NHL Playoffs – Vegas Versus Washington

Posted by Jim on May 28, 2018
Posted in: Hockey, hockey Skills, how to succeed in hockey, Jim Serba, mike serba, mike serba memorial golf tournament, NHL Playofs, Russian hockey skills, understanding hockey.

NHL Playoffs – Vegas Versus Washington

 

Just A Quick Commentary About The NHL Playoffs Starting Later Tonight Between The Washington Capitals And The Las Vegas Knights.

 

I don’t really watch all that much hockey any more. If you’ve read any of my blogs you’ll know that a big part of my life has revolved around hockey. I worked with a fair number of NHL players and I’ll follow their games and I’ll watch the “Mem” Cup because of the great hockey being played; but other that the way hockey was being played had turned me off. Having said that, I’ve actually become interested again. The play of the game has changed to where it’s actually compelling to watch and keeps your interest. The Leafs look like they’ve made forward progress and this Stanley Cup final this year is one hell-of-story.

I don’t have any skin in the game one way or the other and I have no particular preference as to the outcome, but I’m actually exited and the game tonight and all the way to the finish is a “must watch” event.

Ovechkin for Washington has been a been a determined beast of player but can he keep it up? Fleury for Las Vegas  has been a rock but can he keep it up?

I Just Wonder

I had a conversation with some friends quite some time ago about the unexpected first year expansion franchise success of Las Vegas. No expansion team in the history of the NHL has experienced this kind of success. Most wallow at the bottom for a number of years before achieving any success. Now the NHL with salary caps and such has undergone some changes, but LA’s success is historically unprecedented.

Just Imagine

I mused about this entire situation and speculated on the following scene being played out.

All of the guys drafted by the Knights get together over a beer and someone says something like the following;

“Guys we’ve all essentially been cast aside by our teams and they have made the decision that we are expendable and likely of marginal value going forward. We can all sit here and cry in our beer or we can show them otherwise and stick it up their collective asses”.

Never underestimate a team that will set their individual egos aside, commit to accept their necessary role toward the achievement of a common goal and commit to give it their absolute unselfish dedication and  maximum effort.

I Just Wonder

I promise I’ll get back to my usual blogs about hockey soon ….. I just couldn’t resist.

Note:

If you’re new to this blog and reading it from Facebook or Twitter, make sure to click on the BLOG/NEWS link in the menu at the top of the page and scroll down to read previous blogs on this and other subjects.

 

 

 

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Humboldt Broncos Tragedy – A Final Commentary

Posted by Jim on May 25, 2018
Posted in: Hockey, hockey Skills, how to succeed in hockey, Humboldt tragedy, Jim Serba, mike serba, mike serba memorial golf tournament, Russian hockey skills, understanding hockey.

The Humboldt Broncos Tragedy 

A Final Commentary

In my last blog I wrote that reality is that for 99.9% of those drawn in by this tragic event; life will go on and things will change very soon by the inevitable reality of their lives just moving forward. However; for those that lost a loved one or whose loved one’s life has been forever greatly changed, things will never be the same.

I’m certain still at this point in time those directly effected with a loss in their family do not fully realize the impact of these events. Almost certainly all are in some stage of an emotional state of shock. All of the public outpouring and memorial ceremonies have served as a distraction from the full and eventual impact of a new reality. These events and their distractions have largely come to an end.

I cannot tell the parents and family of those who lost a loved one how to handle their loss and their grieving. I know what works for me, but all I can say is I hope they are all able to find whatever helps them deal with their loss.

What I can tell them is they will not be the only one’s to remember those that are gone. I for one will certainly not forget them. There is a huge hockey community that will not forget them; especially those that played with them over the years.

