It’s January. The current season is still in full swing, yet parents, coaches, players, and even organizations are already stressing about next year’s team. Who will make the top roster? Who will move up? Who will get cut? This obsession with the future is becoming a serious problem in youth hockey. When we focus on what is next instead of what is now, we rob kids of the joy of playing, and we create unnecessary stress for everyone involved.
Why Are We So Focused on Next Year?
The reasons are easy to understand, but that does not make them healthy. Parents worry because they have invested time and money. Coaches worry about building competitive teams and maintaining their reputation. Players worry about status and advancement, fearing they will fall behind if they do not make the “right” team. Organizations worry about retention and keeping families happy. Add in the pressure for college scholarships or dreams of playing professionally, and suddenly January feels like draft season instead of a time to enjoy the game.
The Problem with Living in the Future
When the focus shifts to next year, this year suffers. Kids stop enjoying the game because every shift feels like an audition. Parents become anxious and start micromanaging, which adds stress to the child. Coaches lose sight of development and start prioritizing wins to secure their own reputation. The result is stress, burnout, and a toxic environment that hurts everyone involved. Instead of building confidence and skills, we create fear and pressure that can push kids away from the sport entirely.
Why Staying in the Now Matters
Youth hockey should be about growth, fun, and learning, not constant evaluation. When kids focus on today, they play with confidence and joy. When parents focus on today, they support instead of pressure. When coaches focus on today, they teach instead of judge. Staying present allows everyone to enjoy the season and build skills that last beyond the scoreboard. The truth is, the best way to prepare for next year is to make the most of this year.
Acknowledging the Challenge
It is easier said than done. We live in a competitive world, and the pressure to plan ahead is real. But change can only happen if we start taking a stance and modeling the right behavior. Parents need to lead by example, showing kids that the present matters more than the future. Coaches need to reinforce development over rankings. Organizations need to communicate that long-term success comes from focusing on growth, not constant roster shuffling. If we do not make this shift, the cycle of stress will continue, and kids will keep leaving the game.
Actionable Advice for Parents and Coaches
Closing Thought
It’s only January. The season is not over. The best thing you can do for your child, your team, and yourself is to stay in the now. Enjoy the game today. Tomorrow will take care of itself.