It's here: that wonderful time of year in Canada when skates get laced, sticks get taped and backyards get hosed down. That's right - it's hockey season. Sure, the NHL is in full swing but as a Leafs fan I've found it a little hard to get into this year. It matters little - as there is hockey everywhere you look and boy - have I been looking. I spent this last week watching a tournament here in town that featured teams from all across North America. I mean, it was Ontario teams mostly to be sure, but there was also some other provinces represented and even a team from the US. The amazing part? This was a tournament that featured nothing but 15 and 16-year-olds.
This is actually a critical age in a young hockey players life because it is when you are most likely to be drafted. No - not quite to the NHL yet - but to the 'feeder leagues' (my term) that may one day lead you to the NHL. Here in Canada this in no small matter - our local OHL team sells out a 20,000 seat arena every week - plus road games. Of course, Canada is known as a hockey country and as a result hockey players are in fact an import. We get players as young as 13 shipped here to play in Canada and try to both improve their game and get noticed by scouts. Of course, there is one thing that they all require -- a Canada Visa, on top of the talent, determination and of course a willingness to be apart from their families for long stretches at a time.
There are of course no shortage of difficulties that hockey players face when they travel to another country to play hockey whether at a young age or even professionally for that matter. Things like culture shock, being unfamiliar with your surroundings and often not speaking the language or only a few. I recently saw a young man from Russia who knew little more in English than hockey terms and of course swear words that would make 2 Live crew blush.
I do truly believe that Canada is one of the friendliest nations on the planet, although I'll admit up front that I'm more than a little biased. Still, my heart goes out to these little frozen pond warriors who are away from their friends in family, here in a strange land simply to play a game they love and/or make a better life for themselves. Think about that next time to start yelling at a player on the ice for making a bad play. Actually, let me take that back - we need to toughen them up - this is hockey after all. Alright - I'm off for now but will return shortly. If you need me I'll be down at the rink.
CHEERS!