I just want to share this recent event. I received the following communication from a Norwich Cadet hockey teammate of my son Mike”

“Hello Mr. Serbs. With the recent tragedy here in Sask my family and myself were thinking about you. My mother made a quilt with the Humboldt colours and we were wondering if we could send it out to you. Hope you’re doing well!!! Love Chance”

A few days later the quilt pictured in this post and made by Patti; Chance’s wonderful mother, arrived at my place. It is a great comfort that my son Mike is still remembered after all these years and the gift and display of this quilt is a source of great comfort. So I can assure you that the those lost will continue to be remembered for a long time.

Those that were lost are no longer able to shape their legacy on this mortal coil. At Norwich University, there is a scholarship awarded every year in my son’s name. The scholarship is a lasting legacy in memory of my son Mike and is a source of pride and comfort. Just a suggestion …. perhaps from some of the monies that have been collected you might want to start a scholarship in the memory of this tragedy and those who were lost ….. just a suggestion.

The Humboldt Broncos Tragedy 

A Final Commentary

I will continue on with my blogs on hockey soon.

Note:

If you’re new to this blog and reading it from Facebook or Twitter, make sure to click on the BLOG/NEWS link in the menu at the top of the page and scroll down to read previous blogs on this and other subjects.

 

The Truth About Hockey Continued (XV) – Can Hockey Skills Be Taught – Part 3A

Posted by Jim on May 17, 2018
Posted in: Hockey, hockey Skills, how to succeed in hockey, Jim Serba, mike serba, mike serba memorial golf tournament, Russian hockey skills, understanding hockey.

The Answer Should Be Obvious

Of Course Hockey Skills Can Be Taught

The teaching of complicated physical skills involving the arts, sports and other activities has been going on for hundreds or years now. In the earliest of times the teaching techniques were more based on trial and error and modified based on the extent success or failure. In modern times (like a great many things) scientific principles, research and computer technology has improved the learning curve.

Here’s Basically (In My Opinion) How It Works

Think about an activity such as learning to play the violin. (I believe the same principles would apply to just about any athletic or artistic endeavor requiring precise and controlled physical movement such as piano, ballet, golf, javelin throw and endless more.)

The playing of violin has been around for hundreds of years and undoubtedly the teaching has evolved during that time most probably from some trial and error leading to achievement of success.

It’s not hard to imagine a young boy or girl being taught by an accomplished violinist who has become a proficient teacher. They would be taught how to hold the violin and the bow. They would be taught the various details of holding the violin and the movement of the hand on the finger board and movement of the bow across the strings. Various exercises would be given for practice of these movements. Since every physical endeavor is an exercise in controlled tension; surely the teacher would be describing points of  pressure and those areas of the body requiring relaxation. A good teacher would find visually descriptive imagery to relay the relative points of tension and relaxation to the student help advance the learning process.

Finally when enough of the basics have been accomplished; notes are strung together and actual music begins to be made. From there it’s not hard to imagine a continued progression.

Rising To The Top

I’m certain that everyone that rises to the top of any endeavor will more than likely have experienced the following; starting at a young age, having received competent teaching, put in a lot of time in practice, had support and encouragement throughout, and had an absolute passion for the activity and desire to achieve excellence. In the end a few rise to the top.

 Here’s How It Goes – An Analogy 

There are hundreds of violinists playing in orchestras across North America. If you would listen to any one of them play, it would be impressive. Everyone one of them has gone through the essential elements leading to success as outlined above.

From all of the accomplished violinists in the world, how many are considered “virtuoso” performers? The reality is that there are just a handful considered “virtuoso” artists. In the hockey world this would equate to the Gretzkys, Howes and Orrs. (I’ve picked players that have stood the test of time because of my belief that greatness must be measured over time.)

While there are only a few “greats” there are plenty of spots on teams for those that are highly competent. I’m not suggesting it’s at all easy to make it to the professional ranks for the reality is that a very small percentage ever make it there. But remember there are also other great opportunities for athletes such as scholarships and don’t ever underestimate the incredible life learning experience of the journey.

