Be Calm First
Your Goalie Feels Your Energy
Being a Goalie parent is different.
Every shot can become a goal. Every mistake is visible. There is nowhere to hide when the puck crosses the goal line.
That pressure affects the Goalie.
It can also affect the parent.
That is why the first Goalie Hockey Mom™ lesson from Yvonne is simple:
BE CALM FIRST.
When emotions rise during a game, your Goalie does not need your panic added to their pressure.
They need your calm.
A young Goalie may already be thinking about the goal they allowed, the save they should have made or what their Coach and teammates are thinking.
Parents cannot eliminate that pressure.
They can avoid adding to it.
One Goal Does Not Need Two Reactions
The Goalie has already experienced the goal.
Now imagine looking into the stands and seeing a parent throw their hands up, shake their head or visibly react.
No words are required.
The message can still be received.
For a young Goalie, that reaction may feel like disappointment, even when the parent never intended it that way.
Instead, remain composed.
Let the Goalie reset for the next shot.
That next save matters more than replaying the last goal from the stands.
Supporting Your Goalie Does Not Mean Ignoring Performance
Being calm does not mean pretending every performance was excellent.
Goalies need responsibility.
They also need perspective.
A poor goal can be discussed. A difficult game can become a learning opportunity. Coaches and Goalie Coaches should help Players understand what happened and how they can improve.
But one goal, one game or one difficult weekend should not become a judgment about the Goalie as a person or Player.
Performance matters.
Fear does not improve performance.
The Car Ride Home Matters Too
The game may be over, but the pressure can follow the Goalie into the parking lot.
Parents often want to help immediately.
That can turn the ride home into another game review.
Sometimes the better approach is simply to let the Goalie decide when they are ready to talk.
There will be time for Hockey.
First, let the emotions settle.
A Simple Rule for Goalie Parents
Before reacting, ask yourself:
Will what I am about to do help my Goalie handle the next moment?
If the answer is no, staying calm may be the better response.
Goalies will face goals, mistakes, difficult games and difficult weekends.
Learning how to recover from them is part of becoming a Goalie.
Parents can help.
BE CALM FIRST.™
Your Goalie feels your energy.
CALM PARENTS HELP CALM GOALIES.™
Goalie Hockey Mom™ With Yvonne
ONE LESSON. ONE INSTRUCTION. ONE TAKEAWAY.™
Presented by The Hockey Resource™
REAL QUESTIONS. REAL RESEARCH. REAL ANSWERS.™
For more Goalie development and Goalie Parent guidance, visit TheHockeyResource.com.
As always, thank you for being part of The Hockey Resource Community.
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