| Undrafted, undaunted |
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| CBC Sports | |
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CBCSports.ca Blogs & Columns: by Kevin Weekes When evaluating hockey players at any level, remember this: It's an inexact science. This is an open letter to fans, young players, parents, and coaches at all levels, but particularly in minor and junior hockey. Since I was six-years-old, my goal was to be an NHL goaltender. The beauty of my parents being born and raised in beautiful Barbados was that this goal was mine with no pressure, only unconditional support. I wouldn’t get reprimanded for letting in a bad goal or having an off game. They wouldn't yell at me, or not talk to me, or not stop for a treat on the way home because we didn't play well or win a tournament. As random as those things sound, I’ve seen it happen with other people. There was no $10 reward for every shutout or $5 for every goal scored. That wasn’t the point. It was about the team, having fun, and trying your hardest. Positive support Instead of pressure and criticism, they supported me. They drove me to practices and came to watch almost all of my games. There was never any pressure that the end game was to make the NHL. They never had to tell me or remind me to work hard, I had the work ethic. I followed their example. By the time I was 18, I was rated as the second goalie overall by Central Scouting and among the Top 20 Prospects for the 1993 NHL Entry Draft in Quebec City. I was drafted in the second round, 41st overall by the Florida Panthers. I was honoured, thrilled, and got a chance to live my dream. (An interesting note, I'm the only goalie the Panthers have drafted and developed that played for their team in 16 NHL Entry Drafts!). Many of you young players reading this have dreams and visions of playing in the NHL. It's a long road, but the journey is just as fun as accomplishing the dream itself. The road to the NHL can be easier at times if you're drafted, no question about it, but it's not a dead end if you aren't. Lance Armstrong was never credited with winning the Tour de France after the fifth stage, and he's won the event seven times. Parents and family members, continue you support and foster your child (or children's) dream, regardless of if they are or aren't drafted. Draft a beginning, not an end Let your child enjoy the game on their own terms. That’s the most important thing. Look at the draft as a beginning and not an end. For those of you who don't want to take my word for it, take a look at this following list of current NHL players: 1. Dwayne Roloson That's a nice nucleus right? By the way, all of those players were undrafted ... not sure how or why, but as I said it's an inexact science. Every player develops at their own pace, just as each of us does as human beings. Remember, today's Pee Wee scoring leader may or may not be the NHL's next scoring leader. Please keep in perspective. |
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