I'm Quitting
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what truly makes a difference in my work and, more importantly, in the lives of the athletes I coach. I’ve come to realize that some of the traditional methods in hockey training—like filling the ice with 30-40 skaters or running large camps for a few days and never seeing those athletes again—just don’t align with my vision. I’M QUITTING that approach, and here’s why …
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY!
When I have a mass amount of skaters on the ice at once, I know I’m not giving each athlete the attention and coaching they deserve. It’s impossible to correct everyone’s form, provide personalized feedback, or even see the subtle things that might be holding them back. Instead of growing, they’re lost in the crowd, and that doesn’t sit right with me.
Sure, I could fill my schedule with more camps, make more money, and keep the numbers rolling in. But what’s the point if I know deep down that I’m not offering my best, or that these athletes aren’t walking away with the most valuable tools to elevate their game?
NO MORE SHORT TERM FIX!
I've also grown tired of the “one-and-done” camp model. I’ll see a skater for a few days, maybe a week, and then they’re gone, often never to be seen again. There’s no continuity, no way to track progress, and no chance to build a meaningful relationship that fosters true development.
Without time to build trust, to truly understand each skater’s unique needs, and to see them grow and evolve, it feels like a disservice. I’m not interested in serving quick fixes or becoming a fleeting presence in a player’s journey. I want to be a real part of their growth, not just a brief stop along the way.
IT MEANS MORE TO ME THAN JUST MONEY!
I’ve thought long and hard about the financial side. Yes, focusing on smaller groups, or hosting fewer camps, will likely mean making less money. But here’s the thing: I don’t care. My goal has never been to become the coach who crams as many skaters as possible onto the ice to maximize profits.
I want to be the coach who makes a meaningful impact, who helps athletes reach their true potential, and who does it with integrity and passion. If that means turning down more lucrative opportunities, so be it. I’m okay with that.
THE SOLUTION!
Moving forward, I’m taking a different approach. Next summer, I’ll host one camp that incorporates skating & skills, designed with purpose and intention, to bring together those athletes who are ready to invest deeply in their development. This will be a camp where every skater gets the attention they deserve, where we focus on building real skills, and where everyone leaves better than they arrived.
Beyond that, I’ll be moving to an application-only model for any other sessions. I want to know that I’m working with athletes who are committed, who want to learn and grow, and who understand the value of focused, quality coaching. This way, I know I’m bringing my best, and they’re getting the best of me.
THIS MATTERS!
I’m passionate about what I do, and I believe in doing it right. I want to look back on my career knowing that I made a real difference, not just in the number of skaters I’ve coached, but in the quality of their experience and the growth they achieved.
So, yes, I’m quitting the big camps and large groups. I’m done with sacrificing quality for quantity. I’m choosing to focus on what truly matters: the athletes, their growth, and my commitment to delivering the best coaching experience possible.
If this resonates with you, if you’re looking for something more, then I invite you to join me next summer, or apply for one of the limited spots or join me now for private/semi-private lessons. Hope to see you on this ice!
KJ