Dear Coach,

Tomorrow morning my son starts hockey. He's going to step out on the ice and his great adventure, which will probably include joys and disappointments, begins.

I wish you would take him by his young hand and teach him the things he will need to know. Teach him to respect the referee and that his judgment is final. Teach him not to hate his competitors, but to admire their skill. Teach him it is just as important to be a playmaker and get an assist, as it is to score a goal. Teach him to play as a team and never be selfish. Teach him to never blame his goaltender when a goal is scored against him because five mistakes were made before the puck got to the goalie. Teach him that winning isn't everything, but trying to win is. Teach him it is far more honorable to lose than to cheat. Teach him to be a competitor. Teach him to close his ears to the howling mob and to stand up for himself if he thinks he is right. Teach him gently but don't coddle him, because only the test of fire makes fine steel.

This is a big order coach and I place my son in your hands. See what you can do for him. He is such a nice little fellow.

 His Parents