I just received information from the Michigan High School Hockey Coaches Association on a new scholarship opportunity. Henrik Zetterberg, or "Hank" as he's known to his Detroit Red Wings teammates, is funding a new scholarship for boys and girls who play high school hockey in Michigan. This information states that "Zetterberg has a strong desire to get involved in educational athletics to improve the lives of hockey players who choose to play the game for their high school teams."
It seems as though in the past few years there has been a lot wrong with professional sports and less than stellar behavior on the part of many professional athletes. With that being said it was good to hear that Henrik Zetterberg, a very high profile professional athlete and one of the best hockey players in the world, is interested in providing this type of support. I think it says a great deal about his character. Thanks Hank!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Got Perspective?
I've heard the claim that soccer parents are the worst, but I really can't say I have an opinion on that because my son only played soccer for one season. If I go by that one season I would have to say they weren't, at least here in Traverse City, any worse than the parents in other sports. Some of the parents on my son's baseball team last summer were much worse than those at the soccer games and quite frankly, some of the worst I'd ever seen. You know the ones I'm talking about. They'll talk every player through every pitch, every play, and help to make positional adjustments for the outfielders...all from the comfort of those wrickety metal bleachers behind the backstop. They'll yell for baserunners to keep going even though the coach has both hands up telling him to stop. They'll pick on a 14-year old umpire who's doing the best he can and just wants to make a few bucks in the process.
Now that we're in the thick of hockey season here in Michigan emotions are running high. If little Johnny doesn't have a great showing at the Frozen Tundra Pee Wee Tournament he may not get that scholarship offer from Michigan State. Granted, he won't be eligible for college for another six or seven years, but hey, you never know who might be watching. That's why his Dad will stand behind the glass at the "goal scoring end" (it's called offensive zone, dad) and scream for Johnny to "Shoot it!!!!!" every time he touches the puck. If Johnny tries to make a pass to a wide open teammate, one who is in a much better position to score than Johnny, and the pass gets knocked away or intercepted Johnny's dad will throw his hands in the air, shake his head, and yell "shoot the puck!!!!!". He tried to make a good play, dad, chill out.
Where is the perspective in these people? Has life been so easy for them that whether their son or daughter wins a game is truly the most important thing? Do they not have enough confidence in their child to just let them go and play? Why talk them through every single action? Let them try some things on their own and make some mistakes. They'll fall down, dust themselves off and get back at it. They're kids and they're tough. Let them learn some things on their own through trial and error. Sit back, drink a cup of coffee, and just enjoy watching your child play. Before you know it they will be leaving home for college and then they will be a professional. However, it will likely be in something other than sports.
Every time I observe one of these parents I want to tell them the story of Jeff McCullough. Jeff played hockey for the Traverse City Central Trojans and I was his coach. In June following Jeff's junior year in high school he was diagnosed with cancer. He first had cancer when he was just eight years old, but kicked it and had been "clear" ever since. Now, it had come back and the road was going to get tough again. Jeff and I talked a lot while he was receiving treatments at the hospital in Ann Arbor, MI. He always told me how he couldn't wait to get back on the ice and start his senior season. Jeff didn't know it, but his dad had already told me the doctors said there was no way he would be able to play hockey. The cancer was back with a vengeance and the doctors didn't know how long Jeff had. It was eating him up and it would only be a matter of time.
By the time October rolled around Jeff was in very bad shape. On one last cold, frantic night Jeff's condition became the worst it had ever been. His parents carried him to the car on a makeshift stretcher they put together using bed sheets. Jeff wasn't strong enough to walk, but they needed to get him in the car and make the drive to Ann Arbor in hopes the doctors could save him. Jeff was alive when they arrived in Ann Arbor, but he passed away two days later.
In the days following Jeff's passing I spent a lot of time with his mom and dad. We talked about the great times we shared during the hockey seasons and how much we'd both miss that now that Jeff was gone. His dad told me some things about Jeff I never knew, some of which he followed up with, "Jeff would kill me if he knew I told you that." He was so proud of his son. Proud of the way he handled himself when he was a healthy, strong teenager and proud of how he handled himself when the cancer had taken almost every ounce of energy he had.
