Life after an expert hockey profession generally is a troublesome transition, however for these with a real love of the sport, you by no means stray too removed from the rink.
At this weekend’s “Osoyoos Desert Traditional,” plenty of NHL gamers at the moment are hockey dads, which suggests mentoring and training a brand new technology of expertise.
The Osoyoos Desert Traditional is a spring event that these younger gamers work towards all yr.
At 8 and 9 years previous, they’re beginning to get a grasp on hockey. However they’re not the one ones choosing up new issues alongside the best way.
“It’s been a enjoyable course of. I’m persevering with to study myself and the youngsters make it nice,” Duncan Keith stated, a three-time Stanley Cup champion.
On this night time, these NHLers are going head-to-head as soon as once more, this time teaching their children’ groups.
“(I’m) simply winging it, attempting to assist the youngsters as a lot as I can, having enjoyable with it, and having fun with it whereas it lasts,” stated Shea Weber.
Duncan Keith, Josh Gorges and Shea Weber all long-time buddies, and former junior teammates.
“Within the Okanagan, there are a ton of gamers who had nice careers and now have children the identical age as your children,” stated Mike Smith. “You’re all the time form of wanting across the rink and seeing acquainted faces.”
It is a journey down reminiscence lane for them into these early days of hockey.
“Going to tournaments, staying in motels, enjoying mini sticks within the hallways, and having fun with the entire strategy of these occasions (are fond recollections),” Smith stated.
5 minutes to puck drop and the thrill is palpable. Recreation on and fingers crossed the youngsters keep centered and listen.
“You simply love seeing them develop as little gamers, little athletes, little human beings. So it’s been plenty of enjoyable,” Josh Gorges.
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