iHockeyTrainer Book Review:

Hockey Dad - True Confessions of a (Crazy?) Hockey Parent

Written By: Bob McKenzie

 

 

 

Book Over View

 

Hockey Dad tells a personal story of TSN Hockey Analyst Bob McKenzie’s experiences with his two sons, Mike and Shawn, in minor hockey.  An easy read, Hockey Dad is aimed at the parents who influence and populate this culture.  A culture that can turn anyone ‘crazy’.

 

The Good

 

McKenzie does a good job at touching some of the common issues that plague minor sports through his personal insight. 

 

From such minor problems as referees, expenses, training and balance to major issues such as hockey culture, student-athlete, system ideology, revenge cycle and lasting effects of injuries, the book connects to its’ readers in one way or another.

 

The stories are funny, sad, and at times will make your head shake.  But these stories/issues are relative and common to all that spend time at minor hockey rinks to watch their kids play.

 

Wanting More Insight

 

As a Hockey Analyst and expert, McKenzie does very little to expand on the issues presented in the book.  Everybody knows that most of these problems have existed for decades, Though McKenzie does at times provide some of his personal opinions, more research, in depth analysis, and solutions, that are staples of his television persona as the TSN Hockey Insider, would have made this book more grasping and educational.

 

Recommended For

 

This book should be read by parents who have their son/daughter involved in minor hockey.  It will help to realize that the issues a family faces, are common and just part of amateur sport culture. 

 

What is important and what are the priorities of a young player competing in minor hockey today?  McKenzie helps shed some light into this all important family discussion.

 

Summary

 

Hockey Dad is a good light read that relates to everyone inside the culture of minor hockey.  Hockey is a roller coaster ride for the player and family.  Everybody draws something different from their personal experience and bias.  That is why hockey can turn anyone ‘crazy’.

 

IHockeyTrainer Rating = 7.5/10