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M H J O N L I N E . C O M | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9 26 The issue of time management is some- thing that plagues hockey players from a young age all the way through to even the collegiate level. It can mean trying to bal- ance school, work and hockey. It's something Sandelin addresses with his young players at UMD. "A lot of times we have kids coming out of juniors who haven't been in school for a year or two," Sandelin said. "Sometimes, it can be difficult. It's something they have to find a way and make their own routine." PICKING THE RIGHT SPOT Another factor hockey players and their parents have to consider as they get older is what their path is going to look like. In Minnesota that path usually includes high school hockey, followed by junior or college hockey after graduation. What's important to remember, is that this doesn't always look the same for each indi- vidual player. There is no one path fits all. But beware the risk of rushing develop- ment, an issue that worries Laylin as both a coach and parent. "You have to make sure you can saturate and enjoy the process instead of putting so much pressure on yourself," he said. When it comes to junior hockey, there are many different avenues to choose from whether it's the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League or other leagues. This can be a tough area for parents to navigate. Laylin has seen this issue firsthand as he spent time coaching in the junior hockey world. He has dealt with the tremendous number of options and the vast amount of misinformation out there. "I think the landscape in the hockey world has changed," Laylin said. "I think there needs to be some sort of advisement and educational piece to learn about junior hock- ey and the processes." Knowledge is power, Laylin advises. "You have to listen to as many people who have gone through the process to learn the dif- ferent leagues, the good organizations and the bad organizations," Laylin said. "Ask as many questions as you can, use all the technology and reach out to surrounding coaches." For parents seeking information, Laylin recommends speaking with their player's coach or Minnesota Hockey. RECRUITING How much should parents be involved in the college recruiting process? Both Laylin and Sandelin believe the athlete needs to have some responsibility in the decision. Sandelin recently went through this with his son. In his experience, Sandelin let his son ultimately choose where to go but offered to answer any questions or provide any necessary help. "For any player and any family, it's a big decision," Sandelin said. "I think it varies to a number of different degrees of it. I think kids make their own decisions most times, but they're having conversations with the family about what they're doing. You want everyone to be happy." For parents seeking out additional infor- mation on college hockey, Sandelin recom- mends College Hockey Inc. This organi- zation has a vast amount of statistics and educational information about the college hockey landscape. Ultimately, the process can be long and strenuous and there can be unhappy moments. Laylin has seen both the positives and negatives of the process. "You have to learn patience and learn pas- sion," Laylin said. "You don't want to have a bitter taste in your mouth at the end of this because you didn't finish where you thought you should have." KEEPING HOCKEY FUN With time management, multiple sports, academics and recruiting, there is a concern about players getting burnt out and ulti- mately leaving the sport. Car ving time out for a hockey offsea- son is essential for all—even collegiate and NHL players. "You hope ( burnout) never happens but sometimes it does," Sandelin said. "I think it's something where you need to balance hockey with some time off." Sandelin keeps his Bulldogs for a few weeks after the season. Then, each one goes their separate ways for some much-needed time off. "Some of these kids are so busy, it's crazy," Sandelin said. "They have to find some time and get away in rest. Once that happens, hockey can continue to be something fun in their life." Photos / Minnesota State Athletics "Some of these kids are so busy, it's crazy. They have to find some time and get away in rest. Once that happens, hockey can continue to be something fun in their life. PARENT TRAPS Scott Sandelin's son, Ryan, played two years of junior hockey after graduating from Hermantown. – SCOTT SANDELIN