As the founder of the Changing the Game Project, John O’Sullivan is constantly preaching ways those involved in youth sport can maintain a level of happiness and fun with the children who play. At TCS Live 2024, O’Sullivan dove in deeper on the areas in hockey that remain constant and need to be emphasized more in youth sports.

Hockey coaches are always looking at what is changing in the future. However, not enough emphasis is put on the areas of the game that aren’t changing. According to O’Sullivan there are three things that remain the same in hockey. 

The first reason why kids play hockey is because they want to have fun. Fun for kids is having the opportunity to try their best, getting to play, and having a team dynamic. When surveying kids to define fun, winning was the 48th most popular answer. At a younger age especially, it is important to understand that kids play hockey to be a part of something bigger than themselves rather than what the end result is. 

The second thing that remains the same in hockey is what kids want from coaches. The secret to what kids want out of coaches is not always the X’s and O’s or the inner workings of the game of hockey - kids desire a real connection to their coaches. The most common trait found in what is defined as a good coach is caring. Great coaches win the relationship game with their players. Being a positive role model that shows respect and encouragement to their players are the ones that get the most out of their players. An acronym O'Sullivan provided is “RIVER” standing for Respect, Important, Validate, Empower, Relevant. Treating players with these five values in mind builds a strong connection in a coach to player relationship. 

The last thing that remains constant in hockey is that kids have parents. Parents love their kids and oftentimes parents are scared that they will let their kids down. Often times parents don’t have a direct connection with a coach and they just go through what their kid is experiencing. The way to fill parents in is through trust. Trust is not just about a specific ability, but also about connection. As a coach taking the time to build an authentic connection with a player that is not solely on the ice but more importantly off the ice. Each parent is different in their own way but the best thing a parent can say is I love watching your games. Parents will always be engaged in hockey and showing connection to players and their families off the ice will lead to a happier, healthier environment for all those involved, especially the coach. O’Sullivan’s one message to all those involved in coaching is that your influence is never neutral. As a coach your influence is either positive or negative and the more aware you are of your influence the better you can be at providing a positive one for those who you coach.

Noteworthy Timestamps:

• 0:50 Stroop Test
• 4:50 Jeff Bezos story
• 6:30 What doesn’t change?
• 8:00 Why kids play hockey
• 12:55 What kids want from coaches
• 18:10 Great coaches win the relationship game
• 20:30 The RIVER
• 24:00 And yes, kids have parents!
• 25:55 We must build trust
• 31:10 The car ride home