When most people think of the lockout, they’re thinking mostly about the owners and the players. The players spend their time honing their skills overseas, while the owners bathe in money, or whatever it is they do. But seldom do people consider the coaches. Honestly, what is a coach supposed to do during a lockout? Go to an arcade to critique someone’s bubble hockey skills? Maybe develop new air hockey techniques?
Boston Bruins Head Coach Claude Julien decided to take a slightly different approach to the lockout. He sold his services to the highest bidder. No, it wasn’t to an NHL or KHL squad. Julien decided his coaching talents would be better served with youth hockey. The team decided to host a raffle in which youth hockey clubs could potentially host Julien behind the bench, with all proceeds going to the Boston Bruins Foundation and Massachusetts Hockey. The winning squad will have Julien coach an October 28th game.
One of the things that I’ve long admired about the game of hockey is the generosity of its participants. This is not to say that other sports are devoid of charitable actions, but rather that hockey has truly embraced it as part of their culture. I’ve been lucky enough to meet many different athletes/coaches from many different sports, and I have to say that hockey produces an extraordinary amount of good, honorable people. It’s nice to know that Claude Julien can be added to that list, and that a group of youngsters in Massachusetts will get a true thrill.
Photo Credits: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images North America