Jeff's dad often said he would do anything to have Jeff back to play just one more shift in a hockey game. He wouldn't have to score and wouldn't have to be considered the star of the game. In fact, he didn't even need to touch the puck. Just give him 30 seconds to go out and play, however he wanted to, and let his dad enjoy the moment. Jeff's dad doesn't have much patience for over zealous parents that take sports so seriously. In a way, he considers those parents lucky for having a life so easy they don't know any better. He also thinks it's sad they take their child's opportunities for granted assuming they will be here forever.
We have a home game tonight against Petoskey. Before entering our lockerroom I will pass by Jeff's retired number 14 which hangs in the lobby of Howe Arena. I'll stop for a moment and say thanks to Jeff for giving me perspective. Next Wednesday we play Traverse City West for the Jeff McCullough Memorial Challenge Cup. Win or lose I will take great pride in having the opportunity to honor an outstanding young man.
Now that we're in the thick of hockey season here in Michigan emotions are running high. If little Johnny doesn't have a great showing at the Frozen Tundra Pee Wee Tournament he may not get that scholarship offer from Michigan State. Granted, he won't be eligible for college for another six or seven years, but hey, you never know who might be watching. That's why his Dad will stand behind the glass at the "goal scoring end" (it's called offensive zone, dad) and scream for Johnny to "Shoot it!!!!!" every time he touches the puck. If Johnny tries to make a pass to a wide open teammate, one who is in a much better position to score than Johnny, and the pass gets knocked away or intercepted Johnny's dad will throw his hands in the air, shake his head, and yell "shoot the puck!!!!!". He tried to make a good play, dad, chill out.
Where is the perspective in these people? Has life been so easy for them that whether their son or daughter wins a game is truly the most important thing? Do they not have enough confidence in their child to just let them go and play? Why talk them through every single action? Let them try some things on their own and make some mistakes. They'll fall down, dust themselves off and get back at it. They're kids and they're tough. Let them learn some things on their own through trial and error. Sit back, drink a cup of coffee, and just enjoy watching your child play. Before you know it they will be leaving home for college and then they will be a professional. However, it will likely be in something other than sports.
Every time I observe one of these parents I want to tell them the story of Jeff McCullough. Jeff played hockey for the Traverse City Central Trojans and I was his coach. In June following Jeff's junior year in high school he was diagnosed with cancer. He first had cancer when he was just eight years old, but kicked it and had been "clear" ever since. Now, it had come back and the road was going to get tough again. Jeff and I talked a lot while he was receiving treatments at the hospital in Ann Arbor, MI. He always told me how he couldn't wait to get back on the ice and start his senior season. Jeff didn't know it, but his dad had already told me the doctors said there was no way he would be able to play hockey. The cancer was back with a vengeance and the doctors didn't know how long Jeff had. It was eating him up and it would only be a matter of time.
By the time October rolled around Jeff was in very bad shape. On one last cold, frantic night Jeff's condition became the worst it had ever been. His parents carried him to the car on a makeshift stretcher they put together using bed sheets. Jeff wasn't strong enough to walk, but they needed to get him in the car and make the drive to Ann Arbor in hopes the doctors could save him. Jeff was alive when they arrived in Ann Arbor, but he passed away two days later.
In the days following Jeff's passing I spent a lot of time with his mom and dad. We talked about the great times we shared during the hockey seasons and how much we'd both miss that now that Jeff was gone. His dad told me some things about Jeff I never knew, some of which he followed up with, "Jeff would kill me if he knew I told you that." He was so proud of his son. Proud of the way he handled himself when he was a healthy, strong teenager and proud of how he handled himself when the cancer had taken almost every ounce of energy he had.
Jeff's dad often said he would do anything to have Jeff back to play just one more shift in a hockey game. He wouldn't have to score and wouldn't have to be considered the star of the game. In fact, he didn't even need to touch the puck. Just give him 30 seconds to go out and play, however he wanted to, and let his dad enjoy the moment. Jeff's dad doesn't have much patience for over zealous parents that take sports so seriously. In a way, he considers those parents lucky for having a life so easy they don't know any better. He also thinks it's sad they take their child's opportunities for granted assuming they will be here forever.
