Playoff Weekend for Many Local Hockey Players… Make Sure You Say “Thanks Coach!”

Billionaire Terry Pegula's purchase of the Sabres has brought renewed hope for a Stanley Cup for Buffalo...  but this weekend, many younger hockey fans are hoping to begin the road to their own championships.  Hockey moms and dads will be gathering at rinks in Cheektowaga, Wheatfield and Batavia as the Western New York Amateur Hockey League playoffs get underway today.

Players from Mites to Bantams - and everything in between  (Squirts and PeeWees) - will be hitting the ice for one game eliminations...  winner moves on, loser heads home.  This is an exciting time for the kids.  They should be proud to even be able to say they made it to the playoffs.  Hopefully, win or lose, most will walk away feeling good about what they accomplished this year. 

And, kids... remember to thank your coaches and manager.  They busted their butts for you this season.  They did their best to keep calm even though they had to tell you 397 times to clear the puck when you're killing a penalty.  They showed up for practice day in and day out prepared to teach you something new.  They put up with a few moms and dads who know how to do a better job coaching the team.  They organized tournaments for you and made sure you had jerseys to wear.  They took on the roles of not only coaches and managers; but also accountants, bill collectors, fundraisers and travel agents.  They spent dozens of hours making sure you had a place to play hockey with your friends.  They did a lot of work, so you could develop your skills and have some fun.  Quite often they're taken for granted.  All they really want in the end, is a "Thank You" - and maybe a smile and a "Hi Coach" when they see you outside of hockey.