Apr 03, 2020 | Paul Sinclair | 774 views
Thanks for a Great Season
You do it for WHO!
This past season was one of my best. There was never a time when I was away from the rink that I was not looking forward to the next time I got to be with you guys. This was a special group
You guys bought in early, gelled as a unit and left everything on the ice. You guys had a strong desire to never quit, no matter what the odds. A willingness to give 110% of yourself to you and to your team-mates always.
Each player came to play, worked hard every practice, gave it their all every shift, and out worked the other teams every game. When we got into injury problems, you guys stepped up, never complained and went on a 17-game win streak. You all put the team above yourselves first always.
I was proud of what we accomplished this year, the goals we set and goals we didn’t get to finish. This group came together more than ever. You guys never quit, never sulked, never pouted, but just went out and did what was asked without ever complaining.
Being away from the team since the season has been cancelled has been very tough. Knowing that you have an entire team of friends, and family that will do anything for you and will always be there for you no matter what.
I was deeply saddened when I heard the news that the OHF’s were cancelled and that my players, my family, would not be able to experience that championship feeling and see their dreams turn into reality. But immediately after the season was cancelled, I heard guys were hanging out, going to movies, talking on social media and being there for one another to deal with this. A few boys texted me to chat and still to this day are asking me when we are playing Stratford. Hardest thing for me was emailing to say I would be collecting jerseys, and not seeing them wearing them at the OHF’s.
I am very disappointed we as a team were not able to finish the season, but I am lucky as hell to have coached 19 great kids. Boys, you are all capable of doing amazing things in hockey but more importantly, in life.
Coaching is a privilege, especially in our great game of hockey. And today, I just want to say THANK YOU, to each and every one of you! Each one of you has taught me something valuable about the game, and about life. Each one of you has not only made ME a better coach, but a better person. Each one of you has created a lasting impression on me. Each one of you has mattered. Each of you has been important. Each of you has been a special blessing to this team.
You may not realize right now, but this season you have all grown up so much. Each of you has worked hard and have fought your own private battles to become not just a better hockey player, but a better young man. You have also created memories for yourself, for each other and for your families, that I sincerely hope will sincerely leave a lasting lifelong impression.
My last piece of coaching advice for you is to keep playing for as long as you can, for as long as you LOVE the game. Never quit! As long as you feel that pull towards the ice, toward the friendship of your teammates, follow your heart and keep playing.
And never ever forget about the unique, special gifts that YOU and YOU ALONE have to offer this world… Thank you, boys, for a GREAT season, and so, so much more.
Sinc