We have a home game tonight against Petoskey. Before entering our lockerroom I will pass by Jeff's retired number 14 which hangs in the lobby of Howe Arena. I'll stop for a moment and say thanks to Jeff for giving me perspective. Next Wednesday we play Traverse City West for the Jeff McCullough Memorial Challenge Cup. Win or lose I will take great pride in having the opportunity to honor an outstanding young man.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Happy Birthday, Coach
Rick Miller was my high school hockey coach, but over the years we ended up developing a very close relationship. I played hockey for him all four years in high school, but he's given me much more than four seasons. He taught me an awful lot over the years and, next to my dad, I consider him to be the most influential person in my life.
In 1981 we were both freshmen. It was "Mils" first year as the head coach and my first year of high school hockey as one of only two ninth graders to make the team. Mils and I used to joke about our freshmen year together even though he was 16 years older than me.
Mils was a great athlete in his day, particularly in baseball and basketball. He didn't play high school hockey. He graduated from Hancock in 1969 and the high school hockey program didn't start until 1971. Still, he became a student of the game and was a very successful high school hockey coach and tremendous role model and leader of young men. I knew Mils well before he became my coach and he was always someone I looked up to.
I remember being about 10 years old and working as a bat boy for his Twilight League baseball team sponsored by Superior National Bank. When "The Bank" was playing in the field during the fifth inning it was my job to roam the crowd and pass the hat for monetary donations. I'd grab an old, beat up batting helmet and criss cross through the crowd taking any and all donations I could get. Once collected I'd return to The Bank's dugout and wait for the money to be counted at the end of the game. Mils would count the money, take some out to pay the umpires, then offer me a post game handshake. "Thanks Gives," he'd say shaking my hand and sliding $2.00 my way. "See you next game".
As I got older my duties grew to include being the warm up catcher for The Banks' pitchers between innings. I remember the very first time Mils threw me a curveball while I was warming him up. I wasn't expecting it even though he did give me the standard "here comes a curve" sign by flipping his glove palm up prior to throwing the pitch. I hadn't seen a curve before and without thinking I yelled to him, "Hey, how did you do that?". Mils just looked at me and smiled. Later in that same game he hit a home run farther than I had ever seen one hit before. It sailed well over the left field fence and hit the roof on the Houghton County Ice Arena. A mammoth shot traveling well over 400 feet, but he may as well have hit it to the moon. I was waiting at home plate, holding his bat, when he rounded third base and trotted home. He smiled at me as we slapped hands and said, "Someday you'll hit one like that Gives." I couldn't imagine being able to do that, but I also can't tell you what it meant to have someone I really admired, and looked up to, tell me that I could.
I kept in touch with Mils after graduating from high school and the communication became more frequent once I started coaching myself. I'd call Mils for advice when my team was in a scoring slump or when we needed to shake things up with line combinations or defensive schemes. I'd tell him what had happened over the past few games and he'd give me different ideas on things to try and what to look for. It seemed as though no matter what the issue was, Mils had something to counter with. It gave me confidence going into the games no matter who we were playing. Mils often referenced "David vs Goliath" and he relished the opportunity to beat someone everyone said he couldn't.
My team has been in somewhat of a scoring slump over the past few games and I really could use Mils' advice. I'm not able to get it though because he's no longer here. Mils passed away on June 16, 2008 at his home in LaJolla, CA after a two-year bout with cancer. He was only 57 years old. Yesterday was his birthday and I spent most of the day wondering how his wife, Mary, was handling things. The more I thought about it, the more I realized how unimportant our recent scoring slump really is. Eventually, we'll snap out of it and the goals will come. But Mils still won't be here to talk about it and that is really something I wish I could change.
Happy Birthday, Coach......
In 1981 we were both freshmen. It was "Mils" first year as the head coach and my first year of high school hockey as one of only two ninth graders to make the team. Mils and I used to joke about our freshmen year together even though he was 16 years older than me.
Mils was a great athlete in his day, particularly in baseball and basketball. He didn't play high school hockey. He graduated from Hancock in 1969 and the high school hockey program didn't start until 1971. Still, he became a student of the game and was a very successful high school hockey coach and tremendous role model and leader of young men. I knew Mils well before he became my coach and he was always someone I looked up to.
