squirt player who gets hunted...

Question
Hi, my son is a squirt player. He is very small but fast, with good vision and good stickhandling. In a recent game we played a team that we beat badly in the previous meeting. This time the team was out for him. He had 3 guys on him all the time. He was hooked, tripped, interfered, etc. Of course the refs call very little (people tell me it is because he doesn't fall). At one point he got a horrible boddy check and flew in the air, slid about 15 feet and crashed into the boards. We thought he would come out on a stretcher and the other team clapped and banged their sticks like their kid was a hero.

What would you suggest how to handle this
What poor sportsmanship!  I asked the coach why didn't  he stop the game and talk to the refs and other team. He said (which is true) that if you argue with the refs, or even ask a question they often throw you out and suspend you for weeks. I know this is true as the simpliest question to the ref c

Answer
Hi Donna...  
I really feel your concerns...   I've been there before...  did my part to put a small dent and changed what I could ... at least for the time and space I was in.

Hockey can be and is evolving ever more to be a pure and extremely fun, most enjoyable sport.  It is unfortunate there are still a few "dinosaurs" around still promoting/endorsing/closing a blind eye this kind of behavior...  Even the NHL Managers just yesterday announced intentions for rule changes to take the GOONS out of their game.   To me it starts with our kids...  their parents and coaches.

I can only encourage you to keep speaking up.   Talk with other parents who support you and keep bringing it up with your coaches, officials, league administrators and even USA Hockey if you have to.  Call them, email them, send them certified letters.  Get their attention.  SHOW THEM YOU CARE!

This is a TIME FOR CHANGE.   It's not just hockey - it's societal.   We must become bright MIRRORS to the behaviors that no longer serve the new emerging paradigm.

I bid you strength and courage Donna to forge ahead.   Do not quit.  Your light of love for your son, the game of hockey and our world WILL make a difference.   IT IS TIME FOR CHANGE - and we are the one's we are waiting for.

Speak your PEACE.   

God speed,

With Abundant Light,

Martial