The Truth About Hockey

Posted by Jim on November 19, 2017
Posted in: Hockey, hockey Skills, Jim Serba, mike serba, mike serba memorial golf tournament.

The Reality Of Hockey In Canada

An Effort To Help “The Cannon Fodder” From Making Mistakes

Hockey has been a passion, an avocation and for a time a career choice that has spanned almost 50 years.  I still have a deep passion for the game and believe that involvement in the playing of hockey at an organized level can be one of the best experiences of your life on so many levels. Reality is that more often than not one’s experiences as they move through their  hockey life contain both the best and worst imaginable.

The experiences related have been gathered through my involvement in hockey in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in Ontario, Canada; however, I believe that my observations hold true for the way that hockey plays out through out all of North America. The GTHL is recognized as the largest minor hockey league system in the world. (by the way I, also believe the lessons I’ve learned are valuable to parents of athletes in other sports)

Some Background

Forget my personal hockey playing career other than being smart enough to have some figure skating girls teach me about edging (semi-circles on inside edges and semi-circles on outside edges going both backward and forward as well as transitions from one to the other).   The important stuff that I’m talking about here is when my two sons wanted to start to play hockey; which by the way was quite late in years for a Canadian children. First I taught them as best I could how to skate. Later I went on to coach and I coached from House League to Midget Triple A in the GTHL. After coaching I went on to work for 15 years or so with what I think is the premier hockey school in this area. Toward the end of my hockey school days I spent as many a 7 hours a day actually on the ice for training sessions.  For the most part I worked with youth hockey players, but this school legitimately graduated to the highest levels more elite player hockey players than any other school can truthfully claim. These include such greats as Jason Spezza, Steven Stamkos, Brent Burns, Alex Pietrangelo, and regularly worked with many more greats such as Rick Nash, Mike Cammalleri, Manny Malholtra and many more. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to spend many hours on the ice with these guys and get to know them.

The Learning Curve

I’ve told my children that I’ve made almost every mistake known to man and some twice. My advise to them was to learn from my mistakes as well as their own and do their best to never repeat them. Making mistakes is part of the learning process of life; making the same mistakes over and over again is just plain stupid. As a result, I’ve tried to develop an attitude of awareness, observation, and analysis.

Why?

Over the past few years I’ve run into a younger generation of hockey parent. In the course of time they have come to me for advise as they have encountered difficulties with their experience with their children and their involvement in the our wonderful world of hockey/minor sports. I’ve been able to enlighten and help many of them and a number of times the comment has been made … “you should write a book”. This blog is my book.

Cannon Fodder

CANNON FODDER, meaning someone who is expendable or in simpler terms, a tool. It is a very flexible term that is used widely in reference to politics and athletics, but most frequently in combat. The term is a military term that dates back to the civil war, troops would be sent out as distraction to the cannons, or simply as “food …

If someone in authority regards people as CANNON FODDER, they do not care if these people are harmed or lost in the course of their work.

More of Why?

I see too many people without the experience and therefor the knowledge to guide them through. These are new experiences and they have no handbook to guide them. We have a self-perpetuating system. By the time they’ve figured it out, it’s too late and their out of the system. But there’s always new “cannon fodder” coming into and perpetuating the system. Hopefully, I can help a few people.

There is a lot more to come.

An Effort To Help “The Cannon Fodder” From Making Mistakes

Silver Creek Pre-School Golf Tournament

Posted by Jim on August 20, 2017
Posted in: Jim Serba, mike serba, mike serba memorial golf tournament, Silver Creek Pre-school, Uncategorized.

 

Please Support Silver Creek Pre-School

There’s Still Time To Support The Silver Creek

2017 Golf Tournament

The Silver Creek Pre-School Golf Tournament is happening on Friday, September 8th, 2017 at Caledon Woods Golf Club. Registration begins at 7:30 AM with tee-off at 8:45 AM

While we’re extremely disappointed that there will not be an 11th Annual Mike Serba Golf Tournament (gross understatement) the Serba family remains a big supporter of Silver Creek Pre-School.

Silver Creek is holding their fundraising golf tournament on Friday, September 8th, 2017 at Caledon Woods Golf Club. There are still spots open to participate in the tournament as well as sponsorship and prize donation opportunities available and any help would be most welcome in support of Silver Creek.

Get information by clicking on the following link:

https://www.silvercreekpreschool.ca/…/fall-classic-golf-to…/

A Thank You From Silver Creek

Posted by Jim on July 20, 2017
Posted in: Jim Serba, mike serba, mike serba memorial golf tournament, Silver Creek Pre-school, Uncategorized.

