Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1547037
ILLUSTRATION BY Michael Iver Jacobsen W A L K I N T O A N Y Y O U T H HOCKEY RINK ON A WEEK- E N D m o r n i n g a n d y o u ' l l s e e coaches running practices, play- ers taping sticks and parents set- tling into the stands. However, you might not notice the person making sure everyone knows where to be, what time to arrive, which hotel to book and who ordered the team meal. The team manager. It's one of the busiest volunteer roles in youth hockey. Team man- agers handle the countless details that keep a season organized and help create a positive experience for players and families. Christine O'Brien, a team man- ager in Westchester County, New York, understands the balancing act. "The new team manager should e x p e c t t o s p e n d a s i g n i f i c a n t amount of time helping organize the season, schedule tournaments and plan team activities that bring p l ay e r s a n d f a m i l i e s t o g et h e r," O'Brien said. "Though it can be t i m e - c o n s u m i n g , t h e r e 's n ot h - ing more rewarding than seeing a memorable season take shape." Merlin Gonzalez became a team manager in Sunrise, Florida, to her own surprise. But looking back, she believes her coach may have seen something in her that she hadn't yet recognized herself as a new hockey parent. "My coach knew bet- t e r t h a n I d i d t h a t I would be good at it," G o n z a l e z s a i d . " H e must have seen that I was organized, liked helping people and w o u l d e m b r a c e the role." L i k e m a n y f i r s t - y e a r m a n a g e r s , G o n z a l e z s t i l l h a d plenty to learn. After attending a manag- er 's meeting, Gonzalez realized there were questions she didn't even know to ask. That's when an experienced manager stepped in. "She told me, 'Come to my house or let's meet for coffee,'" Gonzalez r e c a l l e d . " I e n d e d u p s p e n d i n g 3.5 hours with her. She became my angel." That mentorship gave Gonzalez confidence and a foundation to build on. Today, she's organizing tournaments and working on writ- ing a guide for future volunteers. Her experience highlights the value of pairing new managers with veteran mentors. Sometimes the best resource isn't a handbook, it's another hockey parent who's already been there Whether you're managing a local house team or traveling to a major tournament, communication is the foundation. " We use the team platform for scheduling and official updates, while the text group is reserved for informal family conversations," The Unsung Hero R I N K RAT BEH I N D T HE G L A SS THE HOCKEY MOM | By Christie Casciano Burns 16 // OCTOBER 2026 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM O'Brien said. " Ke e p i n g i m p o r t - ant information in one place helps f a m i l i e s k n ow e x a c t l y w h e r e t o find practice changes, tournament schedules and deadlines. Strong manager-coach partnerships are also built on clearly defined roles. The manager handles the logistics and background noise while the coach focuses on hockey." O'Brien has two pieces of addi- tional advice for team managers this season: Expect the unexpected and to remember that culture matters. Every hockey season brings sur- prises. Weather delays, changing schedules and travel hiccups happen. "A g o o d t e a m m a n a g e r n e e d s to be flexible," O'Brien said. "It's important to be transparent with families and focus on solutions." The best managers also under- stand they're building more than a schedule, O'Brien emphasized. "Welcoming new families, recog- nizing volunteers and even remem- bering teammates' birthdays can g o a l o n g way t owa r d c r e a t i n g a wonderful team culture," O'Brien said. "Team dinners, activities, and simple opportunities to spend time together can turn teammates into friends and hockey families into a community." Perhaps the most important lesson for a new manager is simple: don't be afraid to ask questions. For veter- an managers, the les- son may be just as important: take the rookie under y o u r w i n g . S o m e t i m e s a cup of coffee, a little encouragement and someone willing to share what they've learned can help s h a p e a n e n t i r e season. P THE TEAM MANAGER'S PLAYBOOK • Communicate Early Send schedules and updates quickly. Repetition is better than missed info. • Stay One Step Ahead Anticipate questions like arrival times, jerseys and meeting spots. • Keep It In One Place Use one app or calendar for all team info. • Know Your Lane Handle logistics and let coaches focus on hockey. • Remember The Fun Plans small team moments to build connection.