I remember being about 10 years old and working as a bat boy for his Twilight League baseball team sponsored by Superior National Bank. When "The Bank" was playing in the field during the fifth inning it was my job to roam the crowd and pass the hat for monetary donations. I'd grab an old, beat up batting helmet and criss cross through the crowd taking any and all donations I could get. Once collected I'd return to The Bank's dugout and wait for the money to be counted at the end of the game. Mils would count the money, take some out to pay the umpires, then offer me a post game handshake. "Thanks Gives," he'd say shaking my hand and sliding $2.00 my way. "See you next game".
As I got older my duties grew to include being the warm up catcher for The Banks' pitchers between innings. I remember the very first time Mils threw me a curveball while I was warming him up. I wasn't expecting it even though he did give me the standard "here comes a curve" sign by flipping his glove palm up prior to throwing the pitch. I hadn't seen a curve before and without thinking I yelled to him, "Hey, how did you do that?". Mils just looked at me and smiled. Later in that same game he hit a home run farther than I had ever seen one hit before. It sailed well over the left field fence and hit the roof on the Houghton County Ice Arena. A mammoth shot traveling well over 400 feet, but he may as well have hit it to the moon. I was waiting at home plate, holding his bat, when he rounded third base and trotted home. He smiled at me as we slapped hands and said, "Someday you'll hit one like that Gives." I couldn't imagine being able to do that, but I also can't tell you what it meant to have someone I really admired, and looked up to, tell me that I could.
I kept in touch with Mils after graduating from high school and the communication became more frequent once I started coaching myself. I'd call Mils for advice when my team was in a scoring slump or when we needed to shake things up with line combinations or defensive schemes. I'd tell him what had happened over the past few games and he'd give me different ideas on things to try and what to look for. It seemed as though no matter what the issue was, Mils had something to counter with. It gave me confidence going into the games no matter who we were playing. Mils often referenced "David vs Goliath" and he relished the opportunity to beat someone everyone said he couldn't.
My team has been in somewhat of a scoring slump over the past few games and I really could use Mils' advice. I'm not able to get it though because he's no longer here. Mils passed away on June 16, 2008 at his home in LaJolla, CA after a two-year bout with cancer. He was only 57 years old. Yesterday was his birthday and I spent most of the day wondering how his wife, Mary, was handling things. The more I thought about it, the more I realized how unimportant our recent scoring slump really is. Eventually, we'll snap out of it and the goals will come. But Mils still won't be here to talk about it and that is really something I wish I could change.
Happy Birthday, Coach......
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Book Review - Young Athlete (Grand Rapids, MI)
I read your book and enjoyed reading about how sports are meant to be played and what family really means.
Book Review - Nick Edson (Traverse City, MI)
My name is Nick Edson. I was sports editor of the Traverse City Record-Eagle for 24 years, elected to the Michigan Basketball Hall of Fame as a writer in 2004 and now the editor of Country Lines magazine. I helped Chris edit the book. Here is my review.
"If ever a book was aptly named, More Than The Score is it. Chris Givens was a gifted athlete, but it was the life lessons that he learned from his loving father that endured. This book is a must-read for young athletes in particular and sports fans in general."
"If ever a book was aptly named, More Than The Score is it. Chris Givens was a gifted athlete, but it was the life lessons that he learned from his loving father that endured. This book is a must-read for young athletes in particular and sports fans in general."
Book Review - Sports Fan (Mount Pleasant, MI)
I had intended to get my laundry done and start baking cookies….but after starting this book this morning; I just had to finish it.
You are one lucky man. Not everyone has a father like that. I am always going to birthday parties where we need to bring gifts. Every year I usually find something that I give to everyone. This will be the gift I give to whomever I need to buy for this year. I will also promote this book whenever possible to people that I do not buy for; what wonderful lessons and not just for the athletes. I plan to donate a book to our school library as I volunteer there one morning a week. There are always young people asking what books I like….well this will definitely be one I will recommend. I also know many parents who help coach sports teams for their children; a good one for them as well. I know it sure made me think about a few things.
You are one lucky man. Not everyone has a father like that. I am always going to birthday parties where we need to bring gifts. Every year I usually find something that I give to everyone. This will be the gift I give to whomever I need to buy for this year. I will also promote this book whenever possible to people that I do not buy for; what wonderful lessons and not just for the athletes. I plan to donate a book to our school library as I volunteer there one morning a week. There are always young people asking what books I like….well this will definitely be one I will recommend. I also know many parents who help coach sports teams for their children; a good one for them as well. I know it sure made me think about a few things.
