La Fin - A "Suite" Ending
The team has been back for a little over a week now and I have been putting off writing the final entry of this adventure. It's been a somewhat hectic period since arriving back home. It's probably safe to say most if not all the players suffered from some sort of withdrawal as they trying to get back into the flow of a normal life again. This means adjusting back to a school schedule; living at home with siblings and parents; and there's homework.... However, the Sharks still had one surprise in store for the team. On Saturday, February 28th, the players were the guests of the San Jose Sharks. They were individually introduced on the big screen, invited to watch the game from the Sharks' suite and enjoyed a catered meal. What a sweet way to end this journey. The players can still be heard sharing their adventures in Quebec in the locker room. The same can be said for the adults who went to Quebec. It's been a trip that provided a lifetime of memories. It ceases to amaze me that in the past players did not attend the tournament due to school and others did not enjoy the trip because it didn't meet up to expectations. Here are my two bit humble thoughts on that. I truly believe a good education is the gateway to a world of possibilities. However, education does not necessarily take place in a standard classroom. A trip such as this one opened the eyes and minds of these players more than any textbook, video or lecture could ever provide. They lived and experienced social studies, history and culture all in one scoop. As far as I know, all the players also had schoolwork to do during the trip or are in the process of making it up now that they are back.
This also teaches them about time management, setting priorities and making sacrifices. Who actually believes that this trip would damage their opportunity to get into a prestigious college or university down the road? In fact, they probably helped the cause since this can be listed as an extracurricular activity on their university application. As for those who believe that the trip did not meet up to their expectations; did that really come from the child or may from the parent. I know, this year, our players went there with an open mind and had the time of their lives. There were no expectations and I truly believe every parent let their child enjoy making their own adventures. That's the way it was designed and that's the way it should be.
This also teaches them about time management, setting priorities and making sacrifices. Who actually believes that this trip would damage their opportunity to get into a prestigious college or university down the road? In fact, they probably helped the cause since this can be listed as an extracurricular activity on their university application. As for those who believe that the trip did not meet up to their expectations; did that really come from the child or may from the parent. I know, this year, our players went there with an open mind and had the time of their lives. There were no expectations and I truly believe every parent let their child enjoy making their own adventures. That's the way it was designed and that's the way it should be.
My final thoughts are to share some pointers for next year's group.
- If your child makes the 12AAA, without any hesitation, allow your child to go on to this tournament. It's not any tournament, it's THE tournament.
- Yes, it's a long tournament and this means missing school days but if you prepare your child to do his/her part and be diligent, most schools will have no issue with it.
- Your child will learn to be independent, in a good way. Allow them the room to grow. This means they need to learn how to pack their equipment and bags from the beginning. They need to check on the condition of their equipment. They need to remember to pack their own uniforms, when and where practices and games are. They will need to know this when they are in Quebec.
- Along the same lines, they will need to learn to try different things and I would venture to bet they will adapt. It's amazing how parents say their child will not eat something; only to see the player eating it without a second thought.
- Make sure you have your player's passport or visa in order well in advance of the trip.
- Do not over pack their luggage. They need probably three sets of changes. They probably only need one pair of jeans. The players will be living in snow pants, snow boots, gloves, a tuque and a jacket. An extra couple pair of socks and thermals are good. The billet families will usually do the boys laundry every couple of days.
- Invest in a good pair of snow boots and snow pants. They will be wearing this every day. It gets very cold. Although they brought running shoes, it stayed with the equipment since that is the only time they wear them (dryland). I did not see jeans on any of the boys in Quebec.
- Most importantly, let the coaches and managers do their jobs with the players. It works out so much better that way.
- I encourage the parents to go on this trip; the caveat is make this a trip about you and not the kid. Trust me both of you will enjoy it that much more. Consider it a second honeymoon or a fantastic respite from work. Come watch the games and just leave...
- I hope you will have an equally fantastic adventure awaiting you...
S'amuser...
