This week's Stupidity Spotlight is shining brightly on ... Guelph, Ontario!
Every once in a while something happens that makes me want to throttle one of these wacko coaches or parents who think minor hockey should be something more than kids enjoying themselves on the ice.
Minor hockey is not about you.
It's not about molding little Bobby into the next Crosby; it's not about potential fame and fortune.
Hey, you so-called "grownups" — 99.9 per cent of the kids playing hockey today have absolutely no chance whatsoever of making a living playing the game. That is a fact.
And your kid or the hotshot you're coaching is not one of the 0.1 per cent. I guarantee it.
On that note, here's what happened in the Guelph rink that obviously was declared a "brain-free zone" on the weekend.
Two coaches and six players were suspended from a tournament following an on-ice brawl that is being investigated by police. Three players from each team, plus the coaches of the Niagara Falls Thunder and Duffield Devils, were given the boot.
The teams were made up of ... wait for it ... eight-year-olds.
Eight-year-olds!
What kind of warped message are we sending to these impressionable youngsters if their coaches — usually parents of kids on the team — are getting involved in brawls during games?
And how can these same coaches or parents discipline their players or children afterwards?
Imagine this exchange:
"Son, it's wrong to beat up another player. I'm taking away your video games for a month."
"But, Daddy, what did I do wrong? You beat up the other team's coach."
Coaches, teach your players the skills of the game. Show them hard work can be fun. Tell them it's not all about the wins.
Parents, keep your derogatory comments to yourself. The kids certainly don't need to hear that you think the referee is incompetent or that eight-year-old defenseman can't skate.
And, most importantly, remember why your son or daughter is on the ice in the first place.
Times like this should be treasured memories, not the stuff of nightmares.