Handshake after the game

hockeygymnast · Post by **hockeygymnast** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 12:29 am

Just curious as to how many people really like this tradition. Personally, I don't like it; especially in the following circumstances: games like the EP - Kennedy blow out; chippy games; hard fought OT games. I would rather have the players shake hands before the games. After a game if a few players want to congratulate an opponent, that's fine. I know it would be highly politically incorrect to get rid of the obligatory post game handshake. What do players think?

tnt99 · Post by **tnt99** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 6:18 am

I agree. More than half I see just slap it anyway. I saw the way an E/P girls shook hands the other night. It looked like she thought she was going to get germs the way she did it. I hope she does it better at St. Cloud next year.

SEhockeyDAD · Post by **SEhockeyDAD** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 8:40 am

I know you asked what the players think, but I think that some adult perspective is important in this issue. The handshake tradition should absolutely never be eliminated. There is much more to the hockey experience than the play and the scoreboard. One of the most important elements is the development of sportsmanship/character. No matter what happened during the game, its important that the players show their thanks and respect for each other and the game itself. They're quite privileged to play the best game in the world and the handshake should be a reminder of that, and that their opponents make it possible to share that privilege. If the players are unaware of the importance of the tradition (and even demonstrate poor sportsmanship during this show of sportsmanship!), then its on the coaches and parents. I've just put in on my list to talk with my daughters and remind them of the importance of a great tradition.

hockeyhead · Post by **hockeyhead** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 8:48 am

Totally agree! I think this hurt programs like Junior Gold. They started shaking hands before the game to get rid of unsportsmen like behavior. It's almost like avoiding the issue and letting those who are bad sports win! From my experience girls are not like boys! They battle hard and leave the game on the ice! Hockeyhead

greybeard58 · Post by **greybeard58** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 10:33 am

It is a hand slap after the game with a few descriptive adjitives thrown in.Internation hochey has a traditional handshake with an exchange of gifts before the game, this would be to much, the NHL does not shake hands until the end of a series during the play offs. H.S. basketball at the state tournament does it during the intro's and again after the game. The amount of problems in the Jr. Gold program have dwindeled since starting the before game handshake. To show good sportmanship you also have to have respect for the game and your opponent which seems to be dissappearing from the game and from society also.

PAMESH · Post by **PAMESH** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 12:07 pm

I believe before the game is what they do in Canada.

Eddie Shore · Post by **Eddie Shore** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 2:01 pm

If it is a handslap after the game and not a sincere handshake, that is a coaching issue. Unfortunately, I have seen and coached against other coaches who treat the post-game handshake as if they were a five year-old who just had his lollipop taken away. And hoe do you think their players act (and react)? <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/mad.gif ALT=">:"> If you get your butt handed to you, suck it and offer congrats to the other team on being more talented on that particular evening.

harvey · Post by **harvey** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 1:21 pm

dont go there! why punnish everyone for a few bad apples. Jr. Gold has it before games and it sucks!! as a coach I like the opportunity to congradulate the players and oposing coaches after games; win or lose! If my players couldnt handle this; they would never step on the ice. most people in the metro legue are against the before game handshake; and are trying to get it changed.

Suckerpunch · Post by **Suckerpunch** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 2:02 pm

The hand shake after the game is to teach the players and coaches that after all is done we are expected to act as ladies and gentleman and leave the game with respect for all. To move it to the beginning is only another scape goat tactic by those in charge of teaching these lesson to not have to be responcible mentors to the players. As for the coaches, if they can't show respect for their apponents then they should look for a new hobby." Nuf said"

blankpaper1234 · Post by **blankpaper1234** » Sat Jan 14, 2006 8:40 pm

i dont really have a preferance of where the handshake should be, at the end seems to be the best to me because games get hard and intense and people need to learn to drop it. My bigggest petpeeve though is when the other girls dont take their glove off. Its very unsportsman liek when they don't. It's like suck it up and have some respect for your opponents. I think it shows low class when they dont. in our program since i was younger i was always taught to take my glove off and shake their hand.

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