The Questions We Didn’t Even Know to Ask: What Every New Hockey Parent Learns the Hard Way

During my time in hockey—as a player, coach, and mindset coach—I’ve seen hundreds of new families step into the rink for the first time.

It’s a familiar scene: a parent juggling bags, a kid nervously tugging at new equipment, both unsure where to go or what to do next. There’s excitement in the air, but also uncertainty—and underneath that, something even more common.

Confusion.

Because while most hockey programs give you schedules, equipment lists, and rules, what no one tells you is that those aren’t the things that trip you up the most.

The real challenge comes from all the questions you didn’t even know to ask.

The Questions That Would’ve Helped the Most

When a new family enters the world of hockey, they’re not just learning a sport—they’re learning a culture. And within that culture are layers of unwritten rules, emotional hurdles, and tiny details that only experience can reveal.

Things like:

• How do you handle it when your child suddenly says they don’t want to go to practice anymore?
• Is it normal to feel overwhelmed by the time, cost, and commitment?
• How do you help your child balance school, sport, and friendships?
• When is it okay to step in as a parent—and when should you let them figure it out?
  
  

No one prepares you for these moments. You learn through trial, error, and a lot of conversations in the car after practice.

And yet, these are the moments that shape not just your child’s hockey journey—but their confidence, resilience, and love for the game.

Why I’m Creating Something New

After years of watching new families navigate the same struggles, I wanted to do something about it.

So, I’m creating a podcast designed to answer those questions—the ones that would’ve made all the difference early on.

It’s not just about equipment or game strategy. It’s about helping parents and athletes understand what’s really going on behind the scenes: the emotions, the expectations, and the mindset needed to make hockey a positive, sustainable part of life.

My goal is simple: to make the beginning of the hockey journey feel less overwhelming and a lot more supported.

Your Story Matters

If you’re a hockey parent who remembers those early days—when everything felt new, confusing, or just plain chaotic—I’d love to hear from you.

Your insights can help new families feel less alone. Because the truth is, the questions you didn’t know to ask back then? They’re the ones that could make all the difference for someone else now.

You can share your story here.

Let’s make the start of this journey easier, together.