Generation gap among hockey fans raises concerns for future

Having new, compelling hockey memories to share would help, Steve Beisswanger says.

The Montreal Canadiens full training camp starts Thursday. For many diehard fans, it is the prelude to an incredibly exciting time of the year. For others, it is a stark reminder that summer is over, the leaves will soon be changing colour and the freezing weather is coming.

This dichotomy makes one think about the significance of hockey in Canada today. As a parent who spends a lot of time in arenas, I often ask myself whether my children will have the same deep attachment to the game when they get to be my age.

There are many hard-core followers for whom hockey is a dominant part of their existence. For numerous teenagers, boys and girls, whose passion for the game fuels their yearlong commitment to on- and off-ice training in the hope of being drafted or getting a scholarship, the game is an integral part of their life. For passionate 50-year-old beerleaguers, hockey allows them to stay connected to the dreams of their youth.

But in general, our younger generation is less enamoured of the game. There are two reasons, I believe, that explain this generational differentiation of interest.

First, kids’ activities today are very regimented. Unrestricted play is practically absent from their daily routines.

It seems there is always a purpose, an objective; a competitive setting that surrounds every endeavour. Unfortunately, for many children, playing hockey is almost like a job.

In contrast, while many of us grew up playing competitive hockey, we also had unstructured outlets that allowed us to play the game freely — in most cases, outdoors, without any adult supervision.

We grew up appreciating the essence of hockey. It taught us lessons about camaraderie and friendship as well as the importance of such values as hard work, commitment and loyalty.

We embodied Roch Carrier’s words from his famous short story The Hockey Sweater and experienced hockey as a metaphor of our lives.

Second, our younger generation has not witnessed compelling hockey events like the dramatic ending to the 1972 Summit Series or the regular Stanley Cup victories in Montreal. Events like these create unforgettable memories and, as a result, a tighter bond with the sport.

A case in point is the recent 44th anniversary celebrations of the 1972 Summit Series. Hearing Yvan Cournoyer, Phil Esposito, Paul Henderson and other players describe the context of the series allowed us to relive the drama of this historic event.

It made us nostalgic and reminded us of how mere hockey games became significant markers of our national memory.

While younger fans may have recently seen Canada win gold medals in hockey at the Olympics and in various world championships, there are many other preoccupations that compete for their attention outside of hockey. This is a reality created by our fast-paced, digitally saturated world.

Hockey will always be an element of our identity as Canadians. However, there is a risk that diminishing passion for the game, especially on the part of our younger generation, will have an impact on its long-term future.

Our national sport will remain relevant only if it offers a rewarding, exciting and valued experience to the different generations who together watch, play and share the game.

As parents, we must ensure that our children enjoy the sport for what it is, a game. Hockey cannot be viewed only as a means to an end. Not everyone has the desire or the skill to play in the NHL or for our national team.

We also need new, compelling and powerful hockey memories to share.

As our beloved Habs jump on the ice to prepare for the 2016-17 campaign, the team should know that a Stanley Cup parade down Ste-Catherine Street could go a long way in this regard.