My Take on Sports Trades and Their Impact

Sometimes we forget that being a professional athlete is a job. It's a job performed by human beings. So when a trade occurs, it's easy to lose sight that a person just switched companies--moving from a place, a group of people, a city--and their life has been turned upside down.

The NHL's Greatest Duos Ever

We're in the heart of the NHL playoffs. It's one of the most exciting times of the year.

Ken Hitchcock Says Farewell

When it comes to sports, most fans have short memories, especially of coaches. And that's too bad.

Coaching is a tireless job that likely doesn't receive the respect it's due. To be great, these coaches are often the first in the building and the last ones out. They deal with interpersonal issues every day. And, often sacrifice time with their family in order to prepare for upcoming games.

Youth Hockey: There is More Than One Way to Pursue Your Dreams

Image credit: Kasey Eriksen via Flickr Creative Commons

It's a misnomer that Major Junior hockey is the way to make it to the NHL. Too often is the thinking in youth hockey that a player must follow that path in order to achieve their dreams.

The fact is that more often than not, players don't reach the NHL, even if they play Major Junior. So, their dreams may have to expand and morph. That's the beautiful opportunity presented by Junior A hockey.

Players who compete in Junior A, instead of Major Junior are eligible to play collegiate hockey, as they do not receive any stipend for their play -- a difference from Major Junior. Therefore, players who follow this alternate path toward their hockey dreams are also carving out another future along the way. If hockey doesn't work out, they'll have a university education they can fall back on.

And, as a recent article in the Globe and Mail points out, Junior A is fast becoming a strong pipeline of NHL talent.

Let me be clear, I'm not arguing against Major Junior hockey. It is an amazing league. I'm simply stating there are multiple avenues to pursuing your NHL dream--each offering different opportunities.

Read the full story here: https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/bchl-and-us-colleges-create-an-alternate-route-to-the-nhl/article33430885/?ref=http://www.theglobeandmail.com&service=mobile

Five Years Later, Rick Rypien's Story Still Resonates

Five years ago, the NHL lost a young man who had left a tremendous impact on all the communities he had touched.

Rick Rypien, best known for his time with the Vancouver Canucks, was by all accounts an excellent teammate and wonderful person. He was also plagued by mental illness, a challenge that is not embraced well in hockey circles. His story is incredibly important. Please give it a read.

The Province has chronicled it in depth.