Of Course Hockey Skills Can Be Taught

 

There’s a lot more to come. In Part 3B I’ll be more specific about the hockey skills learning process and it’s history of development.

Note:

If you’re new to this blog and reading it from Facebook or Twitter, make sure to click on the BLOG/NEWS link in the menu at the top of the page and scroll down to read previous blogs on this and other subjects.

 

 

 

Humboldt Broncos Tragedy – For Those That lost A Loved One

Posted by Jim on May 7, 2018
Posted in: Hockey, hockey Skills, how to succeed in hockey, Humboldt tragedy, Jim Serba, mike serba memorial golf tournament, Uncategorized, understanding hockey.

The Humboldt Broncos Tragedy 

Follow-Up

For Those That Lost A Loved One

Those Lost Will Not Be Forgotten

 

When I wrote my blog about the tragedy that befell the Humboldt hockey team; there was so much more that I wanted to say, but didn’t feel that the time was right just then.

It’s remarkable how this event has resonated around the world and touched so many people who have been mobilized to show their sympathy and support in so many ways. From the “wear a jersey” day to leaving out a  hockey stick on your porch and as far away as the Ukrainian National hockey team leaving flowers at the Canadian embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine. Also, the tremendous and generous outpouring of donations of money that has now surpassed 10.5 million dollars from more than 120 thousand donors.

The Absolute Reality Is – For Most, Life Will Go On 

And Soon

The empathy and resultant outpouring of support was and still is remarkable. Many around the world were moved to support the Humboldt Broncos in this time of this tragedy and there’s no doubt that this support is genuine and has been a great comfort to those that have lost a loved one.

The reality is that life will go on and things will change very soon. For 99.9% of those drawn in by this event; their lives will soon be moved on by the inevitable reality of their lives just moving forward; however for those that lost a loved one or whose loved one’s life has been forever greatly changed, it will never be the same.

At this point those directly effected with a loss in their family do not fully realize the impact of these the events. Almost certainly all are in some stage of an emotional state of shock  and without  any full possibility of that realization. Additionally they have been preoccupied and distracted by the public outpouring and memorial ceremonies. These events and their distractions will soon come to and end.

For Those That Lost A Loved One

For those that have lost a loved one; and for those who have suffered a permanent life changing injury and for their parents, their life will never be the same. I fear that they will feel a loneliness and eerie emptiness very soon. Their lives have been changed forever  and simply will not be able to go on as before.

I have a couple of thoughts that I feel a need to share.

First, support each other through these next more lonely and difficult times. Second, I hope you can find some solace when I assure you that you and those lost will not be forgotten. I know this from my own experience. Finally, help each other to find a way to create a lasting legacy in their memory …. they deserve it.

Those Lost will not Be Forgotten

 

There is more that I would like to say, but feel once again that the time just was not right. I will write an additional follow-up soon

Note:

If you’re new to this blog and reading it from Facebook or Twitter, make sure to click on the BLOG/NEWS link in the menu at the top of the page and scroll down to read previous blogs on this and other subjects.

 

 

The Truth About Hockey Continued (XIV) – Can Hockey Skills Be Taught – Part 2

Posted by Jim on April 25, 2018
Posted in: Hockey, hockey Skills, how to succeed in hockey, Humboldt tragedy, Jim Serba, mike serba, mike serba memorial golf tournament, Russian hockey skills, understanding hockey.

A Warning To Parents

Hockey … To The Exclusion Of Everything Else?

There has been a disturbing trend in sports in recent years leading  to absolute and complete immersion and dedication to one particular sport.

This trend has been going on for some time and then got new legs and a big boost from a book by Malcolm Gladwell published in 2008  titled The Outliers. In this book Gladwell  repeatedly mentions the “10,000-Hour Rule”, claiming that the key to achieving world-class expertise in any skill, is to a large extent, a matter of practicing for a total of around 10,000 hours.

It seems a great many people took that to mean that all they have to do is spend 10,000 hours at an activity to achieve greatness at that activity.

