make a move. A move likely to be as unpopular as the helmet rule for coaches, but one with similar safety ramifications.
Tryouts on Trial
It is that time of the year again. Blood pressures rise, hearts beat faster and the word "politics" will be used with more frequency and emotion at the local hockey rink than on capital hill.
Taking it Personally
I like to believe that my high school hockey program is as comprehensive, educational and character building as any. My philosophy is to build young men first, hockey players second...
The Truth Helps
Finding the truth can be a daunting task these days. Spend five minutes watching any political talk show and you will be presented with facts, figures and quotes to support both sides...
Playoffs: Facing the Music
Playoffs. A time like none other in high school hockey. It can take you to a high like none you have experienced and to a low that haunts you like a childhood nightmare...
Miracle Still Inspiring Today
It is difficult to believe that the "Miracle on Ice" is celebrating its 25th birthday. For those of us who lived it, it remains as fresh as a morning snowfall...
Why is it Always About the Money?
"They" say, money can't buy happiness, "they" say money is the root of all evil. Last week, the inevitable became reality when the NHL owners locked up their rinks...
A Different Kind of Courage
In athletics we tend to toss around the word courage like a friendly game of catch between a father and a son, or daughter. We find it easy to define the character to face the adversity...
It's More than just a Game
Sixteen teams went to battle last weekend for the right to skate in Madison at the WIAA state hockey tournament. On Sunday eight of those teams made plans for the final leg of their...
The Old Fashioned Way
I often wonder when I hear parents proclaim that they want their kids to have it better than they did, what it is exactly that they mean. My disclaimer goes out to those who may actually...
Build Character, Not Trophy Cases
Tie game. Three minutes to go. Your second line is about ready to change. It is decision time for a coach. Does my third line go in, or do I go back with my first line even though...
For the Love of the Game
As I watched my son play his final collegiate hockey game this past weekend at the new Kern Center in Milwaukee I couldn't help but reflect on all the years of hockey that led to that moment...
Tryouts: It's Not the End of the World
For athletes across the state the falling of the leaves signifies the onset of the winter sports season. The start of a new season complete with optimism, the old lockeroom banter...
When it comes to Parents and Athletics, Sometimes Less is More
I recently spent some time reminiscing with my parents following too much Thanksgiving turkey and pie. The memories of my days as a youth and high school athlete have faded faster than the Vikings...
Summer...Now What?
In Wisconsin winter can be as stubborn as a New Jersey Devils neutral-zone trap when it comes to finally giving in to spring. There was a time when the change in seasons also dictated a change in sports...