Book Review - Former Player (Traverse City, MI)
Hey coach, I just finished reading your book. Those are some great stories you shared. My favorite was the one about meeting the Montreal Canadians and you exclaiming "HoooooLeeeeeeeWaaaaaaa." I had a good laugh at that, especially because I've heard my yooper roommate say that a couple of times this year. I always remember you preaching about spending time with your family to your players during the holidays and since being away at college for a semester it is definitely something I wish I had done more of in high school. The thought of losing one or both of my parents has also crossed my mind before but reading the end of your book made me think about it again. I know it will happen someday and in a sense it is good to know "the truth is you really can't prepare yourself." Your father was a smart man with all the advice he gave you, and I'm sure you are passing on that knowledge to Cam. Thank you for the great book and everything you sacrifice for being a great hockey coach.
Book Review - Friend (Hancock, MI)
Hey Buddy, was so good to see you at the signing ...i had to write you after reading your book for the 2nd time( i am so glad i bought copies for my 3 cousins who all play hockey),,,I loved your Dad and your Mom to...you were all apart of my family for many years....your Dad was always there for my daughter, always with good advice..even when she got into trouble...my life would not be as rich had your family not been in it...i had the same experience as you when my mother was fighting a long battle with cancer...i was 600 miles away...i got that same phone call from my youngest sister Mary...as soon as i heard her voice i knew the end was near....leaving my husband with tears in his eyes i raced towards Waterford as if my life depended on it....praying all the way there for Mom to wait for me....i got to my parents house with no idea how i got there and wondering where everyone was..i couldnt even think....i called my uncle to see what they knew...he snapped me out of it to go to the hospital....i was there only 45 min when my mom passed away...i believed she waited for me and i was holding her hand when she died...i was mad at the world Chris...mad at friends i had that were older then me and still had there parents....i was mad at people i knew that took there parents for granted and never had time for them....i believe as you do...let the people you love know it....and live life to the fullest....i am so proud of you Chris..i love you, your wife and son...and am very proud to be your friend....
Book Review - Hockey Mom (Hancock, MI)
Chris, your book was a fantastic read, I could not put it down until I finished it. How lucky you and your siblings are to have had such a wonderful Dad. The book made me laugh and shed a tear or two. This book would be great for any Dad to read. I want to tell you that being a single mom of a young athlete, your Dad, through your stories, has taught me a few life lessons. Thank you for sharing these wonderful "lessons" with people who knew your Dad and people who wish they knew him. Again it was a great book!! My very best to you and your family!!
Book Review - Hockey Mom (Elk Rapids, MI)
Santa left your book for my husband in his stocking. He has read it, I'm almost done and then it's headed to our daughter. There are definitely lessons she can learn. My husband said too, that it is going to help him change the way he approaches dealing with our daughter. Great job, and truly a tribute to your father-he is up there in heaven smiling down and making sure you stay humble!!!!!
Book Review - Hockey Fan (Calumet, MI)
I just finished reading your book for the second time and once again I sit here with tears in my eyes. Four years ago I received that same call early on a Friday morning that my father had suddenly passed away at the hospital. Unlike you with your dad, I had been able to visit and talk with him at the hospital until about 8:00PM the night before. The last thing I said to him as I left his room was, "See you tomorrow, Dad! Even though my father had congestive heart failure and a few other complications, I never dreamed that it would be the last time I would talk with him.
Your account of the final years and days of your father's life and the thoughts going through your mind really hit home with me. I had no idea how much the ending would affect me personally. My father was a product of the "Great Depression" as historians call it, but as he said so often, "there was nothing "Great" about the depression". He never was involved with or followed sports because he had to spend all of his free time working to help out his family. He never encouraged or discouraged me from playing playing sports, but he would always tell my mother that it did keep me out of trouble. Like your father, my dad had a great influence on my life, not through our mutual love of sports, but through the way he taught me how to do so many things. He was a mechanic by trade, but he knew how to do almost everything a man would need to do in his lifetime. He built our home, garage, sauna, fabricated and welded our sauna stove, pored concrete, layed block, did the electrical, plumbing and anything else that needed to be done at home. I don't ever recall my dad calling anyone to build or repair something except when we had to have our well drilled.......and if he had the rig he could have done that as well. Maybe the most important thing he taught me was not to be afraid to try things. He always reminded me that," if a man made it, then another man could fix it". He was not afraid to tackle anything and that made a deep impression on me as a youngster.