 

A Thank You Letter From Silver Creek

It was a necessity that I advise the good folks at Silver Creek Pre-School that there would not be a 2017 golf tourney. I received the following “thank you” letter from Susan Kawa: the Executive Director for Silver Creek.

This Thank You Letter Belongs To You

I would like to add my personal “Thank You” to  all of the great supporters of the Tourney over the past 10 years. We had a lot of wonderful and generous people that contributed to the success of the event.

This Thank You Letter Is For All Of You Too!

The Tournament That Never Was

Posted by Jim on July 13, 2017
Posted in: Jim Serba, mike serba, mike serba memorial golf tournament, Silver Creek Pre-school, Uncategorized.

All Dressed Up And No Where To Go

 

The 2016 tournament was great success. It raised $30,000.00 for our charity; tying a previous high amount.

The tournament wrap-up followed a familiar and somewhat text book routine. Getting in all of the monies still owing (somehow we were never good at getting payments in advance and every year there was a lot of collection and clean-up to do), figuring out how much we would be able to donate to SilverCreek and finally getting the proceeds to SilverCreek.

I would always start to think about various poster design themes (I would always try to get as creative as possible) and other changes to the tourney website in preparation to kick off next year’s tourney.

I was well into this process when I found out that continuing the Tourney into the future would be difficult; and in all probability, impossible. It was a difficult decision, however it’s  probably better to end on a “high note” rather have it die a slow painful death.

This post is for those of you that visit the website for news of the Tourney. I have already advised through our Facebook page that the Tourney is finished. The following is a repeat of the Facebook announcement:

“Normally at this time of year we would be announcing details for the annual golf tournament in memory of Mike.

Regrettably, this post is to advise that there will not be an 11th annual tournament.

It is with much sorrow that I write this, but recent events have made it such that the resources necessary to organize and conduct a successful event are no longer available.

I would like to thank all of our great supporters over the past 10 years. We had a lot of wonderful and generous people that contributed to the success of the event. Over the next little while, I will contact all of you personally to convey my thanks. I am very saddened for the resultant loss of support for Silver Creek Pre-School, but I am happy that over the past 10 years we have been able to make a difference and raise money for a good cause in memory of Mike.

Finally, Mike’s family wishes to make everyone aware that, as it stands right now, we are not supporting any fundraising that may try to associate with Mike’s memory and name. Please be wary of anyone attempting to do so. Should this change in the future, the family will advise all of you via this Facebook page or through the website. If any of you ever have questions or concerns, I am always available, so please do not hesitate to reach out.

Once again, a sincere “Thank you” to all of our supporters for a great 10 years. Although we cannot continue any further, we certainly could not have come this far without you.”

I will always be grateful to all of you that generously supported this Tourney in Mike’s memory.

All Dressed Up And No Where To Go

Now I Know I Hate The Weatherman

Posted by Jim on September 19, 2016
Posted in: Jim Serba, mike serba, mike serba memorial golf tournament.

Now I Know I Hate The Weatherman

And Boy

Do We Ever Have The Best Supporters In The World

Weatherman3 copy

Back A few years ago I wrote a blog titled “I’m Beginning To Hate The Weatherman”, but now I’m certain; I definitely hate the weatherman. That blog was written just after our event had been completely rained out. On that day our venue, Royal Woodbine Golf Club, was better suited for canoe races as the entire course was flooded and playing golf was impossible. It had rained for a few days but the weather forecast for the day of the event was for the rain to stop over night. But that forecast was a load. It rained all night and all through the day of our event.

Back then and even now we start looking at the long range forecast as soon as we can. You just can’t help yourself; you don’t want to but you just have to, and it becomes a kind of an obsession and this year was no different.

rain-cloud2This year in the Toronto area we have had one of the longest periods in our weather history with days that have been almost continuously sunny and completely devoid of rain. The 3 weeks before our event were all beautiful and sunny days; however the weather forecast leading up to the Tourney day was showing a great week with a beautiful day before event and a beautiful day after the event but rain and possible severe thunder storms for the day of the event.

sunshineOn the morning of the Tourney I got up early and was out of the house by 6:00 am to see some friends for breakfast At that time there was the lightest little bit of spitting rain, but the by the time I got back home it had actually cleared up and was sunny. Registration was set to begin at 10:30 am so I left for the golf course and at that time it was drizzling again. On the way it actually got a bit heavy and I panicked but by the time I arrived at the golf course the rain had stopped and that was it for the rest of the day. We had wonderful weather for the Tourney.

Do We Ever Have The Best Supporters In The World

I was absolutely crapping my drawers with fear over the effect that the weather forecast would have on our turn out. We have to guarantee a certain number of golfers to secure exclusive use of the golf course on tournament day and if we fall below that number, we have to pay anyways. But we have probably the best and most dedicated supporters anywhere. Just about everybody showed up and we had a great time and a had a very successful event. Love our supporters …… they are the best!

