Tomorrow is Remembrance Day.
What does this have to do with hockey you might ask? Maybe not much.
Except for the multitude of mini history lessons Trainer Scott shares with the team, many of which bring some war stories to life, always with a view of character development. Common themes include determination, bravery, sacrifice... There is something simply important to be learned from the past, and developing an appreciation for what sacrifices others made for our country and freedom..
No doubt, platoons and regiments offer many parallels to building a team, facing uncertainty, working hard toward common goals, being as one in a bigger picture. Peering through the windows of the past gives us insight to our humanity, to struggles, to losses, and to victories. Knowing some of these stories may give some context to our own present and future conditions
In previous seasons, Scott was renowned for saying "We're just raising kids out here"... With so much legendary and misplaced focus in minor hockey on besting others, and worse, disrespectfully putting others down - criticizing refs, coaches, the opponents, and one's own team mates - there is something to be said for conveying value systems alongside power play systems.
Tonight in practice, Scott gave the boys some "homework". What he really gave them was an opportunity to think about something bigger... To give some context... Before expecting the kids to "remember" the past, taking the time to share stories that bring meaning to the present.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
By John McCrae, May 1915