RED DEER – Minor hockey coaches are not only life-changers, but they could be life-savers, for their players.
That powerful message was delivered by Dr. Jody Carrington, a clinical psychologist from Olds, to kick off the 2022 Hockey Alberta Summit presented by Sprung Arenas, Stantec and CANA. The Summit runs until Sunday at the Cambridge Hotel and Conference Centre.
“You are going to change a life this season, and probably save it,” said Carrington during her keynote address on Friday night.
Carrington told the approximately 200 people in attendance that society is facing a looming mental health crisis that is immense, and that our children are suffering from uncertainty, fear and “emotional dysregulation”. She noted that one in four children between the ages of 12 and 18 years have a plan to end their lives.
But hockey, and youth sports in general, can be part of the solution, with coaches playing a key role.
“Some of the most pivotal moments in my life happened in the hockey rink,” said Carrington, who is also a hockey coach. “Coaches, you are woven into their stories. No one forgets a hockey coach.”
Carrington emphasized that every coach will have traumatized kids on their team. That makes the role of coach integral in helping their players deal with the situations they are facing, not only with the team but in their personal lives. She talked about the importance of taking the time to get to know the players. And when they are hurting, the key is to provide genuine acknowledgement of the situation, not just an apology.
“When you’re acknowledged, you rise,” Carrington said. “Feeling seen is the only thing you need moving forward.”
For more on Dr. Jody Carrington, check out her website at https://www.drjodycarrington.com/.
The 2022 Hockey Alberta Summit continues on Saturday with sessions geared towards Administration and Coach/ Player Development – each with a series of presentations, workshop sessions, expert panels and social engagement.