Gladwell’s  conclusions have pretty much been completely debunked and even rejected by the prominent psychologist Anders Ericsson upon whose work Gladwell based the book

This myth though, still continues. To quote an article by Rachel Nuwer:

“So despite the new evidence that the 10,000 rule is bull, like the studies and articles that came before it, that message will likely fall on many deaf ears. The 10,000 hour rule seems to have entered into the common lore about success: it’s a nice idea, that hard work will actually pay off. And no peer-reviewed study has so far succeeded in toppling that catchy message.” 

When it comes to hockey, we have Hockey symposiums where supposedly the best and brightest of the sport get together to discuss the state of the game, new advances and how to move the game forward.  Gladwell’s 10,000 hour theory was presented at one of these symposiums with the examples of Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechin. Crosby and Oveckin were offered up as some kind of proof of this theory.

Ironically; in response to severe criticism and debunking of his book, Gladwell is quoted as stating: “There is a lot of confusion about the 10,000 rule that I talk about in Outliers. It doesn’t apply to sports. And practice isn’t a SUFFICIENT condition for success”. However my recollection is that Gladwell used of Wayne Gretzky as  an example for proof of his theory.

Some Of My Experience

One year when I coached a double A minor peewee team that went on to win the MTHL championships and went on to the All Ontario Championships, we ended up playing well over 100 games by the time everything was over. The season started in August and finished some time in April. We started with our preseason camps in August, followed by preseason exhibition games which was then followed by a 42 game regular season.  The play-offs went 4 rounds to win the west division championships followed by a 5th round for the City championships which was then followed by the All-Ontario championships. Interspersed between all of this there were at least 5 weekend tournaments. During all of the time from the beginning of the season to the end, the norm was 2 practices a week. That’s one hell of a lot hockey and time in an arena.

Summers in Canada are short. Why would you want to spend all of your time in a hockey arena during the summer? My recommendation is to get away from hockey after the season and do something else. There are all kinds of activities and some great outdoor sporting activities that have cross-over benefits. Soccer is great for conditioning, coordination & balance as well as positional play. Field lacrosse is fantastic because it has all of those elements plus hand-eye coordination and body contact.

I spent a lot of time on the ice with Steven Stamkos and got to know him quite well. He and his family always had a great balanced approach to sports and life. Steven would always play baseball with his buddies in his home town of Markham, Ontario during the summer months. Even after being drafted and playing with the Tampa Bay Lighting, Steven  would still play baseball with his buddies during the summer and as far as I know that may continue to this day.

We All Want Our Children To Succeed

But Don’t Develop A Misfit

I feel that complete and total immersion in any one singular activity almost to the exclusion of everything else will tend to produce a misfit.

Get the  hell away from hockey during the summer. Do something else with your kids during that time. Don’t get sucked in by the coaches and the parents talking about the 3 on 3 or 4 on 4 summer hockey league, or the “special elite” summer hockey tournament team. This is especially true in the early years and there will be plenty of time in later years if your child shows the proficiency and the interest. In the early years do your best to make sure your child has a well-rounded experience.

There is lot more that I would like to write to say on this topic; however for right now this is my considered advise. I’m sure I’ll cover this more in the future.

Don’t Do Things To Develop A Misfit

There’s a lot more to come. In Part 3 I’ll write about the learning process; some history and the reality of how it functions.

Also, I’ll have a future followup on my blog about the Humboldt Bronco’s hockey tragedy. Initially, there was a lot more that I wanted to say, but felt the time just was not right.

Note:

If you’re new to this blog and reading it from Facebook or Twitter, make sure to click on the BLOG/NEWS link in the menu at the top of the page and scroll down to read previous blogs on this and other subjects.

 

 

 

Humboldt Broncos Tragedy

Posted by Jim on April 10, 2018
Posted in: Hockey, hockey Skills, how to succeed in hockey, Humboldt tragedy, Jim Serba, mike serba, mike serba memorial golf tournament, Russian hockey skills, understanding hockey.

