The not-soglamorous life of aspiring pro hockey players
In the bid to make the pros, players face hard work, dedication, compromise and dissapointment
NICOLE TEIXEIRA EXCALIBUR (YORK UNIVERSITY)
PHOTO COURTESY OF EXCALIBUR (CUP)
TORONTO (CUP) — The world of hockey is not always the glamorous arena of opportunities that many people imagine. It is not always a definite moneymaker and it is definitely not always the key to a carefree life. For many hockey players, beneath the sparkling facade lays a life full of hard work, dedication, disappointment and compromise.
Playing in the Canadian Hockey League is a step many NHLers take before being drafted. While this is not at the same level of hockey, it is the most common stepping stone for those individuals who wish to play in the “Big Show.”
For the majority of the players in the CHL, their entire life revolves around hockey. It is also natural for them to aspire to continue playing the game for the rest of their lives; they focus on it during every game, and they are reminded at every practice.
“Some of them have the goal of playing in the NHL or playing professional hockey or even for some of our older players, securing a spot with some quality university teams. They have high expectations of themselves,” said James Boyd, assistant coach of the St. Michael’s Majors of the Ontario Hockey League. The OHL, who along with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QJMHL), and the Western Hockey League (WHL) make up the CHL.
Players attest to the stress that goes into playing at that level of competition.
“It’s harder than what most people think . . . There’s a lot of pressure because you’ve got to always prove yourself to the coach, players and fans,” said Justin DiBenedetto, who has played left wing for the Sarnia Sting.Many players who get drafted to play in the CHL are as young as 16. Many are still in high school. The level of competition can be quite a daunting experience.
“Their first year is definitely different for players because for a lot of them, it’s their first year away from home,” said Boyd.
“Instead of seeing your family every day, you only see them once a week,” added DiBenedetto.
With all this change and confusion also comes the realization that not everyone can play in the NHL, and that not everyone can be a star.
“We have to teach them to fit them to the team because, obviously, not everyone is a front-line player. Many of these boys are coming from teams where they were the star players, but that’s not necessarily the case when they move up in competition,” said Boyd.
“Some players are setting out for playing hockey their whole life, while others go to school and get on with their life,” said DiBenedetto.
Getting on with their lives is a harsh reality that many players face after turning the age of 20, at which point they cannot to play in the CHL any longer.
At this age, if you are not drafted into the NHL, AHL or another professional hockey league, there is very little opportunity to remain in the game at an elite level.
