How many want to win and how many have the will to win
How many want to win and how many have the will to win? That is a question I put to my senior classes at PDHS as well as our Winter Hawk players at different moments throughout this season. It’s a question that helps us understand really what it is going to take for everyone in our organization to put forth a winning environment which breeds success and sustains that same success over time.
We all want to win at something; whether that be at our jobs or in sports or with our families raising and encouraging our kids to do and be the best they can at their chosen fields. With us in the Winter Hawk organization its about wanting to be a winning program. However, what does that mean? Is success just merely measured on wins versus losses or does it encompass all other aspects that go into a winning organization? IE., player development, team development, scholarships, OHL graduation, personal and team accomplishments, coaching, medical personnel, team support staff (equipment, tickets, game day staff, media, etc), management and ownership.
Obviously it’s the latter. Everyone working within our organization contributes to the success of our program! No one any less or more than another. However, they must possess the ‘Will’ to win! That ‘will’ is defined by the ability players and staff alike have to sacrifice, commit and pay the price to achieve a high standard of performance. Basically, how much do you want it and how hard are you willing to work for it!
In the case of our players, its about their ability to mentally and physically ‘buy in’ and commit to the rigors of training and competing at all times during on and off ice practice, games and the lead up to those activities. Its having the mental aptitude to be able to ‘pay the price’ and overcome your fears when needed. Its having the ability to fully trust the system and your teammates. Its really all about RESPECT and TRUST.
Our boys have this in them. It doesn’t always show throughout the full 51 game season but its there. Heading into our last 6 games of the season and preparing for play-offs it has to be present. I am confident the ‘will to win’ is with this special group of young men!
You know the old saying, “it takes a community to raise a child.” Well for us it takes a complete organization to produce a winner! It’s about the “Will!”
Pete Crosby