Love Our Loyal Supporters …. They Are The Best!

 

2015 Community Service Award

Posted by Jim on January 12, 2016
Posted in: Jim Serba, mike serba, mike serba memorial golf tournament, Silver Creek Pre-school, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , .

This One’s For You

Mike Serba Golf Tourney Receives Community Service Award 

MikeSerbaGolf TournamentCommunityServiceAward2015On January 10th, 2016 The Mike Serba Memorial Golf Tournament received a Community Service Award presented by Yvan Baker, the Provincial MPP for Etobicoke Centre at his annual New Year’s Levee. It came as a complete surprise when I received notice by mail from Yvan Baker’s office. Quite frankly, I almost threw it out without opening the letter as I my first reaction was that this was just some Christmas season self promotion from a local politician.  Without any notice, Joe Polito took it upon himself to nominate our tourney for this recognition and a community-based selection committee made the final decisions.

Over the past nine years; with help from our wonderful supporters, we have been able to donate $250,000.00 to charities in aid of children. When the Tourney was first planned, it was never expected that we would have this continued success and especially unexpected was the fund raising success which has allowed us to make significant donations resulting in the doing of so much good. Our success is really a tribute to all of our wonderful supporters and this Community Service Award is absolutely shared with all of you.

MikeSerbaGolf TournamentCommunityServiceAward2015-2a

This One’s For All Of You Too!

 

Silver Creek – 40th Anniversary Gala

Posted by Jim on November 24, 2015
Posted in: Jim Serba, mike serba, mike serba memorial golf tournament, Silver Creek Pre-school. Tagged: , , , .

To All Of The Mike Serba Tournament Supporters

You Are All Shining Stars!

 

2015MikeSerbaMemorialGolfTournamentSilverCreekPre-School-40thAnniversaryGala

ShiningStar3 copyMost of our supporters are aware that for the past 7 years we have donated the proceeds of fundraising from the golf tournament to Silver Creek Pre-School in Etobicoke. On Saturday, November 7th; Silver Creek celebrated their 40th anniversary and I was proud to be invited and represent our tournament and all of our supporters. Back in 2014, I wrote about my son Mike’s affinity for children and our choice of charity in a blog titled “Why We Support Children’s Charities” and this was the reason from the very beginning that we made the decision to donate proceeds from our fundraising to a charity that was dedicated to the health and well-being of children in need. Initially the golf tournament came together so quickly and the effort to pull it off was such that we didn’t have time to plan where we would donate our proceeds. In early 2010 we were fortunate to be introduced to Silver Creek as we always had it in mind to find not just a worthy charity, but also one that ticked all of the boxes ….. and Silver Creek covers every possibility.

Silver Creek’s 40th anniversary gala was held at the Famous People’s Players Theatre on Evans Avenue in south Etobicoke. It was a fabulous experience. The meal and the show were wonderful. The spectacular show by the Famous Peoples Players is performed by a cast that have lived with and significantly overcome developmental challenges …….. precisely the essence and the being of Silver Creek. In addition, the cast not only perform the show, they serve the meals and look after the guests.

It was great to meet the friends, staff, family and students (both current & graduates) from Silver Creek. Unexpected to me, the Mike Serba Tournament was presented with a plaque in recognition for our contributions over the past 6 years. This plaque represents a recognition and tribute to all of The Tournament organizers, volunteers, donors, participants and supporters.

To All Of Our Supporters

You Are All Shining Stars!

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Thanks Giving – Giving Thanks

Posted by Jim on October 11, 2015
Posted in: mike serba. Tagged: .

Thanks Giving – Giving Thanks

More Proof That We Have The Best Supporters In The World

Logo9thAnnualHeader copy

Our 9th annual tournament is over and it was a tremendous success. We’re still in the process of the final wrapping up and because of all of our great support we are going to have our most successful year ever.

Prior to our tourney we had some remarkably great weather however just before the day of the event it was looking iffy and I was getting a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. Boy I’m really beginning to hate the weatherman. The fear was that people would not show because of the bad weather. The weather gods gave us somewhat of a break and we had a window from beginning of registration through to the end of the golf.

Being blessed with dedicated and hearty supporters just about everyone on our list showed up and participated in the tourney and that coupled with a great prize table compliments of our wonderful donors and sponsors, we will be able to make a record high donation to our charity of choice; Sivercreek Pre-School.

Already work is underway for our 10th anniversary tourney and we are working hard to make sure it is the best ever.