My father told me once that he had never read any book in it's entirety. Yet, he is one of the smartest individuals I have ever known. His attitude towards life, dealing with people, raising a family and working hard have been the most valuable things he could have ever given me. He never went to high school, but he was proud of me for getting a college degree because I accomplished what I had set out to do. He had no degree in education like I did, yet he was the best teacher I ever had.
So Chris, I guess what I'm saying is that your book about you and your dad helped to rekindle memories of my relationship with my dad. Even though the things I have related to you about my father have been in my head all these years, it took your book to help remind me just how much my father taught me and how influential he has been on my life.
Your father was great guy and I always enjoyed every opportunity I had to talk with him. Now, I enjoy talking to your mother at the rink when she is there watching her grandsons play. I have gained even a greater feeling of respect for her after reading how calm and strong she was while dealing with your father's illness and death. You could always tell how much they loved each other because they were always doing things together. Unlike your mother and dad, my folks were fortunate to have 25 years of retirement together, for which I am very greatful.
Thanks for writing this book and thanks for signing the copy which you brought to me this weekend. I hope a lot of young people will read this book over the years. Not just to learn the valuable life lessons taught to you by your father, but also to realize how important it is to appreciate your parents while they are still alive. You see Chris, I never ever told my dad how much he meant to me and how much I appreciate what he taught me and did for me. I'll regret that to my grave. I won't make that same mistake with my mother.
All the best to you and your family in the coming year.
Your account of the final years and days of your father's life and the thoughts going through your mind really hit home with me. I had no idea how much the ending would affect me personally. My father was a product of the "Great Depression" as historians call it, but as he said so often, "there was nothing "Great" about the depression". He never was involved with or followed sports because he had to spend all of his free time working to help out his family. He never encouraged or discouraged me from playing playing sports, but he would always tell my mother that it did keep me out of trouble. Like your father, my dad had a great influence on my life, not through our mutual love of sports, but through the way he taught me how to do so many things. He was a mechanic by trade, but he knew how to do almost everything a man would need to do in his lifetime. He built our home, garage, sauna, fabricated and welded our sauna stove, pored concrete, layed block, did the electrical, plumbing and anything else that needed to be done at home. I don't ever recall my dad calling anyone to build or repair something except when we had to have our well drilled.......and if he had the rig he could have done that as well. Maybe the most important thing he taught me was not to be afraid to try things. He always reminded me that," if a man made it, then another man could fix it". He was not afraid to tackle anything and that made a deep impression on me as a youngster.
My father told me once that he had never read any book in it's entirety. Yet, he is one of the smartest individuals I have ever known. His attitude towards life, dealing with people, raising a family and working hard have been the most valuable things he could have ever given me. He never went to high school, but he was proud of me for getting a college degree because I accomplished what I had set out to do. He had no degree in education like I did, yet he was the best teacher I ever had.
So Chris, I guess what I'm saying is that your book about you and your dad helped to rekindle memories of my relationship with my dad. Even though the things I have related to you about my father have been in my head all these years, it took your book to help remind me just how much my father taught me and how influential he has been on my life.
Your father was great guy and I always enjoyed every opportunity I had to talk with him. Now, I enjoy talking to your mother at the rink when she is there watching her grandsons play. I have gained even a greater feeling of respect for her after reading how calm and strong she was while dealing with your father's illness and death. You could always tell how much they loved each other because they were always doing things together. Unlike your mother and dad, my folks were fortunate to have 25 years of retirement together, for which I am very greatful.
Thanks for writing this book and thanks for signing the copy which you brought to me this weekend. I hope a lot of young people will read this book over the years. Not just to learn the valuable life lessons taught to you by your father, but also to realize how important it is to appreciate your parents while they are still alive. You see Chris, I never ever told my dad how much he meant to me and how much I appreciate what he taught me and did for me. I'll regret that to my grave. I won't make that same mistake with my mother.
