Coaches: Attempt To Develop M.I.T.'s...
As far as I am concerned, an award should exist that replaces the traditional “MVP” or Most Valuable Player designation that many youth teams and leagues dole out at season’s end.
In place of the coveted “MVP,” I would substitute the “MIT” – “Most Important Teammate.”
What the heck is the difference?
I am glad you asked.
Throughout hockey history, the MVP has typically been awarded to the individual that a scores the most goals. Obviously, goals are an extremely important part of the equation as it relates to building a championship caliber hockey team. However, let’s take a peek beneath the surface and look beyond the goals.
And ask the following questions:
• Does the top scorer even know what the defensive end of the ice looks like? In other words-is he/she a defensive liability? What is his/her plus-minus number?
• Will this player EVER sacrifice a scoring opportunity to move the puck to a teammate, who may be in an even more advantageous position to score?
• Does this player tend to sulk when the puck is not bouncing his/her way (bringing down their teammates’ spirits in the process)?
• Can you consider playing your high scorer on the penalty kill in a crucial late-game situation?
If the answer to any or all of the above questions is yes, I’m imploring you to re-consider who may be the most deserving candidate on your club for an MIT award.
In my opinion, the MIT is someone who, by their mere presence on the ice, MAKES ALL OF THEIR TEAMMATES BETTER PLAYERS, hence the team A BETTER TEAM!
Characteristics of the MIT:
• The MIT is a player whose first consideration is ALWAYS “Where can I move the puck that will place our team in a better/safer position to create a scoring chance?” (As opposed to: “Where can I TAKE THE PUCK to set myself up?”)
• An MIT will be just as pleased with an assist as a goal.
• An MIT will block shots and take a hit to make the correct play.
• An MIT will never take take a shift off.
• An MIT’s actions/words are always befitting of an individual that places the “team” first.
In closing, coaches, I challenge you to build a team filled with MIT’s. Not only will the season experience be more fun for your players and parents, you just might win a championship or two along the way.
BONUS TIP FOR PLAYERS
It is VERY important to internalize the notion that being the leading goal scorer and becoming your team/the league’s MIT are NOT mutually exclusive goals. Strive to become both!
As far as I am concerned, an award should exist that replaces the traditional “MVP” or Most Valuable Player designation that many youth teams and leagues dole out at season’s end.
In place of the coveted “MVP,” I would substitute the “MIT” – “Most Important Teammate.”
What the heck is the difference?
I am glad you asked.
Throughout hockey history, the MVP has typically been awarded to the individual that a scores the most goals. Obviously, goals are an extremely important part of the equation as it relates to building a championship caliber hockey team. However, let’s take a peek beneath the surface and look beyond the goals.
And ask the following questions:
• Does the top scorer even know what the defensive end of the ice looks like? In other words-is he/she a defensive liability? What is his/her plus-minus number?
• Will this player EVER sacrifice a scoring opportunity to move the puck to a teammate, who may be in an even more advantageous position to score?
• Does this player tend to sulk when the puck is not bouncing his/her way (bringing down their teammates’ spirits in the process)?
• Can you consider playing your high scorer on the penalty kill in a crucial late-game situation?
If the answer to any or all of the above questions is yes, I’m imploring you to re-consider who may be the most deserving candidate on your club for an MIT award.
In my opinion, the MIT is someone who, by their mere presence on the ice, MAKES ALL OF THEIR TEAMMATES BETTER PLAYERS, hence the team A BETTER TEAM!
Characteristics of the MIT:
• The MIT is a player whose first consideration is ALWAYS “Where can I move the puck that will place our team in a better/safer position to create a scoring chance?” (As opposed to: “Where can I TAKE THE PUCK to set myself up?”)
• An MIT will be just as pleased with an assist as a goal.
• An MIT will block shots and take a hit to make the correct play.
• An MIT will never take take a shift off.
• An MIT’s actions/words are always befitting of an individual that places the “team” first.
In closing, coaches, I challenge you to build a team filled with MIT’s. Not only will the season experience be more fun for your players and parents, you just might win a championship or two along the way.
BONUS TIP FOR PLAYERS
It is VERY important to internalize the notion that being the leading goal scorer and becoming your team/the league’s MIT are NOT mutually exclusive goals. Strive to become both!
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