Swimming with Success: The Tale of the Hockey Goldfish

In the dynamic world of coaching, inspiration can emerge from the most unexpected sources. Enter Ted Lasso, the charismatic coach whose unconventional wisdom transcends soccer and finds its way onto the ice rink.

A few years ago, I found myself leading one of the most memorable and dynamic teams I've ever coached. With solid players, supportive parents, and a united coaching staff, we embarked on what would become one of the most enjoyable seasons of my career. As tryouts approached, I enlisted my hockey buddies to assist with evaluations, emphasizing work ethic, heart, and character. Amidst the chaos, one evaluator jokingly suggested adding more focus on skill assessment. But for me, success has always been about nurturing determination over raw talent.

As a coach, I've always valued motivational moments, and Ted Lasso's unique coaching style left a lasting impression. Among the myriad of lessons, the tale of the goldfish stood out.

In a pivotal scene from Ted Lasso, helps Sam as he grapples with confidence after blunders on the field. Coach Lasso's unexpected question—"Do you know the happiest animal?"—shifts the narrative. The goldfish, with its 10 second memory, teaches the power of resetting amidst adversity. In hockey, mistakes are inevitable, but swift recovery is crucial.

Inspired by Coach Lasso's wisdom, I shared the goldfish story with my U15A girls hockey team. Like a ripple in a pond, the analogy spread, becoming our rallying cry. Goldfish adorned our sticks and helmets, reminding us to embrace the moment, reset, and forge ahead.

As the season advanced, our team's resilience grew. Fueled by the spirit of the goldfish, we embraced challenges, transforming setbacks into opportunities for growth. With strong showings in the Silver Stick Tournament and OWHA Championship, we capped off our success by winning the prestigious Brampton Canadettes Annual Easter Tournament—the world's largest and longest-running female tournament, proving that everyone needs a goldfish by their side.

In the game of hockey, memories may fade, but the lessons learned endure – just like our beloved goldfish. So, next time you hit the ice, remember the tale of the hockey goldfish and the power of resilience.