All the best to you and your family in the coming year.
Book Review - Hockey Fan (Alpena, MI)
I received your book as a stocking stuffer this Christmas and I really enjoyed it. You are fortunate to have the type of relationship you did with your dad and it appears to me like your son is a pretty lucky kid. I especially enjoyed the Guy LaFleur and Gene Mauch stories. You did a great job and I look forward to the sequel.
Book Review - Hockey Mom (Traverse City, MI)
Congratulations on the book! Between the holidays and the hockey schedule, I haven’t had the chance to tell you that your book is wonderful. I read it over Christmas.
I am one of those parents that likes to throw in a “life-lesson” whenever possible. Only now, as my three sons are young men, I find myself saying more and more things like, “Remember this when you are a father,” and ,”Don’t forget what it was like to be the child,” etc It’s a challenge these days to raise kids, let alone thoughtful, respectful, nice young men. I believe that if you bring a child into this world, raising that child will (should) be THE most important you ever do. I kind of look at your book as a “Dad Digest.” Thank you for being such a good role model for my son.
We ALL need reminders on what’s important in life. I always try to remember that my son's happiness and well-being are what’s most important, especially for his senior year. Everyday lessons NEVER cease for parents as well as kids! GO TROJANS!
I am one of those parents that likes to throw in a “life-lesson” whenever possible. Only now, as my three sons are young men, I find myself saying more and more things like, “Remember this when you are a father,” and ,”Don’t forget what it was like to be the child,” etc It’s a challenge these days to raise kids, let alone thoughtful, respectful, nice young men. I believe that if you bring a child into this world, raising that child will (should) be THE most important you ever do. I kind of look at your book as a “Dad Digest.” Thank you for being such a good role model for my son.
We ALL need reminders on what’s important in life. I always try to remember that my son's happiness and well-being are what’s most important, especially for his senior year. Everyday lessons NEVER cease for parents as well as kids! GO TROJANS!
Book Review (by Brian Edwards @ West Michigan High School Hockey Blog)
Spent time last night reading a new book that's due out any day, and it's one that the WMHSH Blog thoroughly endorses for two reasons. First, it's about the life lessons that sports teach you - a recurring theme here on the Blog as well as for the WMHSH Blog Scholarship program. Second, it's by a guy who's been an active member of the West Michigan Hockey community since the early '90s: Traverse City Central Hockey Coach Chris Givens.The book is called "More Than The Score" and it's written as a series of short stories describing the life lessons that Givens was taught, by his dad, through sports. While many of us know Coach Givens as a hockey guy, he was an all-state football player in high school who also played D-1 football at CMU. As a kid growing up in Hancock, Mich., Givens played just about everything from marbles to baseball to hockey. Along the way, his dad, Bill Givens, was there to lend perspective to whatever successes or hurdles Chris encountered on the football field, marble patch, baseball diamond or at the rink. My favorite story involves not hockey, but baseball, and an encounter with then Minnesota Twins Manager Gene Mauch in his underwear in center field.The lessons are simple, but filled with wisdom. There's humor and perspective and the love that comes from that special bond between a dad and a son who love games and competition. I had a "Field of Dreams" moment when I finished reading it, wishing for one last game of catch and some wisdom from my old man, who's been gone for 20 years now.It's a quick read, about 70 pages in paperback (Dog Ear Publishing), and costs less than a $10-spot. The son of a blogger (SOB) will be getting a copy in his stocking this year, and a copy will also go to the winner of the 2008-09 WMHSH Blog Scholarship. You can order it online at Amazon or Barnes and Noble, and it will be available at some local booksellers throughout West Michigan.
My First Book
More Than The Score is a series of stories describing life lessons I was taught, by my father, through sports. My father was never as concerned about whether I won or lost as he was about what I learned in the process. He took advantage of every opportunity he could to teach me valuable lessons that he hoped would help shape my life as an adult. These lessons, some 30 or more years in the past, are still used today as the foundation on which I continue to build my life as a husband, father, and coach. This book is a quick, easy read and I hope you will find the lessons full of wisdom.
www.morethanthescore.net
www.morethanthescore.net
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