The Humboldt Broncos Tragedy – This Tragedy Will Never Make Any Sense

My heart goes out to all of those affected by the tragic accident involving the loss of life and injuries of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team. Hockey is in the DNA of Canadians and in towns like Humboldt the local team is especially important and receives extraordinary support.

In particular, to the immediate family …. parents, siblings, and other direct family members of those lost and injured. Especially to those who have lost a loved one.

Also, to the billets of these young players. These are wonderful people who take these young hockey players into their homes and look after them  as if they are their own children. Most do not realize how special these people are.

To the unpaid volunteers (trainers, equipment managers, ticket takers and many more) who faithfully support the team.

To the fans and supporters who may be sponsor, a season ticket holder or a fan who supports and cheers on the team.

To those who are deeply touched and trying to comprehend this tragedy.

This tragedy will never make any sense. Don’t even try. Do your best to support each other and do your best to make sure that those lost are remembered. Those that are gone can no longer shape their legacy … it’s up to those that remain to make sure they are not forgotten.

This Will Never Make Any Sense – Don’t Even Try 

The Truth About Hockey Continued (XIII) – Can Hockey Skills Be Taught – Part 1 – And Why Do It?

Posted by Jim on April 4, 2018
Posted in: Hockey, hockey Skills, how to succeed in hockey, Jim Serba, mike serba, mike serba memorial golf tournament, Russian hockey skills, understanding hockey.

 

Can Hockey Skills Be Taught?

First – Why Do It?

If you have read the beginnings of my blogs you’ll know that when I started this, I said that I felt being involved in the playing of organized hockey can provide a great many life experiences and learning lessons. If you’re a normal parent that wants the best for your children you will want to do every thing you can to properly prepare them for the inevitable challenges they will face as they go through life. Now hockey isn’t the only pursuit that will provide  a valuable education; I just happen to think it’s a very good one.

Now to get the most out of any learning experience, it seems to me that there has to be a good level of dedication and applied effort in order to get a good result.

If you decide to continue beyond the basic entry level of hockey with your child then you will find that this involvement will require a considerable amount of time, money, and both physical & emotional energy. Since this will be pretty much a given, you might as well proceed with a good level of dedication toward the achievement of excellence.

Jack Of All Trades And A Master Of None

There are never any guaranteed outcomes in life; however I’m certain that if you just dabble in everything you do,  there are valuable lessons that will never be learned.

There’s a well know phrase; “Jack of all trades and a master of none”.

Another way of saying this is: “At everything you do, you pretty much display considerable incompetence”.

There is value in the process of striving to achieve your best and striving for excellence. Everyone that has achieved excellence in any endeavor has probably shared a similar type of process and experience. It takes, effort, time, passion and dedication. It will involve physical pain and mental anguish. There will be frustration when there is a lack of success and failure and yet there will be elation with progress and accomplishment. Most mere mortals will never achieve greatness, however the process involved in this striving is one of the most important lessons in life.

Now it doesn’t have to be hockey to learn this lesson. There are a great many pursuits that will provide this same experience.

With all of the time, money and energy required; If you commit with your family to proceeding to a higher level of hockey, then you might as well put in the dedication and effort towards learning the achievement of excellence. Reality is that most players will not achieve a career in hockey, but that isn’t the issue. The issue is the taking of this learning experience with you for the rest of your life.

Can Hockey Skills Be Taught?

Well of course they can be taught; just like any other skill or pursuit which involves physical dexterity.

Jack Of All Trades And A Master Of None?

There’s a lot more to come. In Part 2 I’ll give you one big piece of advice and an important warning.

Note:

If you’re new to this blog and reading it from Facebook, make sure to click on the BLOG/NEWS link in the menu at the top of the page and scroll down to read previous blogs on this and other subjects.