Sports, clubs, and games… they’re all great ways for kids to learn important life lessons and skills. As someone who grew up playing hockey, I can’t help but feel it’s one of the best sports for shaping young minds. This article explores the top five skills learned while playing hockey.

COMMUNICATION AND LISTENING SKILLS

Excuse the cliche here for a moment please, but there really is no I in TEAM. Playing a team sport means you have to listen and communicate with others, often in high-pressure situations. Listening effectively is a major part of any group activity. You need to listen carefully and understand your coach both on and off the ice. Hockey players learn early on, that following and relaying instructions is paramount for the teams’ success.

GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP

We can’t all be winners, all the time, learning this at a young age is important. Being a gracious loser isn’t easy, but it’s encouraged in hockey. Shaking hands after the game is a tradition that best shows hockey etiquette. It’s also a great practice that is relatable to other experiences in life.

Taking it one step further, observe how the coaches, players and parents conduct themselves during a loss. You’ll see a supportive and encouraging environment. You might even find your own attitude towards winning and losing is improved from being around a hockey team.

WORKING WITH OTHERS

Teamwork is a crucial skill in life. Being apart of a team, contributing to the success of the team, and supporting other members of the team, helps to shape the player’s social skills and work ethic. Learning that you can depend on others, and work together towards a common goal helps to build confidence in young players and improves relationships. When you’re a team player, you can gain knowledge and experience as you work together.

This is also a great way to learn about loyalty, and being there for your teammates. Having a friend on your team who can calm your nerves before a game or make you laugh through the frustration after being sent to the penalty box is a good feeling. It also teaches kids to support others, the way you’ve been supported.

RESPECT FOR THE RULES

Hockey teaches respect. Respect for your teammates and opponents, respect for the refs, respecting dressing room conduct, and even respecting the facility.

Just like life, hockey is full of rules. Learning to play within the rules of the game as well as the physical boundaries and limitations, help a young player function and adapt to rules in society as they grow.

GOAL SETTING AND COMMITMENT

Nothing builds self-esteem and confidence quite like accomplishing a goal. Wanting to improve your hockey skills and taking action to do so, helps to develop a strong work ethic. For a child to learn and accept that practice is needed to become good at something, they’re learning about patience and seeing first hand that hard work pays off. Setting goals and achieving them is a great way to encourage the importance of training for success.

On top of that, your child learns what it means to make a commitment, and stick with it. Creating a routine of waking up early on the weekend and travelling around the Clairmont and Grande Prairie region builds resilience. From the cost of the equipment to the hours involved, hockey is a commitment that teaches you to play with heart.