It's nice to have my efforts recognized for whatever contribution I've made to Tavistock Minor Hockey! I'm not convinced that I'm the most deserving of the recognition since there are many that have served longer and very faithfully over the years; Thank you very much for sharing your appreciation!
During my last term with the minor hockey executive, it was a difficult time in the larger world of Hockey Canada. Sexual abuse by coaches, verbal abuse of officials, parents or coaches pushing their kids to excellence in spite of what the child wanted and the insane idea of offering a hockey program when a pandemic was raging, seemed to fill the headlines and social media posts on a daily basis.
The scope of these issues was beyond anything that could be resolved by a small town hockey association!
Partially in response to the state of the Canadian hockey culture, but more so to reaffirm our values, the executive created a few poster boards that were set up against the end glass. They read; Titan Hockey is about Fun, Titan Hockey is about Respect, Titan Hockey is about Friendships, Titan Hockey is about Teamwork, Titan Hockey is about Leadership, Titan Hockey is about Discipline, Titan Hockey is Perseverance and Titan Hockey is about Sportsmanship.
Looking at the group assembled last night for the Minor Hockey Volunteer Appreciation Night I realized that we need another poster board that reads "Titan Hockey is about Community".
I didn't see the crazy parents or coaches in the in crowd at the hall. I saw a group of people that were aligned with the word on our signs. A group that was giving of themselves to help kids develop a love of a game, develop lifelong relationships and learn a few life skills along the way.
Thanks again for recognizing my time, but the strength of the organization has little to do with what I've done, and far more to do with what everyone associated with Tavistock Minor hockey is doing now!
Sincerely, Larry Kropf