"Why is there such a
high drop-out rate among hockey players in Canada?"
For anyone who loves the game of hockey, this is a burning
question. Anyone who has experienced the sheer joy of playing
street hockey, or on the outdoor rink for hours at a time will
tell you that hockey is a wonderful sport that is so much fun to
play. But what happens when it becomes organized, with teams, and
competition, and tournaments. The basic game is still the same.
The rules are still the same. And, you even have a referee to make
sure the rules are followed - something that is missing from
street hockey games.
So why do kids stop loving the game?
I don’t think we have to look much further
than the adults in the stands to find the answer.
In recent years we have heard of a man in the United States sentenced to six years in jail
for killing another man in a fight at an arena.
A bantam game in
Toronto once had to be halted because of an altercation between two
coaches.
And during one tournament in a Northern Ontario
community ,
witnesses overheard one parent threaten to kill another father and
his son at the end of the season.
We hear more and more stories
about parents trying to attack referees; coaches almost coming to
blows with each other; fights in the lobby after the game; a
linesman being speared in the leg by an angry high school player;
referees walking off the ice; and accusations of teams trying to
use illegal players.
George Armstrong, a former Toronto Maple Leaf
Captain who grew up in Skead, was once quoted in the Toronto Star,
"Hockey in Canada will be in good shape when parents decide
that it is being played for the children’s benefit and not their
own."
It's Time To Rebuild The Image Of Hockey
Canada has always been known as the
"Hockey Capital Of The World" , but people who follow
hockey closely have noticed that even though the skill level of
players and coaches have improved over time, the public image of
the sport has deteriorated in recent years.
While most hockey stories and columns are about
up-to-the-minute scores, standings, team and personal profiles,
and tournament results, "After The Whistle"
will go beyond the surface level in an attempt to help rejuvenate
Canada’s favourite sport by actually providing parents, players,
coaches, and fans with a real close look inside the
game of hockey.
Through the effective use of special guest
interviews, editorials, colourful action photos, and the detailed
explanation of special game management techniques employed by
officials, "After The Whistle" will help
people get more enjoyment from both watching and playing hockey.
We Are Convinced That Most Of The Problems With
Hockey Today
Are The Result of A Lack of Understanding Of The Rules
And Of How The Game Is Managed On The Ice
It is our opinion that most of the problems on
the ice and in the stands with respect to violence, anger and
abuse of officials are largely due to a lack of understanding of
what the game is all about.
"After The Whistle" will
provide the background to help people gain a true understanding of
the game through very entertaining and thought-provoking
editorials and revealing photos.
The rapid increase in "rink rage" during the last
couple of years must be stopped. If this web site can be used to
help people gain a more healthy attitude towards the game, then
perhaps the fun will return and kids will continue to
play hockey for many years to come.
We have developed this web site with the hockey fan in mind. Whether you play, coach, referee,
or simply watch the game as a proud parent or fan, you should
find this site both informative and thought provoking. We
would appreciate your comments and suggestions so that the
site can meet your needs. At this time, we would like to
provide you with an explanation of what After The Whistle is
all about.
