New ideas sometimes look crazy, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are. Parents in and around Calgary minor hockey will need to go back to school before their sons or daughters can play minor hockey. Sounds a little drastic, doesn't it? Actually, I think  it is heading in the right direction.

After 15 seasons as an  NHL player, having had some of the best coaching in the world, I was asked to take my coaching level courses before I was allowed to coach our boys in minor hockey. Bad idea, some would say, but not me. Most parents don't mind doing things for the greater good. I understood that these coaching levels  would be good for our game in the long term,  so I didn't mind being part of that process.

My gut tells me that the same thing is true with this initiative. The parents that don't need to take the course, will. The parents that need to take the course also eventually will, albeit kicking and screaming.

Here's the most important point: The vast majority of parents my wife and I have met in minor hockey have been spectacular people as well as parents. That won't change. This initiative is a good start in the right direction... but don't expect it to change poor behavior overnight!