COACHES CORNER

February 28, 2008

A TRIBUTE TO JEFF HENDRICKS

This edition of coaches corner is dedicated to the memories and friendships of the people who touched our lives in the hockey world, Jeff Hendricks was one of those special friends in mine.

The game of hockey brings a lot of people together and offers us memories along the way that can last us a lifetime. My first year of junior was 1979 where I first met Jeff Hendricks in Drumheller Alberta. From that day until the day he passed in February of 2006, we shared the greatest of memories on and off the ice. Jeff had a passion for the game that was second to none as a player, coach, parent, and even as a fan. There is something that brings you closer together with someone once you have gone to battle for each other in any team sport. At that point you share a bond that lasts a lifetime.

For those of you who have been in that environment, you can relate to this on a lot of different levels. I often bring this to the attention of the players that I have either coached or have come into contact with in the sport of hockey. There are so many values you get from the game and also from the people you meet along the way.

As you get older -in all walks of life- you come to realize that time does not stand still. There are a lot of things you can do in life as you move along, but a junior career only lasts until you are 21 and you cannot relive, or redo anything to change that timeline. Take the time to really appreciate the friends you are with and all the great memories you are creating. You think at that age it is never going to end and you will be close to these guys forever! The reality is you move on in life and those memories become just that, memories.

It has often been said that it's not the games and practices you miss the most with your team-mates but it's that 30 min in the dressing room before and after each game or practice where a lot of great laughter was shared. This is what you'll never forget.

There's always one guy that adds life to your team and Jeff Hendricks was that player in ours.

You had to be on your toes all the time with Jeff around in practice, games or anywhere that set yourself up for that practical prank. Jeff was the ultimate team guy who never left anyone out when it came to doing team things. On the ice he was there at your side when you went to battle no matter what. Jeff often reminded me that you are not going to like every one on your team always, but you must give them the same respect just the same.

As you go thru the years in the game as a player, coach, or whatever capacity it may be, try to take the time to appreciate each and everyone's offerings.

I look around me today -my 5th year in the KIJHL- and I know that I have come in touch with a lot of great people, not only on a professional level, but true friendships that never would have taken place otherwise.

When you lose someone that had that impact on me and so many others -like Jeff Hendricks did-, you step back and put a lot of the game of hockey in perspective and you realize what really matters.

There are life lessons to be learned that far override the actual playing of the game of hockey. You need to take the time to see them for what they truly are. I hope that you have the chance to experience and appreciate the friendships you will gain like I did with Jeff Hendricks.

Jeff, you are thought of every day and it is my memories of our time in the game together that focus on the importance of FRIENDSHIP that I will be sure to pass on to others.

Today,      Tomorrow,      Forever,                             Jeff Hendricks # 5

Truly, Brad Fox

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