Looking forward to next year and seeing the greatest supporters in the world and having a wonderful. day.

Thanks Giving – Giving Thanks

Sometimes Things Happen That Just Make You Feel So Good!

Posted by Jim on May 2, 2015
Posted in: Jim Serba, mike serba, mike serba memorial golf tournament, Queensway Audi.

The Wonderful People That Support Us

And

The Benefits Of Being A Friend Of The Mike Serba Tourney  

We’ve been blessed to have a wonderful group of people who support The Mike Serba Memorial Golf Tournament. These great supporters include golfing participants, volunteers, people who donate prizes & gifts and our sponsors.

Audi Queensway EtobicokeA few years ago; just a few weeks prior to our tournament date, we found out that we had lost our sponsor for a hole-in-one car prize. The news was a real blow. This prize has always been an important part of the overall experience of the event and there wasn’t much time left to make other arrangements. As it happened, I was picking up some prizes from a good friend of mine; Mathew Yustin, the Director of Golf at Lambton Golf and Country Club and mentioned our plight to him. Matt said he would introduce me to a super and generous person who was at that time the principle owner of Queensway Audi  ……. David Green. Queensway Audi stepped into the breach and provided an Audi A8 as a prize and they have continued to support us every year since that time by supplying a hole-in-one car prize.

I remember my first visit to Queensway Audi to meet Dave Green’s daughter Karen to thank her for their support and for stepping up with their help at the last minute. It didn’t take but a few seconds to understand what this place was all about. Just the way I was greeted at reception and observing a salesperson interact with a lady that had recently purchased a car was all that was needed to confirm the quality of this place and witness a culture dedicated to a high level of customer service. While the Green family has sold the business, their support and our connection to Queensway Audi continues.

I have always encouraged “friends” of our tournament to visit our Sponsors page and make use of the services that our sponsors provide. In part it’s to support our sponsors for their generosity; but it’s also because I know that these are quality people who do a really great job; especially for “friends” of the tournament.

mike-serba-memorial-golf-tournamen-queensway-audi-1Just last week, Mike Sheridan called me about a friend of the tournament who’s soon to be son-in-law was interested in purchasing an Audi. I called Dugald (Doug) Ramsey General Manager for the past 30 years at Queensway and an appointment was made for Artur and the soon to be son-in-law Rafael to meet with Phil Steadman the New Car Sales Manager. (By the way, I found out afterwards that Phil is married to the lovely and charming Karen Green.)

To make a long story short, Mike Sheridan called just shortly after the visit by Artur and Rafael. Rafael bought an Audi A4 that day. Mike told me that Artur just had to call him and couldn’t say enough about their great experience at Queensway Audi.

Sometimes Things Happen That Just Make You Feel So Good!

I’m Beginning To Hate The Weatherman

Posted by Jim on September 27, 2014
Posted in: Jim Serba, mike serba, mike serba memorial golf tournament. Tagged: , .

I’m Beginning To Hate The Weatherman

Weatherman3 copy

Last year for our 2013 Tourney we suffered a disaster when the tournament was rained out.  Hmm! …. I wonder …. it was the 7th annual event which should have been lucky …… but it was held in 2013  …….. Hmm! Anyway, the year was salvaged because of the wonderful people who support our event and our cause. I wrote about it in a previous blog that was subtitled “Proof That We Have The Best People In The World Supporting The Mike Serba Memorial Golf Tournament  ….. No Doubt About It!”. You can read that blog by clicking on the link.

In that blog I talked about how those of us that organize the tourney have developed the habit of checking out our weather apps for the long range predictions  starting two weeks out from the event. Last year, early on, the weather apps were showing good weather for the day of the event but later on it was showing there might be rain. A few days before the tourney it was calling for rain  but was showing the rain would clear out the morning of the our tournament. Even at 8:00 AM on the day of the tourney the weatherman was calling for the rain to end in the morning. Well it sure as hell didn’t!  …. in fact it went on until 6 PM.

rain-cloud2This year, being an incurable creature of habit…… guess what?  ……. two weeks before the tourney I began looking at the long range weather predictions. To make a long story short a few days before and right up until the day of the tournament the damn apps were displaying a despicable little icon showing a dark cloud with lines going through it and little dots underneath to depict rain. It bothered my sleep and Isunshine had nightmares about that rotten rain icon. You start to become obsessed and find yourself constantly checking the weather app on your phone to see if anything has changed.  Well turns out the we experienced one of the best days within the last week or so and we had a wonderful day and a spectacular event.

I’m going to do my best to avoid checking out the weather predictions prior to next year’s tourney but I probably won’t be able to resist. So, once again, we’ll experience obsessive behavior, nightmares and loss of sleep ….. crap!