My name is Geremy Miller. I always loved hockey, but to me it was just a game, something I enjoyed, not something that defined me. Somehow, over the years, it became my kids’ passion. And as a parent, I’ve committed myself to supporting them in their endeavors, no matter what path they choose.
Like many parents, I almost fell down the dark rabbit hole of frustration: getting caught up in politics, feeling let down by associations, and questioning whether the system was truly serving the children it claimed to support. But I was lucky. Along the way, I discovered Avalanche Kidz, a program that shows what hockey can be when it’s truly inclusive, supportive, and fun. I also watched my oldest thrive through Avalanche Elite, where disciplined, high-level training is matched with a focus on growth and development in and off the ice.Those two experiences reminded me that the game can still be about opportunity, community, and joy…if we choose to build it that way.
It was these experiences that led me to start writing my thoughts this year. Part of it has been cathartic, a way to deal with the frustrations I saw every night at the arena. Part of it has been an attempt to understand and find meaning in the many hours I spend at the rink. And somehow, if a parent reads something I’ve written and it helps them navigate their own frustrations, then the words have served a greater purpose.
Over the years, I’ve worn many hats: hockey dad, volunteer coach, manager, fundraiser, and advocate. I’ve seen the joy in a child’s face when they step onto the ice for the first time, the heartbreak of not making a team, the discipline that comes from early-morning practices, and the pride that comes from seeing hard work pay off. I’ve also seen the challenges, confusion about placement and levels, communication breakdowns, financial barriers, and the toll it can take on families.
These articles are my attempt to make sense of it all. They are reflections and lessons learned from the inside: about why levels exist, how success should be measured, what fairness really means, and why the simple question” Do you love playing hockey?” is perhaps the most important one we can ask our children.
I write because I believe hockey must be about more than just ice time. It should be about community, belonging, and ensuring every child has the chance to grow through the game. Programs like Avalanche Kidz show what’s possible when barriers are removed and children with special needs or families facing challenges are welcomed onto the ice. And within local associations, where leaders strive to create structure and fairness, there’s an opportunity to build a culture that truly serves the players. My hope is to see hockey open its doors wider.
At its best, minor hockey instills resilience, effort, discipline, and a genuine love for the game. At its worst, it can harm children, leaving them pressured, excluded, or placed on teams for reasons that have nothing to do with merit. By sharing these reflections, I hope parents, players, and organizations will think more deeply about the kind of hockey community we are shaping together.
Because long after the last whistle blows, what endures are not the wins or losses, but the feelings, the friendships, and the values learned along the way.
Author: Geremy Miller