Uncertainty, mixed with pride, are all part of being parents of a Western Hockey League player. The major-junior route is chosen because it’s the fastest track to pro hockey. But very few will make it.
The Victoria Royals hosted its annual parents day Saturday with moms and dads visiting from all over North America. The easy-going group was the very antithesis of the stereotypical image of a hockey parent.
“You have to let your kid find his own way,” said Barcley Fisher of Red Deer, father of Royals forward Logan Fisher.
“If you get too involved [as a hockey parent], it backfires on you.”
Carrie Brown of Winnipeg is the mother of Royals defenceman and fifth-round Chicago Blackhawks draft pick Travis Brown.
“We support Travis’s dream,” she said.
“But you never know what’s going to happen. We believe Travis is prepared if hockey doesn’t work out because he has such an incredible work ethic in whatever he does.”
The hard reality of hockey at this level was brought home to the family when Brown was traded to Victoria recently after three seasons with Moose Jaw.
“It helps that he has been so well received here,” Carrie Brown said.
Linda Nelson from Minnesota, is the mother of Royals forward and Buffalo Sabres prospect Logan Nelson.
“It was hard to give up [U.S. collegiate] NCAA eligibility, especially in Minnesota, but [it] was Logan’s choice and there are no regrets,” said Linda, who expressed satisfaction over her son’s Victoria experience.
