Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1241493
APRIL/MAY 2020 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 5 PHOTOS COURTESY OF USA Hockey Magazine Archives WINNING STARTS IN THE OFFSEASON P O L A R . C O M / H O C K E Y NHL Bruins Take Parents To School With New Engagement Series k As their sons and daughters took the ice for a cross-ice jamboree at Warrior Ice Arena, the Boston Bruins' practice facility, parents were receiving their own type of training in the stands as representatives of the Bruins, USA Hockey and Massachusetts Hockey teamed up for the inaugural Parent Engagement Series. With one eye on their kids having fun on the ice and the other on an impressive list of speakers, parents of these 10 & Under players learned about age- appropriate training and other changing aspects of the game. "The goal was to reach out and say thank you to youth hockey parents, but also to engage with them on issues of long-term athletic development, culture and stuff like that," said Roger Grillo, a local ADM regional manager who worked closely with the Bruins to organize the event. Despite the focus on parents, the event was about ensuring kids have fun and develop a passion for the game that will stay with them throughout their lives. "The player has to love the game, not the parent," said Paul Wagner, the father of Bruins forward Chris Wagner. "It has to be about the kid wanting it." Parents of female players also had the opportunity to ask ADM Managers for Female Hockey Kristen Wright and Heather Mannix specific questions about their daughters' hockey development. "People think that coaching girls and boys is very different, but it's more about what program is giving their daughter the best opportunity to develop," Mannix said. Plans are in the works to expand the event to include parents in other age groups. "When it comes to creating a cultural change, it's a long, slow process, but the messaging has to come from the top down and the bottom up," Mannix said. "If the intentions behind it are right, then it has to be approached from all different angles." – Alyssa Hertel – Mike Eruzione talking about how the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team helped create more opportunities for Americans to play in the NHL during the 40th anniversary of the "Miracle On Ice." In 1980, we opened the door, but today's players have knocked the door down." THEY SAID IT Mike Eruzione